ADVERTISEMENT

Krikke to be a Hawk?

On Monday, Iowa men's basketball's first transfer-portal addition was made official when Valparaiso forward Ben Krikke announced his commitment per his Instagram account.

The 6-foot-9, 235-pound graduate transfer is expected immediately contribute to a Hawkeye frontcourt that's losing four players: Kris Murray (NBA Draft), Connor McCaffery and Filip Rebraca (graduation) and Josh Ogundele (transfer). He has one year of eligibility remaining.

This season, Krikke led the Missouri Valley Conference in scoring (19.4 points per game) and posted career highs in rebounds (5.9) and assists (2.1) per game. For his play, Krikke was a first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference selection. He's accumulated several all-conference awards during his Valparaiso career including All-MVC third team (2020-21, 2021-22) and MVC Most Improved Team (2020-21, 2022-2023).

 
See on 24/7 that Valpo big, Ben Krikke, will be coming to Iowa. Good addition on the offensive end. Now, Fran needs to get a big defender/rebounder. like Minor.

Agree 100%........this is pretty good start and I think Minor would be a great fit. Maybe the Swarm NIL is making the difference and I'm sure Fran has realized he needed to be more active in landing players in the portal.

We need to get better defensively for NCAA success.
 
When will he change up who he recruits. An unathletic tween center, is nothing to feel excited about, it's just more of the same.
Ah, who am I kidding. If fran actually got a rim protector he'd foul them out after 2 fouls. The leash would be too tight to play under.
I think Kareem has used up his eligibility and Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain are dead. Just who did you have in mind? If Fran can pull off getting Minor to also commit, it would have been hard to do much better in the portal. Krikke and Brauns are a very good start.
 
Last edited:
6'9", I remember when that was considered a big man. Now, he is more like a small forward. LOL However, I think he is a good addition and I am happy he chose the Hawks.
You see a lot of 6'9 centers in college ball these days. In fact, I'd say the overall trend at the position is towards shorter and quicker players at the position who are better at helping on perimeter screens.
 
6'9", I remember when that was considered a big man. Now, he is more like a small forward. LOL However, I think he is a good addition and I am happy he chose the Hawks.
Depends on the athleticism, strength, and attitude way more than the height. Krikke is more of a small ball center or 4 at 6-9 against high competition from what I see. On the other hand, Minor is 6-8, and I think he has what it takes to play defense and rebound against almost all centers. In the dance this year, both Miami and SDSU didn't have true "bigs", but their interior guys were plenty tough enough. The trick right now is for Fran to land Minor. Reggie Evans and big Ed Horton were 6-8ish, and they got the job done inside.
 
I think Kareem has used up his eligibility and Bill Russell and Walt Chamberlain are dead. Just who did you have in mind? If Fran can pull off getting Minor to also commit, it would have been hard to do much better in the portal. Krikke and Brauns are a very good start.
Who is Walt Chamberlain.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HoustonREDHawk
Yes, can't wait to see the new installment of Keegan and Kris hit the floor, super athletic, jumps through the roof, scores at will, rebounds like Reggie Evans, just the player that all of us have been hoping Fran would bring to Iowa from the portal.
So glad that Iowa has had such exceptional players to play for Iowa that allowed Fran to take advantage of their success. Well done Fran.....
Now, all we can hope for is Fran to allow Nimmers to lavish on the bench for another year as a walk-on cheerleader.
Only 4 months to go until Iowa go's on their European trip, should know be then who Fran favors to go to war with.
 
You see a lot of 6'9 centers in college ball these days. In fact, I'd say the overall trend at the position is towards shorter and quicker players at the position who are better at helping on perimeter screens.
Which does not describe Krikke.

Put those points up Hawks
 
Yes, can't wait to see the new installment of Keegan and Kris hit the floor, super athletic, jumps through the roof, scores at will, rebounds like Reggie Evans, just the player that all of us have been hoping Fran would bring to Iowa from the portal.
So glad that Iowa has had such exceptional players to play for Iowa that allowed Fran to take advantage of their success. Well done Fran.....
Now, all we can hope for is Fran to allow Nimmers to lavish on the bench for another year as a walk-on cheerleader.
Only 4 months to go until Iowa go's on their European trip, should know be then who Fran favors to go to war with.
Lavish Gracie?
 
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT