No. 23 On December 14, Iowa’s men’s basketball team decisively defeated Western Michigan 91–51 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes’ overwhelming victory increased their record to 9-2 overall and demonstrated their developing rhythm on both ends of the court, but the afternoon also had recruiting implications. One of Iowa’s most intriguing future targets, 2028 four-star forward Cole Kelly, was seated courtside during the dominant performance.
It was easy to understand why the coaching staff was happy to have Kelly, a 6-foot-7, 185-pound small forward from Naperville, Illinois, in the building when he traveled to Iowa City to watch the Hawkeyes destroy the Broncos. Iowa’s sharp execution and unrelenting defensive pressure, along with the atmosphere inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena, provided a powerful glimpse of the program’s identity, which it hopes resonates with the rising sophomore standout.
Kelly, who is currently a standout player at Neuqua Valley High School, has rapidly become one of the 2028 class’s most productive and talked-about players. Recruiting agencies are already paying attention. Rivals ranks Kelly as the No. 44 overall prospect nationally, the No. 12 small forward in the country, and the No. 2 player in the state of Illinois. He is ranked even higher by 247Sports at No. 38 overall, No. 15 at his position, and second in the state once more. Kelly is ranked as the 14th best prospect overall in the 2028 class by PrepHoops.
Projections are not the only basis for those rankings. Even by the standards of elite prospects, Kelly’s on-court output has been astounding. He has been outstanding throughout the first part of his sophomore campaign, averaging 31 points per game in his last four games. That run came after an even hotter three-game run in which Kelly averaged 37 points per game, culminating in an incredible 43-point performance on December 12 that attracted attention from people far beyond Illinois.
Kelly’s ability to score at that level as a sophomore is a testament to his confidence and adaptability as well as his innate talent. He has demonstrated the ability to attack opponents off the bounce, finish through contact with his size, and score from all three levels. He is a long-term priority for programs looking ahead because many evaluators think his ceiling will only rise as his frame continues to fill out.
Iowa is already very much in the running. On October 18, the Hawkeyes showed early faith in Kelly’s abilities by offering him a scholarship. However, they are not the only ones who see his talent. Additionally, Kelly has received offers from DePaul, Drake, Missouri, and Big Ten rivals Illinois and Nebraska. As his sophomore year progresses, more schools are anticipated to show interest.
Visits like this are important, even though Kelly’s recruitment is still in its early phases. He got a firsthand look at how the Hawkeyes want to play by watching Iowa defeat Western Michigan with balanced scoring, deft ball movement, and steady defensive effort. Observing a cohesive team can make a lasting impression on a young prospect who values fit as much as flash. The timing couldn’t have been more ideal for Iowa. The Hawkeyes put on one of their most comprehensive performances of the season in response to a recent emotional loss. The program’s culture and expectations are reflected in that type of response, which coaches hope recruits notice just as much as points on the scoreboard.
Kelly isn’t in a rush to make decisions yet, and that’s intentional. However, his recruitment is anticipated to pick up speed as his output continues and his profile expands across the country. As of right now, Iowa has done what it can: make an early offer, establish a rapport, and present itself in the best possible light on game day. The Hawkeyes gave Kelly plenty to consider as he continues to rise toward becoming one of the most sought-after players in the 2028 class, if Saturday’s performance was any indication.
