Nov. 8, 2006
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Iowa Men’s Basketball Coach Steve Alford announced Wednesday that three prep seniors have signed a national letter of intent to attend the University of Iowa and join the Hawkeye basketball program.
Those players include guard Dairese Gary from Concord HS in Elkhart, IN, forward Jake Kelly from Carmel HS in Carmel, IN and forward Jarryd Cole from Winnetonka HS in Kansas City, MO.
“The addition of Dairese, Jake and Jarryd improve our basketball program in a lot of areas,” said Alford. “Not only do they fit three different positions, but in their personalities as well. They have been involved in successful programs, they are hard workers and they are excited about joining our program.”
Gary (6-1, 205) has been in the starting line-up at Concord since his freshman season. As a junior, he averaged 22.3 points, four rebounds and two assists per game and was team captain. He has scored 896 career points heading into his final season after averaging 11 points a game as a sophomore.
Gary was a unanimous first team all-conference selection in the Northern Lakes Conference after earning honorable mention recognition as a sophomore. He was named to all-area and all-sectional teams and selected to the Indiana Junior All-Stars.
Gary helped a veteran Concord team post a 22-2 record his sophomore season, winning the sectional title. With a young team a year ago Concord posted an 11-10 record. In summer action, Gary has played with the Indiana Elite AAU team each of the past three summers.
“Dairese is a natural leader as a point guard and brings a number of intangibles to the program,” said Alford. He has had success on the court with his high school team and during the summer, playing with one of the top AAU programs in Indiana. He is a solid defensive player, he plays tough, has very good basketball skills and is a vocal leader.”
Cole (6-7, 240), a native of Gladstone, MO, averaged 19 points and 14 rebounds per game as a junior at Winnetonka HS and is regarded as a relentless rebounder. He attended Iowa’s Elite Camp this summer and had a solid summer with his Kansa City area AAU team.
“Jarryd is a great rebounder who is prepared both physically and mentally to play at this level,” noted Alford. “We have recruited Jarryd for a long time. He has the mental attitude and toughness to be an outstanding rebounder. He has the body to physically match up with players in the Big Ten. He can be a very good power forward in our conference.”
Kelly (6-5, 175) is considered to be an outstanding shooter. He averaged 11.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists as a prep junior. He made a solid impression at the Adidas Superstar Camp last spring and continued to shine throughout the summer.
Kelly helped his prep team post a 17-7 mark a year ago, shooting 51.2% from the field, 35% from three-point range and 81.8% from the free throw line. He was a first team all-conference selection and was named to the Indiana Junior All-Stars. He has earned pre-season all-state recognition heading into his senior season.
“Jake is an extremely hard worker who has developed his game as he has matured,” said Alford. “He has a bright future as he continues to grow. He has a long, athletic body and works hard to keep improving all phases of his game. His exceptional work ethic will be contagious with the rest of our guys.”
Iowa has just two seniors on its 2006-07 roster in guards Adam Haluska and Mike Henderson. Iowa plays its only pre-season exhibition game Friday against Buena Vista before opening the home season Monday, Nov. 13 vs. The Citadel.