Jan. 9, 2013
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Editor’s Note: The following first appeared in the University of Iowa’s Hawk Talk Daily, an e-newsletter that offers a daily look at the Iowa Hawkeyes, delivered free each morning to thousands of fans of the Hawkeyes worldwide.
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Redshirt freshman Jarrod Uthoff says that his first semester as a member of the University of Iowa men’s basketball team went as anticipated.
“I feel like I’ve really settled in here, everything has gone as expected,” said Uthoff. “It has been great playing with my new teammates and my classes went well, too.”
Uthoff, who transferred to Iowa after a year at Wisconsin, is unable to play in games this season but can practice.
“Practices are going really well,” said Uthoff, a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. “I’m on the scout team with the other four guys right now, running the other team’s offense and defenses.”
Freshman guard Anthony Clemmons says Uthoff brings a lot of different options to the floor.
“He has length and can play a lot of different positions,” said Clemmons, Iowa’s point guard. “He causes a lot of matchup problems because he can play multiple positions. You have to respect his shooting and driving ability. He’ll be a good addition to our team when he can play in games next season.”
With the extra time in the gym this season, Uthoff said he has been getting in extra lifting and workout sessions to improve his game.
“My overall game has improved, but I’ve really been focusing and working a lot on my ball handling, and getting faster and quicker,” Uthoff said. “All of my teammates who play my position have helped in my growth as a player this season.”
Uthoff said sitting out games is difficult, but since he redshirted last year at Wisconsin, that prepared him for what to expect this season.
“I’ve done it for one year already so I know how to deal with it mentally,” said Uthoff.
Not being able to play in games, Uthoff is allowed to sit on the bench at UI home games. However, he is unable to travel with the team to road games due to NCAA rules.
“When the team is on the road, I usually watch the games with my family,” he said.
Uthoff says he is ecstatic about where Iowa basketball is today and where the program is headed.
“I’m really excited,” Uthoff said. “There is a lot of potential on this team. We have a great group of guys and everyone gets along. It’s a very exciting time for Iowa basketball.”
Uthoff says the energy level and buzz surrounding the home games, especially Iowa’s last home game against nationally-ranked Indiana, is phenomenal.
“The atmosphere at our last home game was exceptional, and that is becoming the norm now,” said Uthoff.
Uthoff said when next year does come, he is flexible and will play wherever the coaches see fit.
“Jarrod has great feel and instinct,” said McCaffery. “He’s a versatile player with an inside and outside game. I like his competitive drive. He’ll be a terrific addition to our roster next season.”
Uthoff’s teammates return to action Thursday night when they entertain No. 18 Michigan State — their third-straight contest against a ranked foe. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. (CT) on Mediacom Court inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.