Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | Fight For Iowa | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2018-19
By MATT WEITZEL
hawkeyesports.com
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Patrick McCaffery is fulfilling a dream come true.
McCaffery, a freshman on the University of Iowa men’s basketball team, has grown up around the Hawkeye basketball program since he was 10-years-old and is now wearing the Black and Gold.
“Since I’ve been here, I have always wanted to be in the same position as all the Hawkeye players,” said McCaffery. “I’ve been around the program for so long, now being one of the players is really cool. It’s pretty much been a seamless transition.”
McCaffery had a prolific prep career playing at Iowa City West High School. The 6-foot-9, 190-pound forward became the school’s all-time leading scorer, while helping led the Trojans to three state tournaments, including winning the 2017 4A state championship and finishing runners-up finish in 2018. The two-time team captain averaged a team-best 25.1 points, shooting 58 percent from the field and 45 percent from 3-point range, and 7.6 rebounds per game his senior campaign.
“I can do a little bit of everything,” McCaffery said. “I’m a versatile forward who can guard most positions. I can dribble, pass, and shoot.”
In addition to playing for his father, head coach Fran McCaffery, Patrick’s older brother Connor is a redshirt sophomore guard on the roster and his godfather, Billy Taylor, is an assistant coach. Patrick has always looked up to all three and is thankful to have his older brother as a teammate and role model.
“We have always been close,” Patrick said. “Knowing that I can always go to him and count on him is something that is important to me. If I ever have a question, he is the first person I go to. He’s always willing to help me out.”
Being around the game for most of his life with his parents and siblings, Patrick said the game has always come easy to him.
“It has always clicked for me whether I am watching film or playing,” Patrick said.
A three-year starter and all-state honoree, McCaffery is using his time this summer to work on getting stronger and the little things that can separate players from everybody else. Come this fall, Patrick is not interested in personal stats, but rather team success.
“I want to be able contribute any way for us to win games,” said Patrick. “I want to win as many games as possible. We have a winning tradition here at Iowa and it’s my hope to continue that.”
Season ticket renewals are currently underway through the Iowa Athletics Ticket Office. Requests for new season tickets can be accessed HERE.
