Signing thoughts
Devon Archie’s signed letter of intent has reached Iowa, allowing coach Todd Lickliter to comment on the second of the two players he has signed this spring.
Lickliter describes the 6-foot-9 forward from Vincennes University as “a high energy player.”
“He has the ability to defend inside and on the perimeter, and offensively he has the ability to finish inside. We’re very excited about his potential and upside as he continues to gain experience,” Lickliter said in a statement.
Archie averaged 6.8 points, 6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game last season as a sophomore at the Indiana junior college where he shot 54.5 percent from the field. He helped coach David Ragland’s team combine for a 50-15 record over the past two seasons.
The signing announcement comes one week after point guard Cully Payne of Schaumburg, Ill., signed with Iowa.
On Payne, Lickliter said, “Cully is a true point guard although he can play the two position as well. He is a very effective point guard and shoots the ball well. He’s a very competitive player who plays the game at a great pace.”
The 6-1 Payne missed the final 13 games of his senior season at Schaumburg because of a back injury, but averaged 21.6 points, 5.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 2.2 steals in the 16 games he played. He was unanimously named to the Mid-Suburban Conference all-conference team and was its West Division player of the year for the second straight year.
The pair join two players who signed in November to be part of Iowa’s 2009 recruiting class. Guard Eric May, a two-time all-state pick from Dubuque Wahlert, and center Brennan Cougill, named Iowa’s Mr. Basketball after leading Sioux City Heelan to the Iowa 3A state title, will also be part of the Hawkeyes’ recruiting class.
“We feel the four players who will join our program for next year are very solid,” Lickliter said. “With the additional players and our returning group, we are excited about the potential for this team.”
Iowa returns six players from last season’s 15-17 team and currently has three remaining open scholarships for the 2009-10 season. Hawkeye coaches continue to recruit.
