Iowa Players On Out of State Grassroots Teams

This spring and summer, a number of Iowa players will be playing for Grassroots teams outside of the state. Including teams playing on a number of circuits, the Pro16, EYBL, Adidas 3SSB, and UAA. With Nebraska Supreme Pro16 is 2026 Cayden Clark (Ankeny Centennial), Team Herro is 6’8 2025 Nitish Sankaranthi (Waukee Northwest), KC Run GMC is 6’4 G Curtis Stinson Jr (Valley), D1 Minnesota is 6’8 2025 Jack McCaffery (IC West) and 2025 6’4 Kiki Deng (Valley), and MOKAN is 2026 6’6 Evan Jacobson (Waukee). These are each very talented players in the 2025 and 2026 classes worth tracking with great programs, some of whom have already picked up Division One offers.

Cayden Clark | 2026 | G | Ankeny Centennial | Nebraska Supreme 15u Pro16

I haven’t been able to watch Clark a ton yet but got a look at him playing in Omaha last weekend with Nebraska Supreme. His team will play some high-level competition this summer and should be very competitive. Clark is a quick, skilled guard that makes a difference on both ends of the floor. The young guard shoots it really well, can pass it, has good handles, and has the speed and quickness to blow by defenders. I’m excited to see more of his game at our PRO16 events throughout the summer.

Nitish Sankaranthi | 2025 | 6’8 | F | Waukee Northwest | Team Herro EYBL

Sankaranthi will play on the EYBL circuit with Team Herro this summer and played well in their first weekend. The stretch big man already holds an offer from South Dakota State and is full of potential. His offensive versatility fits the modern game very well. With Waukee Northwest this season he was more of a role player, but next season he should be set to take on much more responsibility. With lots of skill, touch, and solid jump shooting in addition to developing strength and athleticism with his Division One frame, Sankaranthi could take a huge step over the next year. Watching him play, his scoring pop, rebounding, rim protection, and some passing skills stand out.

Curtis Stinson Jr. | 2025 | 6’4 | G | Valley | KC Run GMC

This will be Stinson Jr.’s second spring and summer season playing with KC Run GMC. Following a terrific year, state championship, and All-State level performance, the 2025 Top 100 recruit looks poised to have a huge grassroots season. His recruitment includes an offer from Missouri, and I would expect to see that expand. Where Stinson Jr has always immediately stood out is defensively. His feel on that end of the floor is high level and he has the strength, size, and athleticism to stick with anyone on the perimeter. On the other hand, his decision making, pick and roll operating, shooting ability, and effective driving give him a ton of playmaking potential.

Jack McCaffery | 2025 | 6’8 | F | IC West | D1 Minnesota 3SSB

McCaffery is a Top 100 recruit according to both 247 and On3 and consistently high performer at both the Varsity and 3SSB level. A big man that can take on primary offensive responsibilities as a facilitator within the offense or scorer from any level, McCaffery has a rare skillset with his frame. Further, at 6’8 with very good instincts and timing as a shot blocker, McCaffery was one of the better shot blockers in Iowa this high school season.

Kiki Deng | 2025 | 6’4 | G | Valley | D1 Minnesota 3SSB

Deng will be teaming up with McCaffery for the second straight summer on D1 Minnesota on the Adidas 3SSB circuit. The potential for Deng is very high. He has length, positional size, shooting ability, and a creative skillset as a driver. His defense is also really impressive. Using great movement skills and quick hands, Deng pressures on the ball well and could keep developing into an elite stopper on that end of the floor.

Evan Jacobson | 2026 | 6’7 | F | @Evanjacobson12_ | Waukee | MOKAN

Jacobson will follow in his Waukee teammate Omaha Biliew’s footsteps and play forward with MOKAN during this grassroots season. While he got limited playing time with Waukee as a freshman due to a deep bench of very good upperclassmen, he was still able to work into minutes and did well when he got opportunities. Jacobson played up 15u last summer with Kingdom Hoops and stilled stood out as one of the better players on the squad. He’s exceptionally strong and skilled for a 6’6 underclassman. Able to play with his back to the basket, step out and hit jumpers, take defenders off the bounce, and use strong passing vision, he has a deep offensive arsenal. Defensively, he moves really well for his size and shows good effort and knowledge on the help side. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do  on a big stage this summer and a bigger role with Waukee next season.