University of Minnesota Athletics
Colton Iverson: Big Man on Campus
8/29/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Editor's Note: This is the second installment of a five-part series documenting the arrival of Tubby Smith's first recruiting class at the U of M.
By: Zach Eisendrath
Colton Iverson had no shortage of intriguing scholarship offers when it came down to selecting the right school to play Division I collegiate basketball.
The Yankton,
The 6-10, 240-pound center, who can also play power forward, was also heavily recruited by Nebraska and Creighton two programs who are by no means slouches on the D-I men's basketball scene.
It shouldn't be forgotten that practically the whole state of
In the end though, following discussions with
“On my visit I felt really comfortable on campus," said Iverson, who sent in his National Letter of Intent in November. "Coach Smith made everything seem right and I had a good vibe with them. Plus (
Following a monster senior season at Yankton High School - he finished his high school career with back-to-back stat lines of 35 points and 16 rebounds and 27 points and 20 boards - Iverson moved to campus in late June to take summer classes and to become accustomed to the U.'
Iverson, who is currently pursuing a sports management degree, took two summer term classes statistics and freshmen writing. He attended class Mondays through Thursdays, electing to lift weights and shoot around at Williams Arena whenever free time presented itself: before an afternoon class; during a lunch break following a morning session; or at night when the gym cleared following Tubby Smith Basketball Camp
During his short mid-summer tenure in
“It was a good experience," Iverson said of playing with his future teammates. "We got to learn a little bit about each other's games and styles. I think we built a chemistry from that."
Off the court, Iverson was also able to build relationships with his new teammates and fellow incoming freshmen.
When Iverson wasn't learning about what exactly "Dinkytown" is while grabbing a bite to eat with teammate Travis Busch (right now Burrito Loco and Mesa Pizza are his top food choices in the area), he was likely hanging out with fellow incoming freshmen, including a few Gopher football players, at or around the superblock dorms.
Iverson will room with teammate Devoe Joseph at Yudof this season but spent his first month and a half living on campus at the Centennial dorm while participating in the U's Summer Bridge Program, a program revolving around activities that allow incoming students to get to know each other and the campus better before the start of fall term.
While Iverson spent his summer on campus making new acquaintances, he also continued a fairly high profile connection with a new
Iverson was ranked the 19th best center prospect in the country by Scout.com, but oddly enough, won't be the former
That weight will be placed on the shoulders - and shooting stroke - of
Iverson grew up idolizing Miller, watching every possible Florida Gator game accessible in S.D. Yet here and now the two have established a relationship.
Through an AAU basketball connection with Miller's cousin, Iverson started a bond with Miller and has been in contact with him. It's a safe bet that Iverson will at least attempt to find time to see Miller live at Target Center at least once this season, homework permitting.
“I idolized him,' Iverson said.
Expecting Big Things
Iverson has spent the past three weeks in Yankton catching up with family and friends but is looking forward to returning to campus this weekend and getting to work in the classroom and on the court.
With the departures of big men Spencer Tollackson and Dan Coleman, Iverson will be thrown into the fire as a true freshman - something he appears to relish, not fear.
“It should be fun,' said Iverson on what awaits him in year one in maroon and gold.
