Brandon Hutton will transfer from Iowa
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Brandon Hutton’s career as an Iowa basketball player has ended without him appearing in a game for the Hawkeyes.
Iowa coach Fran McCaffery issued a release on Wednesday saying that Hutton, a 6-foot-5, 212-pound small forward from Chicago, has asked for and been granted his release.
"Brandon is a terrific individual who remained positive and worked on his game all season long,” said McCaffery. “He is a versatile player, who is ultra-competitive, and we wish nothing but the best for Brandon moving forward. My staff and I will do whatever we can to help Brandon during this transition.”
Hutton, who was redshirted this past season, also issued a statement on Wednesday in which he thanked McCaffery for helping him grow as a basketball player.
Hutton has decided to transfer even though McCaffery has to replace at least four starters from last season’s team that finished 22-11 overall.
“I would like to thank coach McCaffery and staff for this past year,” Hutton said. “Even though I redshirted and did not play in games, my coaches and teammates helped me grow as a basketball player in practices. With that said, I feel like it is in my best interests to pursue an expanded role at another institution.
“I would like to thank my teammates for the friendship we developed and their support with this decision. And also a special thank you to the Hawkeye fans for making me feel welcome this past year.”
Hutton was among five freshmen on the Iowa team this past season. He and fellow Chicago native Isaiah Moss both were redshirted as true freshmen.
Hutton still has four seasons of eligibility remaining, but he would have to sit out next season if he transferred to another Division I school under NCAA transfer rules.
Hutton attended De La Salle High School in Chicago, earning second-team all-state accolades as a senior.
His decision gives McCaffery another scholarship to use for next season. Iowa already has signed four high school seniors to letters of intent, including four-star forward Tyler Cook from St. Louis.
The other players in Iowa’s 2016 class are 6-8 Dubuque Wahlert forward Cordell Pemsl, Spirit Lake forward Ryan Kriener and Linn-Mar guard Jordan Bohannon.
Iowa is also reportedly in the mix to land 2016 guard Christian Vital, who once was committed to UNLV. Vital recently announced on Twitter that Iowa is one of his top five schools.
Another scholarship could become available depending on what happens with Peter Jok. Iowa’s second leading scorer from this past season announced last week that he plans to explore the NBA draft process, but without signing an agent.
If Jok doesn’t return to Iowa, McCaffery would have to replace his entire starting lineup from this past season.