By Pat Harty

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Long before he earned a scholarship with the Iowa men’s basketball team, Carter Kingsbury had earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and coaches.

That was obvious from the photos that were posted on the Iowa men’s basketball X account on Tuesday that show Carter Kingsbury being congratulated by his teammates in practice.

Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery announced Tuesday that Carter Kingsbury, a 6-foot-4 junior guard, had earned a scholarship for the 2024-25 season.

“Carter has earned this scholarship,” Fran McCaffery said. “He has been a valuable member of our program the past three seasons both on and off the court. He has done an exceptional job on our scout team and has performed well when called upon.”

Carter Kingsbury is the son of former Iowa guard Chris Kingsbury, who played for the Hawkeyes from 1993-96 and is considered one of the best 3-point shooters in Big Ten history.

Chris Kingsbury was sort of the men’s version of Caitlin Clark in that he also had the ability to make logo threes.

And now 30 years later, Chris Kingsbury is a proud and thankful father.

“I’m obviously proud of him, but even more, I’m so happy for him,” Chris Kingsbury said Wednesday via a text message. “He’s always worked hard and it’s nice as a parent to see that hard work pay off.”

Carter Kingsbury accepted Fran McCaffery’s offer to join his team as a preferred walk-on in 2021.

Carter had plenty to overcome in high school, including having shoulder surgery between his junior and senior year.

His senior year of high school, and the one year he spent in prep school, also came during the global pandemic.

“So, his path to get here wasn’t ideal,” Chris Kingsbury said. “But I know he wouldn’t trade any of it.”

Carter Kingsbury’s dream was to play college basketball, and to have the chance to follow in his father’s footsteps is something that he and his father will cherish forever.

Chris Kingsbury was one of the top-ranked high school recruits in the country as a senior in 1993. He left Iowa after his junior year to declare for the NBA draft.

And though he never played in the NBA, Chris Kingsbury will always be a favorite among Hawkeye fans because of his legendary shooting range and his fiery playing style.

Carter’s decision to be a Hawkeye helped Chris Kingsbury reconnect with his former college team.

Carter Kingsbury has appeared in 13 games as a Hawkeye.

However, his contributions to the team go far beyond the court as Fran McCaffery pointed out in his statement about Carter earning a scholarship.

Carter Kingsbury has earned Academic All-Big honors in each of the past two seasons.

“He’s always stayed faithful in trusting God’s plan, and I’m so thankful that Fran and his staff made his dream come true,” Chris Kingsbury said. ”