Iowa basketball lands commitment from 'explosive' wing Jaidyn Coon

The four-star prospect from Storm Lake is ranked 116th nationally and was named the 2026 Iowa Mr. Basketball winner.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the explosive movements and defensive intensity of a basketball player, with sharp, overlapping planes of black, gold, and white.Coon's versatile defensive skills and high-flying athleticism will be a valuable asset for the Hawkeyes.Iowa City Today

Iowa men's basketball has landed a commitment from four-star wing Jaidyn Coon, a 6-foot-7 prospect from Storm Lake who was previously committed to Creighton. Coon, the 2026 Iowa Mr. Basketball winner, is known for his athleticism, defensive versatility, and ability to score. He helped lead a turnaround at Storm Lake High School, where he is the all-time leading scorer.

Why it matters

Coon's commitment is a major addition for the Hawkeyes, who have now landed Iowa Mr. Basketball winners in consecutive years. His athleticism, defensive skills, and scoring ability make him a valuable prospect who can contribute at both ends of the floor. The Hawkeyes are continuing to build a strong 2026 recruiting class.

The details

Coon originally signed with Creighton but reopened his recruitment after longtime Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott announced his retirement. Iowa quickly landed the four-star prospect, who is ranked 116th nationally according to the 247Sports Composite. Coon averaged 22 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game during his senior season at Storm Lake High School. His head coach, Evan Franzmeier, describes Coon as "super athletic, explosive, quick, twitchy, jumpy" with the ability to "jump out of the gym" and defend at a high level. Coon's 3-point shooting is an area for improvement, but Franzmeier believes he's a better shooter than his percentages indicate due to the high volume of tough shots he had to take for Storm Lake.

  • Coon announced his commitment to Iowa on April 2, 2026.
  • Coon originally signed with Creighton but reopened his recruitment in late March 2026 after longtime Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott announced his retirement.

The players

Jaidyn Coon

A four-star wing prospect from Storm Lake, Iowa who was named the 2026 Iowa Mr. Basketball winner. Coon is known for his athleticism, defensive versatility, and scoring ability.

Ben McCollum

The head coach of the Iowa men's basketball team. McCollum and Coon share Storm Lake roots, as McCollum grew up in Storm Lake and attended Storm Lake St. Mary's.

Evan Franzmeier

The head coach of the Storm Lake High School basketball team, who praised Coon's athleticism, defensive skills, and character.

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What they’re saying

“Super athletic, explosive, quick, twitchy, jumpy. The guy can jump out of the gym. He's fierce on the defensive end, very active hands. A couple of the DI coaches that were recruiting him think he's the best defender in the country in his class. That was their words.”

— Evan Franzmeier, Storm Lake High School Head Coach

“He can guard a one through a four. So he can guard a guard or all the way up to like a power forward. So a lot of places like that because they can switch stuff. It makes it easier on the coaching staff in that aspect. But he's quick enough laterally to stay in front of a guard. He's long enough and strong enough to battle with a post inside. And I think the biggest and most underrated (part of his skillset) is just his motor.”

— Evan Franzmeier, Storm Lake High School Head Coach

What’s next

Coon will join the Iowa men's basketball program for the 2026-27 season, where he will look to make an immediate impact with his athleticism, defense, and scoring ability.

The takeaway

Jaidyn Coon's commitment to Iowa is a significant addition to the Hawkeyes' 2026 recruiting class. His versatility, athleticism, and defensive prowess make him a valuable prospect who can contribute at both ends of the floor. The Hawkeyes are continuing to build a strong foundation for the future with the addition of Coon and other top in-state talent.