With two weeks down in the Prime Time League, perhaps one of the most anticipated faces in recent Iowa men’s basketball history is finally scheduled to appear during the league’s trip to Waterloo.

Because junior-college transfer point guard Trey Dickerson arrived in Iowa City on June 27; he has missed the season thus far for coach Ron Nove. In the meantime, however, Nove’s squad has managed two victories early in the season and sits atop the standings as it welcomes its new guard.

Nove has gotten admirable contributions from Northern Iowa guard Deon Mitchell and forward Marvin Singleton, Kirkwood swingman Jordan Ashton, and surprise standout Christian Swartzentruber — formerly of Mid-Prairie High School — averaging 19.5 points per game.

Still, senior Hawkeye forward Aaron White has been the team’s best performer, averaging 20 points per game, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Nove has been impressed with what he’s seen from his star player so far, and he believes White could very much alleviate some of Iowa’s hurt after losing recent draftee Devyn Marble.

“He’s as good as we’ve got. His athletic ability is very good, and his knowledge of the game is as good as anyone I’ve been around,” Nove said. “I think he realizes this is his time. This is probably the slot that he’ll step into; something like Marble was with leadership of the team.”

The 6-9 forward has shown an ability to put the ball in the basket since he stepped foot on campus, but his progress as a leader and as a defender could make White one of the premier players in the Big Ten in his senior season.

“He’s playing harder on defense; he’s blocked quite a few shots,” Nove said. “I think he’s going to have a great season and is going to have a chance at the next level.”

It would be quite remarkable if the Hawkeyes could send players to the NBA in consecutive seasons after a bit of a lull in talent, and White has a real chance, particularly after garnering enough attention to receive an invitation to the Kevin Durant Skills Camp and the LeBron James Skills Camp.  

White’s season, both in Prime Time and for the Hawkeyes, will only look better after the addition of Dickerson, who was the top juco point guard, according to 247sports.

“He’ll be a good asset for Aaron,” Nove said. “Having a point guard that looks inside and looks for other people, I think he’s excited.”

The excitement is mutual between the new teammates — Dickerson singled White out as the player he’s most looking forward to playing with for the Hawkeyes.

“I’m looking forward to playing with everybody. It’ll be a real good jump to me playing against college players, and it’ll help me adjust quicker,” Dickerson said. “But I’m really looking forward to playing with Aaron White.”

The two should make an exciting tandem, especially in Prime Time. Dickerson’s quickness and eye for looking for his teammates, paired with White’s athleticism and instincts in transition, may create an exciting brand of basketball, especially on the fast break.

“[Aaron] is fired up to know that if he runs the court and gets down there, he’s going to have the opportunity to score a lot of points,” Nove said.

From the man who most recently coached Dickerson, former Williston State head coach Eric Peterson says transition offense is where the 6-1 guard will be most lethal.

“He really pushed tempo and put pressure on defenses by getting things going in transition,” Peterson said. “He can get in the lane at will or find an easy assist.”