Drew Thelwell’s favorite sight on the basketball court isn’t scoring. A splash from long range or a ferocious slam dunk may light up the scoreboard, but not the Iowa fifth-year guard’s enthusiasm. Rather, Thelwell elicits emotion, whether it be a broad smile or shouts of triumph, from defense.
For the 22-year-old, defense isn’t just defined by an opponent not scoring, but the collective frustration of the opposition watching in vain as their plans go awry.
A player throwing their hands up in frustration. A coach shaking their head in disgust. A huddle filled with slumped shoulders and clenched teeth. All these are signals that Thelwell’s tactics are working, and he can’t help but grin at his accomplishments.
“I just love playing defense, honestly,” Thelwell told reporters after a career-high six-steal performance in a win over Indiana on Jan. 11. “Seeing the other team get so mad because they wanted that possession to be different. Just knowing that we’re running and their coach is pissed at them. It just feels great for me.”
Quick with it. 🔐@DrewThelwell finished with a career-high 6 steals in our win vs. Indiana 😮💨#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/xyufDpAoVc
— Iowa Men’s Basketball (@IowaHoops) January 12, 2025
Thelwell has only been with the Hawkeyes for nine months after transferring from Morehead State, but has already become the spearhead of Iowa’s defense and the target of fans’ praises.
“I can’t imagine a more seamless and better transition than his,” Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery said.
Hailing from Orlando, Florida, Thelwell spent four seasons in the Ohio Valley Conference with the Golden Eagles, becoming the winningest player in program history after collecting 94 victories, two conference regular season titles, and two NCAA tournament berths.
McCaffery cited this stat as a key reason for recruiting Thelwell out of the portal last spring. The coach soon learned that such successful experience molded Thelwell into a mature a player he’d seen in his 29 years as a college head coach.
“My first conversation was as professional as any conversation I’ve had with a recruit,” McCaffery said.
“He moved to the top of the list because of his maturity, his intellect, and his character,” the coach continued. “And then when he came on his visit, he bonded with the players in a way that’s a thing of beauty to see.”
Thelwell’s journey with the Hawkeyes started coming off the bench. In his nine games as a reserve, Thelwell posted double-digit scoring five times and totalled 20 steals compared to six turnovers. On Dec. 12 in the Cy-Hawk game against Iowa State, Thelwell earned his first start with the Hawkeyes, contributing 10 points and six rebounds in the 89-80 loss. Other than missing one contest due to injury, he hasn’t left the starting five since.
After the promotion, Thelwell’s scoring average has increased by five while his defensive effort remains as strong as it ever was. Clogging passing lanes, deflecting passes, and forcing turnovers, Thelwell’s actions spark roars from the crowd inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The guard seems to feed off the energy. A pause in the game prompts Thelwell to sprint to the sidelines, raising his arms to elevate the noise like a conductor to an orchestra. The guidance extends to his Iowa teammates, who have mobilized to emphasize defense like their teammate.
“It starts with Drew,” senior forward Payton Sandfort said. “Our guards are putting a lot more pressure on the ball. We got humbled at Wisconsin and the way we responded to it shows what we’re capable of.”
After conceding 116 points to the Badgers, the Hawkeyes gave up only 60 in their next game against the Hoosiers. Iowa is still last in the Big Ten in opponent points per game – the Wisconsin rout and 99 points from USC being key reasons as to why.
Eliminate those two contests and Iowa has yielded 68.3 points per game. Iowa hasn’t bested that number since the 2014-2015 season, when the team advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
“We know our offense is fine. We have one of the best offenses in the country,” Thelwell said of the Hawkeyes, who rank tied for first in the nation in scoring. “Just making sure we have an identity on defense and getting stops when we need to.”
Thelwell’s time in the Black and Gold will end after this season, and Thelwell isn’t letting his last season of eligibility go to waste. He will often take the time for photos and autographs after games. Off the court, this is where Thelwell finds his passion.
Drew Thelwell getting plenty of love from the Hawkeye faithful after the win.
He was terrific tonight. pic.twitter.com/f9dJhHdJsK
— Brad Schultz (@BradMSchultz) November 16, 2024
“I’m having a lot of fun. I wish I didn’t have one year left because I’m loving it here, I really am,” Thelwell said. “All these guys know. The fans are something special. I’ve never been a part of it so I just try to take full advantage of it. I appreciate all the love.”