Recruiting Report: Devontae Lane (2017)
Recruiting Over a year ago Devontae Lane picked up an offer from Iowa State, that was when Fred Hoiberg’s staff was in place. As it stands now, it would appear that the uncanny point guard from Iowa City West —…
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Over a year ago Devontae Lane picked up an offer from Iowa State, that was when Fred Hoiberg’s staff was in place. As it stands now, it would appear that the uncanny point guard from Iowa City West — Iowa’s 2nd-ranked 2017 — has no standing offers….for basketball.
He did just pick up his first football offer from Division I program Eastern Michigan. And although he’s a superstar on the hardwood, he says he hasn’t ruled out playing football at the next level.
“I haven’t really thought about that (football or basketball) a lot, it’s just whatever sport is in season I play and I just want to reach my full potential in both. And then when it comes time to sit down and decide what’s better for me and which school to go to and what is most beneficial for me and my family, I’ll just sit down and talk to my family and my coaches and everything and just decide then,” said Lane.
“But right now I’m not going to pick either one, because I love them both.”
It was last Apri when Iowa State offered the bruising 6-foot point guard, but shortly after the coaching staff was revamped, and Lane says he’s unsure if that offer still stands.
“I don’t know, I haven’t talked to the Iowa State coaching staff yet from when they offered me,” said Lane when asked if he had any basketball offers. “So I don’t know, no, not really.”
He did mention a list of low to high-major Division I programs that are continuing to show him some hoops interest.
“Northern Iowa, New Mexico State, Nebraska, Creighton, Drake, North Dakota State, that’s about it,” said Lane, who mentioned which schools might be closest to offering.
“I’d probably say UNI or Drake, they talk to me the most.”
Even with his grassroots career coming to an end soon with the Iowa Barnstormers, and no standing offers, Lane says he’s not too focused on his recruitment. But more-so he’s intent on having fun and getting some wins for the ‘Stormers.
“I don’t really focus on getting recruited or who’s contacting me, or who this person or that person is getting an offer from,” said Lane. “Once you do that you become selfish and you start playing for yourself, and only looking out for yourself and just trying to score the ball. I just play to have fun, I play for myself, I play for my team, and play to just get a W.”
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Improvement
After averaging 13.7 points, 2.5 assists, 1.9 steals and 3.1 rebounds on a loaded Iowa City West team last season as a junior, Lane is looking to make certain improvements with not only his game, but his leadership ability too.
“I’ve definitely improved my decision-making and learning how to read pick-and-roll screens, and knowing what the right move is coming off screens. And definitely my jumper has improved a lot,” said Lane.
“Also just being a leader, because this is my last year of AAU and high school basketball, so the biggest thing for me is just being a leader and helping other guys out. Because I know guys like Wyatt Lohaus — when he was a senior and I was a freshman — he helped me out a lot. So I just want to help those guys out a lot and help them to feel comfortable out there is the best thing I could do. And then just keep working on my game.”
Lane tore a muscle in hip-flexor earlier in the spring, causing him to miss two grassroots tournaments. But he was back in full-force last weekend, looking like a superstar while helping to lead Iowa City West to an Urbandale Shoot Out title.
With the Barnstormers still playing in several tournaments during next month’s July live periods, Lane is eager to get back on the floor with his guys and make an impact.
“I just want to keep getting better everyday, and get as many wins as possible and try and become one of the best teams in the program,” said Lane. “I’m just looking forward to getting back and hopefully just make a name for the Barnstormers for our 17U year.”