Recruiting Report: Owen Coburn (2019)
When we talked with Spirit Lake center Owen Coburn in April, he said nothing that would indicate an early commitment, but instead sounded like a top young prospect who was remaining patient and hopeful with his recruitment.
But something changed since then, and the coaching staff at South Dakota State was able to make the lengthy 6-foot-10 center feel right at home on a recent visit.
Coburn committed to play for former Iowa State assistant and current Jackrabbits coach TJ Otzelberger last night, according to his Martin Brothers coach, Hank Huddleson.
He chose the Summit League program over offers from North Dakota and Drake, and was projected by us to see a flood of additional offers come in over the next 18 months.
“I chose SDSU because I love the relationship I had with all of the coaches and players. And also they really made an impression by reaching out and making a great relationship with my parents,” said Coburn.
Brookings, South Dakota, where SDSU is located, is a short 2 hour and 22 minute drive from Spirit Lake, Coburn mentioned proximity was a deciding factor as well.
“The biggest factor was the relationship with the coaches, said Coburn, Iowa’s 4th-ranked 2019. “Also it’s close to home, and they have had success in the past.”
He becomes the second player in Iowa’s 2019 class to commit. Top-ranked Patrick McCaffery has more-or-less committed to play for his dad, Fran, at Iowa.
With still more than a year before most guys in 2019 will be making college decisions, Coburn explained why he decided to end his recruitment early.
“I felt now was a better time than later because I was on campus and it just felt like home, so I just wanted to do it while both of my parents were there,” said Coburn. “So now I can really work on what I need to become better over the rest of the summer heading into next year.”
Coburn will be a junior at Spirit Lake next season. He averaged 18.2 points on 70 percent shooting and nabbed 9.5 rebounds per game as a sophomore.