Prospect Update: Jake Hilmer (2019)
T.J. Rushing
After a record-smashing junior season with North Linn, Jake Hilmer is now making his way through his 17U season with the Iowa Barnstormers, and has been picking up offers along the way.
D2 programs Pittsburg State, Upper Iowa, and Truman state have all offered the 5-foot-10 floor general extraordinaire. “All three have lots of pluses,” Hilmer said.
And with a summer still ahead to keep turning heads on the adidas Gauntlet, offers are still up for grabs.
Already one of the quickest guards in the state with some stellar vision and slick passing skills, Hilmer will be showcasing an improved jumper this summer with the Iowa Barnstormers.
“My consistency with my jump shot is as good as it has ever been for me. I'm hitting the 3-ball really well this spring, and it's helped expand my offensive skill set,” said Hilmer.
He put up gaudy numbers while helping the Lynx advance to the 1A state final, where they lost to Grand View Christian, 49-46. Hilmer averaged 23.1 points (on 64 percent shooting), 12.2 assists (ridiculous), 6.2 steals (also ridiculous) and 4.6 rebounds per game.
Better believe, Hilmer and Co. are gunning for a state title in 2019.
“Obviously, finishing runner up in class 1A is a huge accomplishment that we are proud of here, but at the same time, our goal is to win a title,” he said. “This community truly deserves a championship and I really think me and the guys have a real shot at getting it done next year.”
But before he embarks on what's sure to be another astonishing season of high school ball, Hilmer will continue his 17U offseason with what's been a somewhat surprising Iowa Barnstormers squad.
“We lost some players from last year, and quite honestly, we haven't missed a beat. We have already qualified for the adidas finale in New York, which is a special thing to do, and it's a credit to really how well we work as a team and understand each other. This team's chemistry from an AAU perspective is as good as it gets,” said Hilmer.
“This summer, I'm just looking to do what I'm capable of. Just continuing to showcase my skill-set and keep doing what I know I can do. I'm gonna leave it all out there as always, especially with this kind of being my last hoorah with the ‘Stormers.”
RECRUITMENT
Hilmer is looking like a fringe D1 guy, meaning he's teetering between D2 and D1 type interest and offers right now.
Pittsburg State, Upper Iowa and Truman State are D2s which have already offered the heady point guard. Upper Iowa has offered him to play both basketball and baseball.
But some D1 interest is starting to come in, too.
“For D1, I know (my AAU coach) K.C (Schmitt) has talked with lots of coaches about me, he's a really great promoter. I've been in really close contact with The Citadel, and then lighter recruiting stuff with lots of others,” said Hilmer.
Update: Drake has been the most recent D1 program to reach out, their staff wants to get Hilmer down on campus sometime soon.
“A couple other D2s have scheduled to get me on a visit, so I know Southwest Minnesota State, I'm going up there soon. St. Cloud State, Winona State and Sioux Falls have also been in closer contact,” said Hilmer, who also mentioned Rockhurst as a school in close contact.
Also a standout on the diamond, Hilmer is certainly a college baseball prospect. And though he's not made up his mind just yet, he's definitely leaning towards basketball in college.
“Baseball is something I haven't closed the door on. Upper Iowa offered me to play both sports there, if that's an avenue I want to take. I have a really good glove in baseball I just haven't pursued it as much as basketball, but it's not too late to go all out on it and I think I would be a very intriguing prospect for baseball,” said Hilmer.
“Many over the years have told me that's (baseball) my path. My thing with baseball is lots less money is involved, so if that's important to me and the family. We will see where my heart ends up taking me when decision time comes.”
There's still the summer ahead for Hilmer to hash out recruitment options. His philosophy is to just let things take care of themselves.
“I just want to play my best, and let the puzzle pieces fall, and then I'll have to make hard decisions between what level I'm going to play at, and deciding what I really want out of my college basketball decision,” said Hilmer. “I'm just trusting the process, and I know things will fall into place.”
Jake Hilmer is ranked by Prep Hoops as a top 20 prospect in his class.
