Prospect Update: John Steffen (2020)
The future is bright for Linn-Mar, and rising junior John Steffen is a big reason why.
In a program where it’s tough for sophomores to rise to varsity and get experience, Steffen was able to just that — albeit minimal experience — last season. And the 6-foot guard has been playing exceedingly well this spring with the Iowa Mavericks.
“I’ve been working on my shot a lot more, it was kind of inconsistent. I knew I could shoot some, but I knew I had a long way to go; so, I’ve been trying to make progress with my shoot as much as I can. And I’ve been working on my ball-handling skills, and using those to get to the hoop,” said Steffen.
For most of his sophomore season, Steffen was playing with the sophomores. The skilled guard started practicing with the varsity around mid-season, he saw action in three games.
“It (sophomores) wasn’t as intense as varsity, but when I moved up and practiced with varsity, that prepared me for next year and I learned what they do up there. It was good, intense competition in practice.”
Next year, he’s already been pegged as a guy that will have a much-expanded role with a Linn-Mar team that could be really good.
“I’m one of the guys that the coaches want to step up and fill a position. I’ve been really learning the game, because they want me to play point guard,” said Steffen.
In the meantime, he’ll be spending his summer with Iowa Mavericks 16U-Cleveland. “It’s been really fun playing some good competition.” … And trying to get his name out there a little more.
There has been one area D2 that has taken notice.
“I did get a text the other day from the Upper Iowa coach, saying they want to get me up on campus. So, I was really pleased with that and happy and excited,” said Steffen.
“Obviously, I’m trying to get some other looks, too, but I got a long way to go. So, we’ll see what happens down the road.”
John Steffen is ranked by Prep Hoops as a top 30 prospect in his class. To see the full ranking of Iowa’s 2020 class, click here.