Recruiting Report: Isaac Undlin (2019)
Isaac Undlin played a different role with ECI than he’s accustomed to during the winter season. But he excelled at it nonetheless.
Undlin, a 6-foot-5 forward from Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood, spent the spring and summer playing grassroots with ECI Prospects where he had a chance to go up against top players all over the midwest while playing with some of the best players in North Dakota.
“I think it went pretty well,” Undlin said of the season. “Our team gelled well right away. Sometimes with guys coming from all over it takes some time. But we mostly gelled right away. It didn’t take us that long either, so that was nice. We had experience playing together before so that was probably a big part of it.”
Undlin is a feature player for his high school team and the Mavericks were solid a year ago. But with ECI, he’s in a much complementary role at least on the offensive end. Making that adjustment isn’t always easy. But it was an opportunity for Undlin to be productive in other ways and improve as a player.
“It’s a lot different,” Undlin said of his role with ECI. “With my high school team I’m expected to score a lot more. With this team, my role is simpler but still important. Play defense, rebound, finish. You have to find ways to get into the flow. Work hard, get a rebound, make a stop.”
Undlin does those things well. He’s active on defense and his quickness along with strength allow him to defend forwards of varying skillsets. He’s aggressive on the offensive and defensive glass. He’s effective in a low-maintenance role offensively in that he’s a solid screener and smart enough to put himself in good positions as a finisher around the rim.
Undlin is a two-sport stud for the Mavericks, doubling as a wide receiver/tight end for his football team. With regards to college plans, his future may be on the gridiron as it appears as though that’s where he’s drawn the most college interest.
“Either football for basketball; I’m split on those two,” said Undlin. I’ve heard from Moorhead and Jamestown and Valley City for football. There’s been some talk from Mary for basketball but right now there’s been more football interest.”