Prospect Spotlight: Caleb Haag (2020)
Soon, the updated prospect rankings will be released, and Waterloo West guard Caleb Haag will be one the highest debuts.
After playing with the sophomores last season, the now-junior has exploded onto the scene this season, leading the Wahawks in scoring, and showcasing some explosive athleticism while doing so.
“Last summer, I really took the time to work on my lower body, and that helped me be able to jump as high as I can now, and to play above the rim,” said Haag. “And it also helps the team because I can grab rebounds when we need them.”
Haag added: “My biggest strength would be getting to the basket. So, when I can take someone off the dribble and get to the cup, that’s probably the biggest asset I bring to my team. But I can also see the court, and when I don’t have a chance to finish, I can dish it out.”
After playing with the sophomore squad last season, Haag decided he’d work on his own game; he headed to several camps, included William Penn’s and forewent his 16U grassroots season.
“I just put in as much work as possible so I could make myself better,” he said. “I knew I was going to play varsity this year, and I just wanted to make the biggest impact possible.”
Now, he’s making huge waves for Waterloo West, and has been the Wahawks’ best player through their 4-1 start to the season. Haag is averaging 18.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
“I had a really serious talk with my coach over the summer, he was telling me how much they would need extra players to step up. I put the work in so I could be a huge asset for the team,” said Haag.
“We really want to push for state this year. And if not this year, then we’re definitely going to win state next year.”
In between this season and next, Haag will play a 17U grassroots season alongside Oskaloosa top prospect Xavier Foster.
Right now, it’s just William Penn and Northern Iowa that Haag says has been in contact with him. He’s reached out to Iowa State and Drake. Next summer will be a big one for his recruitment.
“There will be a lot of people at those games, because (Xavier) has a lot of people trying to recruit him as well,” said Haag.
“And I plan on pushing my skills even farther and getting to where I can play college ball, so that when I get out of high school, I can be a huge necessity to any college team I go play for.”