Prospect Spotlight: Hunter Caves (2021)
Before last week, Hunter Caves was a sophomore point guard having a solid year. Now, after a wildly successful week with Alburnett at the state tourney, he’s on our radar as one of Iowa’s best sophomore prospects.
Currently, Caves is un-ranked in the Class of 2021 prospect rankings, that will change when the list is updated next month.
It’s his size and ability as a playmaker that’s most impressive.
“I’m more of drive guy, get to the lane and then I dish. Since I’m a quarterback in football, it helps to me to see openings and I can feel when people are open,” said the 6’1 floor general.
“I’m decent at getting at the rim and I’m a decent shooter. I can go fast, I can slow down, just whatever my team needs.”
Caves’ Pirates, recently made a Cinderella run as a 7-seed all the way to the Class 1A finals. They finished runner-up to Grand View Christian, a team with two athletic Division I prospects.
“This season was good. Each game throughout the season was fun, especially with this group of guys, we definitely have a special bond. I played decent, and towards the end of the season I think I stepped up in a big way,” said Caves, who averaged team-bests 13.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and four assists this season.
A multi-sport athlete, Caves is also a starting quarterback on the football team, and is a baseball standout. “Basketball is definitely my favorite sport,” he said.
This summer, he’ll be busy with baseball and football stuff, but he’s got keys to the gym at Alburnett, so he’ll stay sharp on the hardwood, too.
“I did get asked to go try out for some AAU ball, but I don’t have a lot for time in the summer, so me and my parents discussed and we’re just going to do some basketball camps. We have keys for the gym, so I’ll be in there and working to get my shot better,” said Caves.
The goal moving forward for Caves is to get back to state; and he says the Jake Hilmer route of college basketball, and baseball is an ultimate goal.
“Since I don’t do AAU ball, I got to get my name out there somehow, and state’s a good option. So, hopefully we get back the next two years,” said Caves.
“Recruiting, I haven’t talked to anyone for basketball or baseball yet. My dream is to kind of do what Jake Hilmer is doing and go to a D1 or D2 school and try and play basketball or baseball. But if I had to pick one, I would pick basketball.”