Prospect Spotlight: Nathan Michels (2019)
A 6-foot-3 guard from Benton, Nathan Michels is off to a red-hot start this season, and is certainly one of the Iowa’s breakout players.
The athletic junior guard played JV last season as a sophomore, but came into this season much-improved after a summer with the Iowa Mavericks’ 16U squad. He nabbed a starting spot with Benton, and through three games is averaging 16 points on 57 percent shooting, 6.0 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game.
“I love creating my own shot, I feel like I can get to the rim and finish. And I’ve been able to slam it down harder than just a normal dunk, so it’s been nice being able to just get out there and run the court,” said Michels.
“I think I need to improve most on my shot and finishing at the rim consistently. If I could improve my shot, I think that will open up the court for me and I’ll be able to do more things.”
It was his strong offseason with the Mavs that has helped him become one of the state’s breakout 2019s so far this season.
“I think all the hard work I’ve been putting in is really been paying off, and it showed the first game of the season,” said Michels. “The Mavs are a really great program and they taught me a lot of different skill-sets, and I’m hoping it all shows out here this season.”
Already with wins over West Delaware and Grinnell, and then narrow loss to Epworth, Western Dubuque, Michels’ Bobcats are off to a decent start, and should be a team that racks up a ton of wins this winter.
“One of our biggest strengths is the depth we have, and our ability to cut and get to the rim is something we’re good at,” said Michels. “And we have so many people that can score the ball; and we can make a good run if we stay healthy this season.”
With his newfound success, plus an opportunity to play with an expanded Iowa Barnstormers program next summer, Michels says his recruitment is something he hopes can take off soon.
“So far, I’ve only talked to Grand View, and then some D3 coaches. Grand View is the main one right now,” he said.
“I’m going to really push for a good D2, and obviously the ultimate goal for everyone is D1. But D2 would be really good for me, I think.”