Summer love

How do you know it’s light on college hoops news? When the latest Daily turns into a version of US Weekly.

Let's dive in.

1. The new Iowa power couple

So. What are we to make of this Instagram post?

Yes, that’s Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery snuggled on a boat. McCaffery commented on the photo “U CUTE” with a red heart and crossed finger emoji. And yes, it was strange typing those sentences.

Still, it’s summer. And summer should be fun.

Besides, this relationship has the makings of a serious basketball power couple. Connor wrapped up his playing career after six seasons playing under his father, Fran, at Iowa, but he will begin coaching with the Indiana Pacers this season. Meanwhile, Caitlin is trying to bring the Hawkeyes to another national title game and remain the biggest star in women’s college basketball.

I can only hope they do half-court shots to decide who pays for dinner.

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2. Rutgers shining freshman

OK, back to actual basketball. Mostly.

It’s been a tough summer for the 2023-24 Rutgers squad. Cam Spencer went to UConn. Paul Mulcahy transferred to Washington. His replacement, Iowa State transfer Jeremiah Williams, might not be around either.

Rutgers issued a statement this week on the news that Williams has been charged with tampering with records related to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s probe into sports gambling.

“We are aware of the investigation," the statement reads. "It is an ongoing matter that we will continue to monitor, and we will not have further comment.”

Let’s call Williams a guy stuck in limbo. However, maybe it’s not all bad.

This situation could open the door for top-60 recruit Gavin Griffiths. At 6-7, Griffiths has the size to make a freshman transition more manageable, as he’s shown the ability to hit shots over smaller defending guards. He starred during their overseas trip, scoring 21 points in one outing, and 15 in another.

That ability would be something Rutgers lacked last season, as the team struggled on offense and missed the NCAA Tournament. Anything that could provide more points would be a boon.

3. Belmont doing Belmont things

Belmont’s always been one of the more impressive hoops programs around. Their on-court success has been driven by consistency and player development. Dylan Windler and Ben Sheppard are both in the NBA, no small thing for any program, let alone a mid-major school — which is why it has continued to thrive in the transition from longtime coach Rick Byrd to former player and current coach Casey Alexander.

And it feels like it’s time for Alexander to take his alma mater to the Big Dance.

The Bruins’ offense is modern. To crack the Belmont lineup, you have to shoot from deep and look comfortable passing or handling the ball. That’s where the sophomore duo of Cade Tyson and Ja’Kobi Gillespie step in. Belmont had an effective field goal percentage of 55%, ranking 12th nationally, and shot 38.9% from deep, ranking fifth in the country. Those are ELITE offensive numbers.

Cade’s older brother is former Clemson star and Denver Nuggets forward Hunter Tyson, so the bloodlines are there for the family. In Cade’s first season at Belmont, his season was nothing short of impressive, averaging 13.6 points and shooting 41% from deep. Additionally, Gillespie finished his freshman season on a high note, scoring 14-plus points in the season’s final three games. If the perimeter jumper starts to fall for Gillespie, he’s going to earn some all-conference honors during his career at Belmont.

He’s just one of three freshmen who scored 400-plus points, shot a true 59% from the floor and achieved a 115-plus KenPom offensive rating. (Shoutout to Belmont SID, Greg Sage for that note.)

The others? NBA lottery picks Brandon Miller and Taylor Hendricks.

Also, the steady backcourt tandem of Gillespie and Keishawn Davidson is terrific. Davidson averaged over four assists in three of four college seasons (the first three at Tennessee Tech, the second at Belmont).

The biggest key to unlocking the Bruins’ upside is tied to the production of Vanderbilt transfer Malik Dia. He played limited minutes as a Commodore but shot 35% from 3 and will start in the frontcourt next to Tyson from Day 1.

Belmont deserves recognition for four 20-plus win seasons and another one in the works. Keep an eye on the Bruins in 2023-24.

Say cheese

Look, Wisconsin basketball might not always be the most aesthetically pleasing team to watch, but you might end up watching them a lot in 2023-24 because the Badgers’ offseason will place them in position to compete for the Big Ten title. Crazy talk? Hey, don’t look at me. @ Rob Dauster and Greg Waddell.

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Links for folks sending kids back to school or prepping for their own return to school.

• The SDSU men’s hoops team inked an NIL with the DOJ to promote fentanyl awareness.

• Top-100 recruit Zion Sensley will announce his commitment today.

• The remaining Pac-12 schools are open to just about any possibility.

Thanks for reading The Field of 68 Daily! If you have a news tip or feedback, email us at [email protected].