WAUKEE, Iowa — Payton Sandfort, Iowa's leading scorer in 2023-24, tested the NBA waters this offseason at the NBA Draft Combine but ultimately decided to come back for his senior year.
The Waukee native learned where he needs to improve to be a professional.
"My main takeaway was, you know, the ultimate confidence that it takes to be able to succeed at that level. You know, you can't watch these guys on TV, and then, you know, be scared of them. You got to go out there and, you know, punch them in the mouth and show them what your game is, instead of, you know, being intimidated. And you know, that's the difference between the guys who make it don't ultimately."
Sandfort is using the feedback and experience to better himself and the team.
"I feel like I'm so much more experienced now," the 6'7 forward said. "Coming back here, the game has slowed down a lot, and I'm able to, you know, help all these other younger guys with, you know, what it really takes to elevate your game."
When he announced on May 29 that he was returning, it was great news to Owen Freeman.
"I sprinted downstairs like 'mom, like, guess what? Like, Payton's coming back,'" the sophomore forward said. "We're gonna make a run this year. That's the confidence I have in Him and the confidence I have in this team, we're gonna go on a deep run."
Iowa made the NCAA Tournament in Sandfort's first two seasons as a Hawkeye but they missed the Big Dance last season.
"Part of my decision coming back was knowing what this team was capable of," Sandfort said. "My goal's always been to play in the Final Four, and you know, I didn't want to end my career in the NIT. So it's going to be personal for me and a lot of these other guys."
Sandfort returns to play with his younger brother Pryce for the second year in a row.