The NBA G League has become one of the most important tools for player development, but few organizations have built a stronger reputation than the Iowa Wolves. Minnesota’s G League affiliate has transformed into a true farm system, consistently developing players who go on to make an impact at the NBA level.
What separates Iowa from many other G League programs is the variety of players who have found success through their system. From undrafted players fighting for an opportunity, to second-round picks hoping to stick, to first-round talents needing time to develop, Iowa has provided a platform for players to grow, improve, and prove they belong.
The results speak for themselves. Players like Naz Reid, Luka Garza, Jaylen Clark, Leonard Miller, Terrence Shannon Jr., and many others have used their time with Iowa as a stepping stone toward bigger roles in the NBA. The Wolves have built a culture centered around player development, giving prospects meaningful minutes, expanding their skill sets, and preparing them for the next level.
Naz Reid | 6’9”, 264 lbs | LSU | Undrafted (2019)
Iowa Wolves
- 2019-20: 18.4 PPG | 9.9 RPG | 3.2 APG | 1.5 SPG | 2.0 BPG | 50.5 FG% | 38.6 3P% (16 games)
After one season at LSU averaging 13.6 PPG and 7.2 RPG, Naz Reid entered the NBA Draft as a former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, but ultimately went undrafted.
Reid signed a two-way contract with Minnesota and used his time with the Iowa Wolves to showcase his potential. In 16 G League games, “Big Jelly” dominated, averaging 18.4 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 2.0 BPG while shooting 50.5% from the field and 38.6% from three.
His development earned him a four-year, $6.1 million contract, and Reid quickly became one of Minnesota’s most valuable bench pieces. He developed into one of the league’s best mobile bigs and stretch-five threats, winning Sixth Man of the Year in 2024 after averaging 13.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 47.7 FG%, and 41.4% from three.
In 2025, Reid earned a five-year, $123 million deal before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets after seven seasons in Minnesota. With career averages of 11.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.5 APG, 48.1 FG%, and 37.1% from three, Naz Reid’s journey from undrafted prospect to Sixth Man of the Year is the perfect example of what the Iowa Wolves development system can create.
Jaylen Clark | 6’5”, 205 lbs | UCLA | 53rd Overall (2023)
Iowa Wolves
- 2024-25: 13.5 PPG | 5.0 RPG | 2.6 APG | 2.6 SPG | 42.2 FG% | 38.2 3P% (20 games)
Known for his defense during his three seasons at UCLA, Jaylen Clark established himself as one of college basketball’s premier defenders. He finished his career as a 2x All-Pac-12 Defensive Team selection, Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, 2022-23 All-Pac-12 selection, and 2022-23 NABC Defensive Player of the Year.
Clark’s defensive identity was clear: quick feet to stay in front of perimeter players, active hands creating turnovers, and relentless effort on every possession. Before suffering an Achilles injury in UCLA’s regular-season finale, Clark averaged 13.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.9 APG, and 2.6 SPG while leading the Pac-12 in steals per game, steal percentage, defensive rating, defensive plus/minus, and overall plus/minus. His 85.3 defensive rating was the lowest mark since UCLA began tracking the statistic.
The Achilles injury, along with questions about his offensive ceiling and shooting refinement, caused Clark to fall to the end of the second round, where Minnesota selected him 53rd overall. After missing the entire 2023-24 season, Clark used his time with the Iowa Wolves to continue improving his shot and offensive consistency while developing into the 3-and-D wing Minnesota envisioned.
In 68 games this past season, Clark averaged 4.0 PPG, 1.8 RPG, and 0.9 SPG in 13.1 MPG. With offseason roster movement creating opportunities, “Clark County Jail” could be in line for a larger role. His improved shooting, active cutting, and relentless defensive style could make him a valuable piece for the Timberwolves moving forward.
Luka Garza | 6’10”, 243 lbs | Iowa | 52nd Overall (2021)
Iowa Wolves
- 2022-24: 33.5 PPG | 11.1 RPG | 3.2 APG | 1.5 BPG | 60.2 FG% | 40.2 3P% (18 games)
Luka Garza entered the NBA as one of the most decorated college players in recent history. At Iowa, Garza won the 2020-21 National Player of the Year award after averaging 24.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, and 1.6 BPG while shooting 55.3% from the field and 44.0% from three.
Despite his dominant college career, Garza faced an adjustment period in the NBA due to limited opportunities and spent much of his early career in the G League. During three seasons with Minnesota, he appeared in 92 games while averaging just 6.4 MPG. His biggest development came with the Iowa Wolves, where he became a dominant offensive force and a steady veteran presence who pushed teammates with his competitiveness.
That patience paid off, as Garza earned a two-year, $5.26 million contract with the Boston Celtics. His time in Iowa prepared him for a larger role, and last season he provided valuable frontcourt depth for Boston, averaging 8.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.0 APG, 57.7 FG%, and 43.3 3P% in 16.2 MPG across 69 games.
Garza’s journey is another example of how Iowa helps players turn production, patience, and perseverance into NBA opportunities.
Josh Minott | 6’8”, 205 lbs | Memphis | 45th Overall (2022)
Iowa Wolves
- 2022-23: 19.1 PPG | 8.0 RPG | 2.4 APG | 1.5 BPG | 54.1 FG% | 36.2 3P% (20 games)
- 2023-24: 19.5 PPG | 6.7 RPG | 3.3 APG | 2.2 BPG | 1.6 SPG | 49.5 FG% | 27.3 3P% (12 games)
Josh Minott entered the NBA after one season at Memphis, averaging 6.6 PPG and 2.2 RPG. A raw but explosive athlete, Minott was viewed as a developmental prospect with the motor, scoring instincts, and physical tools to grow into an NBA contributor.
Opportunities were limited early in Minnesota, where he played just 93 games over his first three seasons while averaging 5.1 MPG. His biggest development came with the Iowa Wolves, where he refined his game, found his role, and showcased his potential as a versatile, high-energy wing.
One major area of growth was his shooting. After attempting just 14 threes in college, Minott improved his mechanics and consistency, becoming a career 39.6% three-point shooter through his first four NBA seasons.
That development earned him an opportunity with Boston, where he averaged 5.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.0 APG, and 0.7 SPG while shooting 50.7% from the field and 44.2% from three in 33 games. After finishing the season in Brooklyn, Minott re-signed with the Nets on a $2.58 million team option.
Now established as a high-energy wing, Minott has carved out a role as a player who can score, defend, push the pace, and bring consistent intensity — another example of the Iowa Wolves turning potential into production.
Leonard Miller | 6’10”, 220 lbs | G League Ignite | 33rd Overall (2023)
Iowa Wolves
- 2023-24: 19.5 PPG | 8.4 RPG | 3.0 APG | 1.0 SPG | 0.7 BPG | 49.6 FG% | 36.5 3P% (31 games)
- 2024-25: 24.7 PPG | 11.5 RPG | 3.5 APG | 1.0 SPG | 1.2 BPG | 50.5 FG% | 34.1 3P% (26 games)
Leonard Miller was one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2023 NBA Draft due to his combination of size, versatility, and production with the G League Ignite, where he averaged 18.0 PPG and 11.0 RPG while shooting 55.6% from the field.
A talented forward with a high ceiling, Miller spent much of his time in Minnesota blocked behind an established frontcourt, appearing in just 49 games over his first 2.5 seasons. However, his development with the Iowa Wolves showcased the skill set scouts saw — an efficient scorer, strong rebounder, intelligent cutter, and versatile forward who can attack closeouts and make plays.
After being traded alongside Rob Dillingham to the Bulls for Ayo Dosunmu, Miller finally received a larger opportunity. In 27 games with Chicago, he averaged 11.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.3 APG while shooting 55.5% from the field and 35.6% from three.
Now with a young Bulls roster and a clearer path to minutes, the future is bright for Miller. His combination of size, scoring efficiency, rebounding, and feel for the game makes him another example of Iowa Wolves product.
Enrique Freeman | 6’9”, 220 lbs | Akron | 50th Overall (2024)
Iowa Wolves
- 2024-25: 16.9 PPG | 9.8 RPG | 2.9 APG | 1.4 BPG | 0.9 SPG | 53.9 FG% | 34.0 3P% (16 games)
- 2025-26: 16.5 PPG | 8.7 RPG | 2.4 APG | 0.8 SPG | 0.8 BPG | 54.2 FG% | 32.6 3P% (39 games)
Enrique Freeman’s journey to the NBA is one of perseverance. After starting his career as a walk-on at Akron, Freeman developed into one of the most decorated players in program history, earning MAC Player of the Year, two-time MAC Defensive Player of the Year, and multiple All-MAC selections. During his senior season, he averaged 18.6 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, and 1.7 BPG while leading Akron to two MAC titles and NCAA Tournament appearances.
Drafted 50th overall by the Pacers, Freeman spent last season with Minnesota on a two-way contract, appearing in just four NBA games while continuing to develop with the Iowa Wolves. In Iowa, he has showcased the same traits that made him successful in college — relentless motor, rebounding, physicality, defensive versatility, and toughness.
With frontcourt minutes opening up, Freeman has an opportunity to bring what he has developed in Iowa to the NBA level. His edge and work ethic, built from his journey as a former walk-on, make him another example of the type of player the Wolves’ system continues to develop.
Terrence Shannon Jr. | 6’6”, 215 lbs | Illinois | 27th Overall (2024)
Iowa Wolves
- 2024-25: 2 games — 47 points (17-28 FG), 33 points (9-15 FG)
- 2025-26: 1 game — 36 points (10-15 FG)
- Too good for the G League
After spending three successful seasons at Texas Tech, Terrence Shannon Jr. returned home to Illinois and elevated his game to another level under Brad Underwood. He finished his collegiate career as a 2023-24 All-American, a two-time All-Big Ten selection, and had his jersey retired by the program. During his senior season, Shannon averaged 23.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 2.3 APG while battling allegations that ultimately led to a trial and almost significantly impacted his draft stock.
The Timberwolves looked past the noise and selected Shannon 27th overall, believing in both his talent and character. His first two NBA seasons required patience, as he appeared in just 32 games as a rookie and 43 games in his second season, spending only brief stints with the Iowa Wolves because he was simply too good for the G League level.
When Donte DiVincenzo went down with an injury, Shannon finally got his opportunity. In the playoffs, he averaged 11.8 PPG while shooting 46.3% from the field and 39.3% from three, providing the Timberwolves with the microwave scorer and high-energy spark they envisioned on draft night. His 24-point performance to help eliminate the Nuggets, highlighted by several explosive plays, showed exactly why Minnesota remained patient.
Shannon’s journey is a reminder that development isn’t always immediate, but talent, patience, and perseverance can eventually pay off.
Joan Beringer | 6’11”, 230 lbs | France | 17th Overall (2025)
Iowa Wolves
- 2025-26: 14.6 PPG | 10.9 RPG | 2.4 BPG | 61.1 FG% (11 games)
Joan Beringer entered the NBA as one of the youngest and rawest prospects in the 2025 draft. The French big man didn’t begin playing basketball until he was 14-15 years old, but his size, athleticism, and 7’4.5” wingspan made him an intriguing long-term prospect for Minnesota.
Beringer appeared in 40 games as a rookie, averaging 3.9 PPG and 2.3 RPG in 7.9 MPG while shooting 66.3% from the field. His time with the Iowa Wolves allowed him to showcase his potential as an active rebounder, rim protector, and mobile big man who runs the floor well and finishes above the rim with ease.
During Summer League, Beringer flashed more versatility, showing the ability to attack closeouts and finish at the basket while playing extended minutes at the four. Against the Pelicans, he posted 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Still not even 20 years old, Beringer has a massive ceiling, and with Minnesota’s frontcourt changing, he has a real opportunity to earn a larger role.
Trevor Keels | 6’3.5”, 215 lbs | Duke | 42nd Overall (2022)
Iowa Wolves
- 2023-24: 14.1 PPG | 3.1 RPG | 3.6 APG | 1.2 SPG | 43.8 FG% | 34.3 3P% (39 games)
- 2024-25: 19.8 PPG | 3.3 RPG | 3.8 APG | 1.0 SPG | 44.0 FG% | 36.9 3P% (46 games)
Trevor Keels entered the NBA after a solid freshman season at Duke, averaging 11.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, and 1.2 SPG. Although he was drafted 42nd overall, Keels has appeared in just 11 NBA games and spent most of his professional career developing in the G League.
His time with Westchester, Iowa, and Sioux Falls helped him mature into a polished scorer and physical slasher. Now in the Miami Heat system, Keels turned heads during Summer League, averaging 20.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 3.0 APG over four games, including a 32-point performance.
With his linebacker-like frame, improved scoring ability, and years of G League development, Keels looks closer than ever to earning a consistent NBA roster spot.
Nate Santos | 6’7”, 215 lbs | Dayton | Undrafted (2025)
Iowa Wolves
- 2025-26: 10.3 PPG | 3.3 RPG | 1.0 APG | 41.3 FG% | 36.3 3P% (41 games)
At Dayton, Nate Santos built a reputation as a physical wing who rebounded well, knocked down catch-and-shoot threes, and relentlessly attacked the basket. Despite a productive career at UD, he went undrafted, but his work ethic earned him a spot on the Orlando Magic’s Summer League team before landing with the Iowa Wolves.
In 41 G League games during the 2025-26 season, Santos averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and shot 36.3% from three. Heading into Year 2, he’s making a strong push for a two-way contract after averaging 13.1 PPG in Summer League while shooting 51.5% from three, including a 5-for-8 performance from deep in one game.
Santos’ shooting ability, physical frame, and relentless work ethic give him a legitimate chance to carve out an NBA role and be the next Iowa success story.
Tristen Newton | 6’5”, 190 lbs | UConn | 49th Overall (2024)
Iowa Wolves
- 2024-25: 16.6 PPG | 6.6 RPG | 6.7 APG | 2.1 SPG | 40.7 FG% | 29.7 3P% (20 games)
- 2025-26: 26.8 PPG | 4.9 RPG | 7.8 APG | 1.7 SPG | 49.3 FG% | 37.3 3P% (19 games)
Tristen Newton spent five seasons in college, including two at UConn where he helped lead the Huskies to back-to-back national championships. A consensus All-American in 2023-24, Newton averaged 15.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 6.2 APG while serving as the floor general of Dan Hurley’s offense.
Drafted by the Pacers, Newton later spent time on a two-way contract with Minnesota, where he continued his development with the Iowa Wolves. His leadership, poise, and all-around game translated well to the G League.
Now on a two-way contract with the Houston Rockets, Newton averaged 14.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, and 2.0 SPG during Summer League. With Houston lacking proven guard depth, Newton has put himself in position to compete for NBA minutes this season.
Zyon Pullin | 6’4”, 206 lbs | Florida | Undrafted (2025)
Iowa Wolves
- 2025-26: 25.4 PPG | 4.0 RPG | 6.3 APG | 58.0 FG% | 52.7 3P% (22 games)
Zyon Pullin took a unique path to the NBA, spending four seasons at UC Riverside before finishing his college career at Florida. After earning two All-Big West selections, Pullin averaged 15.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 4.9 APG while shooting 44.9% from three in his lone season with the Gators.
After going undrafted, Pullin signed a two-way contract with Memphis before joining Minnesota’s system. With the Iowa Wolves, he has emerged as one of the G League’s most efficient scorers, showcasing his confidence, playmaking, and ability to fill up the stat sheet.
Pullin was also the standout player for Minnesota’s Summer League team, averaging 21.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 7.8 APG, and 1.0 SPG. As another undrafted guard finding his way through Iowa, Pullin represents exactly what the Wolves’ development system is built for.
Rocco Zikarsky | 7’3”, 227 lbs | Australia | 45th Overall (2025)
Iowa Wolves
- 2025-26: 14.8 PPG | 8.9 RPG | 1.0 APG | 2.4 BPG | 53.2 FG% (42 games)
Rocco Zikarsky entered the NBA as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 draft due to his rare size, standing at 7’3”, and his potential as a rim protector, rebounder, and lob threat.
The Australian big man spent two seasons in the NBL, averaging 4.6 PPG and 3.4 RPG in 11.8 MPG, showing that he would need time and development before becoming an NBA contributor. His biggest areas of focus will be improving his mobility, conditioning, and expanding his offensive skill set.
Iowa will be an important step in that process. Zikarsky showed flashes during Summer League, averaging 12.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 1.8 BPG, displaying the defensive instincts and finishing ability that made him an intriguing prospect.
With his size and defensive upside, Zikarsky has the tools to become a valuable big man, but his development in Iowa will be key to unlocking his potential.
The Future of Iowa’s Development System
The success of the Iowa Wolves is not just about the players who have already reached the NBA — it is about the culture that continues to be built in Des Moines.
That was on display during Summer League, where current Iowa Wolves players like Zyon Pullin, Joan Beringer, Enrique Freeman, Rocco Zikarsky, and Nate Santos showcased the chemistry and development they have built together. The way those players complemented each other showed the value of spending a season competing, improving, and pushing one another in the G League.
With players like Pullin, Freeman, and Zikarsky continuing to develop, along with young prospects like Isaiah Evans and Trey Kaufman-Renn entering the system, Iowa’s pipeline remains strong. With Mahmoud Abdelfattah taking over as head coach, the Wolves have another opportunity to continue building one of the NBA’s best development environments.
Iowa has proven that development is not linear. Some players arrive as overlooked prospects, others as high-upside talents, but the Wolves continue to provide the coaching, reps, and opportunity needed to turn potential into production.
The next Naz Reid, Luka Garza, or Josh Minott may already be in Des Moines — and that is exactly why the Iowa Wolves have become one of the NBA’s premier developmental systems.
