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27 T he nationally ranked University of Iowa men's basketball team has a blend of experience and youth on its 2020-21 roster. e Hawkeyes returned seven players with starting experience and added six talented freshmen. One of those skilled rookies is Keegan Murray, who plays with a quiet confidence when his name is called off the bench. All-American center Luka Garza has tabbed him "Nicholas Baer 2.0," in honor of the Hawkeye letterwinner from 2016-19 who was named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year in 2017. As of Jan. 4, Murray is the only bench player in the country to record at least 70 points, 45 rebounds, 10 blocks and 15 steals. "e moment Keegan stepped foot on campus you could tell he was not a freshman," said Garza. "He has the mentality of an experienced player. He comes in with energy and gives our group second chances. He's confident when he walks on the court." e 6-foot-8 forward can score a variety of ways whether it is in the lane, offensive put-backs or on the perimeter. Murray ranks fourth on the team in rebounding (4.3), second in blocked shots per game (1.1) and fih in 3-pointers made (eight). "Competing is my favorite thing in the world," Murray said. "If I can do anything to help our team win, it's satisfying to me." Murray was one of the team's key contributors in a road win at No. 14 Rutgers on Jan. 2. e native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, scored a personal-best 14 points and led the team in rebounding (nine), steals (three) and blocked shots (three). "Keegan is a phenomenal rebounder," said Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery. "His length, his tenacity to go to the glass and keep balls alive is what separates him. His ability to make plays off the dribble, make 3s and pass allows him to play a number of positions. Keegan wants to compete and is thankful for the opportunity. He has a chance to be special." Although technically a freshman, Murray and his twin brother Kris gained a year of experience following high school graduation playing at DME Academy in Florida in 2019-20 prior to arriving in Iowa City. e Murray twins are legacy Hawkeyes: their father Kenyon played for head coach Tom Davis for four seasons (1993-96). Garza, who knows a thing or two about hard work, has been impressed with Keegan's work ethic. "He works hard and he is someone you always see in the gym," Garza said. "It is not surprising at all. at's the type of player he is; we're lucky to have someone like him on the roster." JANUARY SCHEDULE 7 at Maryland 10 Minnesota 14 Michigan State 17 at Northwestern 21 Indiana 24 Nebraska 29 at Illinois