Wentzien commits to Northern Iowa

CEDAR RAPIDS -- After the painstaking process of whittling down his options for his future school, Kirkwood men's basketball All-American Miles Wentzien made the announcement last week that he will be continuing his academic and athletic career at the University of Northern Iowa.

Wentzien will be the latest in a string of Eagles to don the Panther jersey, following in the footsteps of former Kirkwood First Team All-Americans Jordan Ashton and Hunter Rhodes.

Wentzien, a guard from Fort Madison, Iowa, transferred to Kirkwood after playing his freshman season at Missouri Western State. Wentzien was a vital all-around player in his lone season as an Eagle, averaging team-highs of 16.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while dishing out nearly 3 assists per game. Wentzien's shooting prowess made him a threat from anywhere on the floor as he led the ICCAC in both three-point percentage (45%) and free throw percentage (90.2%), the latter being fourth best in the nation. Although he tallied just one double-double on the year, Wentzien was only one rebound shy of earning a double-double on six other occasions.

Wentzien was named a First Team All-Region performer by the ICCAC along with being selected to the Region XI Tournament All-Tournament Team. His highest individual accolade came when he was voted by members of the NJCAA as a First Team All-American.

Wentzien was also honored this spring when he was selected to play in the NJCAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association All-Star game in Las Vegas, NV. The game pits sophomores from Division I programs against a combination of Division II and Division III sophomores. Wentzien helped lead the Division II/III All-Stars to their first win in nearly six years, topping the Division I All-Stars, 109-91. Wentzien finished the game with 17 points and 9 rebounds.

Wentzien not only proved himself on the court throughout the year but in the classroom as well, earning himself a place on the First Team Academic All-Region.

The Northern Iowa Panthers are a NCAA Division I school and compete in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). Their men's basketball program is led by head coach Ben Jacobson. The University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, IA.