Cayden Daughtry, a 6‑foot‑3 point guard from Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, dazzled at the 17U Peach Jam tournament, guiding his squad to the championship and earning MVP honors.
Over eight games he posted averages of 32.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 steals, shooting 58.6% from the field, 48.8% from three‑point range and a perfect 91.4% at the free‑throw line.
The outing secured him the 17U EYBL MVP award and cemented his status as the 11th‑ranked prospect in the 2027 class, a five‑star recruit whose skill set has drawn comparisons to the NBA’s next generation.
‘Cayden combines elite scoring with playmaking and defensive intensity,’ said Adam Finkelstein, Director of Basketball Scouting at CBS Sports, who has been tracking the player’s ascent since his breakout.
A Recruit Who Could Reshape Iowa’s Future
Iowa’s coaching staff, led by Ben McCollum, has positioned itself as a prime destination, having extended an offer in July 2025 and scheduling an official visit to Iowa City in September.
McCollum’s reputation for developing point guards adds weight to the pitch; his most recent success story, Bennett Stirtz, was selected 16th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Keller Daugherty, a four‑star forward, is currently the sole verbal commitment in Iowa’s 2027 class, but Daughtry’s potential arrival would mark a new high water mark for the program’s recruiting pedigree.
Since McCollum took over, Iowa has steadily improved its high‑school recruiting footprint, turning the Hawkeye State into a more attractive market for top talent across the nation.