Ben Jacobson and company bolstered the future with a solid in-state addition.
James Betz, a 6-foot-7 forward from Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, announced his Northern Iowa commitment Thursday via Twitter, giving the Panthers their first 2019 recruit.
“I am excited to commit to play basketball for Coach Ben Jacobson and the UNI Panthers!” Betz wrote in his announcement. “Many thanks to my parents and countless others who have invested in my life. They have helped me develop as (a) young man and look at me as more than just a basketball player.
“My desire is to keep growing in my walk with Jesus Christ and as a basketball player, I truly believe that God’s next step for me is at UNI!