IOWA CITY, Iowa – Redshirt sophomore Jack Nunge has notified head coach Fran McCaffery of his intentions to transfer from the University of Iowa and the men’s basketball program.

“After long consideration, I have made the difficult decision to transfer following this semester,” said Nunge. “This has been an incredibly emotional and difficult year for me and my family. I want to transfer to a school closer to home so I can be near my mother and siblings. I have nothing but fond memories of the University of Iowa, my teammates, coaches and fans these past four years. I sincerely appreciate Hawkeye Nation’s overwhelming support during my time in Iowa City. I wish my teammates the best of luck in the future and appreciate everything the University of Iowa has done for me.”

Nearly 12 months after sustaining the first of two season-ending knee injuries, Nunge’s father (Dr. Mark Nunge) passed away unexpectedly at the age of 53 on Nov. 28, 2020. Nunge sustained a torn ACL on his right knee on Nov. 24, 2019, versus Cal Poly. He suffered a torn meniscus of the same knee in Iowa’s road game at Michigan on Feb. 25, 2021.

“Jack and I had a heartfelt meeting today,” said McCaffery. “No person should ever have to go through what Jack has endured the last 16 months and my heart aches for him. Jack expressed his desire to continue his education and complete his eligibility at a school closer to his family. My staff and I fully support his decision and will help every way possible with his transition. Jack is beloved and respected by everyone in our program and has been a valuable teammate the past four years.”

Nunge was the team’s leading scorer (7.1) and rebounder (5.3) off the bench in 22 games played in 2020-21. He started 19-of-60 games as a Hawkeye, averaging 6.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 0.5 steals.

DES MOINES (March 30, 2021) – The 2021 Drake Relays will welcome spectators, one year following postponement due to the global pandemic. Strict COVID-19 protocols including socially distanced seating and mask mandate, will be enforced during the 111th edition of America’s Athletic Classic, to be held April 22-24, 2021, at Drake Stadium. Ticket holders who deferred or donated their 2020 tickets will receive notice via email of their seating options beginning Tuesday, April 6. Ticket packages and single-session tickets will then go on sale via email offer to previous all-session and single session ticket holders beginning Tuesday, April 13, followed by remaining tickets becoming available for purchase by the public.

The 2021 Drake Relays will feature an elite division, university division, college division, high school division, and a 4×100 meter relay event for middle schools. Notably, the World Athletics Continental Tour has designated the Drake Relays a Silver Level event, one of only two meets in the United States to earn such status. That means the Drake Relays are a critical stop for athletes beginning their quest to qualify for the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo. 

“This will truly be a historic meet for competitors, coaches and Relays fans alike,” said Blake Boldon, Franklin “Pitch” Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. “We are thrilled to be bringing world-class talent to Iowa and hosting one of the biggest and most competitive outdoor track meets since the onset of COVID-19. I’m equally proud of the many staff and volunteers who are working diligently to make it possible for spectators to attend, and to do so safely.”   

Relays fans should note that: 

• High school wheelchair athletes will compete in the Drake Relays for the first time ever. In partnership with Adaptive Sports Iowa, the Relays will feature a 400-meter coed race for these inspiring student-athletes.
• Competitors in the USATF 1-Mile Road Championships will compete for $15,000 in prize money on April 21, starting at Painted Street on Drake’s campus and finishing on the Blue Oval inside Drake Stadium.
• The Drake Road Races will offer both in-person and virtual options for participation, for the first time in Drake Relays history.  Registration for the in-person event will close on Friday, April 9.

For an early look at the meet schedule and for the 2021 Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom, click here.