The Upper Iowa University men's basketball program, pioneered by Head Coach
Casey Kasperbauer, has officially welcomed eight new student-athletes to the roster for the 2025–26 season. The group includes a blend of high school talent and college experience, with three freshmen, three junior college transfers, and two Division I transfers.
"I first want to thank the returners that showed their commitment to Upper Iowa by deciding to stay here," said Kasperbauer. "It speaks to the outstanding culture that already exists when so many people made the decision to come back. These individuals will be leaned on heavily throughout the season, and I can't say enough about the character of our returning players."
"Our staff did an outstanding job recruiting prospects with a winning background," noted Kasperbauer. "We wanted to prioritize unselfish and competitive people who are coming to us with a chip on their shoulder. I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity to coach all eight of our new signees. They each bring a unique skillset that will blend perfectly with our system, but more importantly, will be tremendous ambassadors on campus and in the community."
Incoming Freshmen
Josiah Minikwu | Postville HS (Iowa)
Minikwu stuffed the stat sheet as a senior at Postville High School, averaging 20.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
"Josiah is a do-it-all guard with great positional size on the perimeter and an ability to guard multiple positions," said Kasperbauer.
Cael Reichter | North Fayette Valley HS (Iowa)
Reichter comes to UIU after his standout career down the road at North Fayette Valley HS. He led his team with 29.4 points and 15.8 rebounds per game while leading the squad to an undefeated regular season and a 23-1 overall record.
"At 6'8", Cael has guard skills and can create on the perimeter against bigger defenders," noted Kasperbauer. "He is a two-way player that is very good at altering shots defensively and making the correct reads on the offensive end."
Trey Wright | Linn-Mar HS (Iowa)
A four-time varsity letter winner and two-time all-conference selection, Wright helped lead Linn-Mar to a 25-win season and a trip to the state tournament as the #2-seed. He was a key contributor on a team that reached the state semifinals and finished second in assists.
"First and foremost, Trey is a winner, leading his team to over 20 wins as a senior," said Kasperbauer. "He has the ability to play on and off the ball and will make you pay with his catch and shoot ability."
JUCO Transfers
Zach Erwin | Kirkwood CC | Camanche, Iowa
Erwin played a pivotal role in helping Kirkwood to a 33-3 record and an NJCAA Division II National Championship, averaging 7.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
"Zach is tough and skilled and comes from the best DII Junior College in the country in Kirkwood CC," noted Kasperbauer.. "He is fearless when he's between the lines, and we will lean on his leadership and competitive spirit all season. He's a 'jack of all trades' and his versatility will be needed in a big way."
Ashton Hermann | Iowa Lakes CC | Drury University | Huxley, Iowa
Hermann led Iowa Lakes last season with 14.5 points per game and 4.7 rebounds en route to earning Second Team All-Region honors. He began his college career at Drury and attended Ballard High School (Iowa).
"Ashton is a big guard who can play and defend multiple positions," said Kasperbauer. "He has a high skill level and a knack for scoring."
Tate Petersen | Kirkwood CC | Monticello, Iowa
Petersen was a key contributor to Kirkwood's national title run and 33-3 overall record, averaging 10.5 points per game, which ranked second on the team in scoring.
"Tate is a very competitive player who is coming from the best DII Junior College in the country, said Kasperbauer. "He is a hard-nosed player who will do whatever it takes to help his team win. He's a high IQ player who makes the right play every time down the floor."
Division I Transfers
Eric Kenesie | University at Buffalo | Kenosha, Wisconsin
Kenesie redshirted at Buffalo this past season after a decorated high school career at Kenosha St. Joseph, where he led his team to the state tournament and scored 51 points in the state semifinal. He was an All-State selection junior and senior season; all conference junior and senior season; defensive player of the year his senior season; and was named three-sport athlete of the year his senior season.
"Eric is a multi-sport athlete, and like many of our other players, he will do whatever you ask of him to win," noted Kasperbauer. "Defensively, he can change a game with his on-the-ball activity. Offensively, he is great at getting in the paint and has an extremely high basketball IQ."
Trey Lewis | Florida A&M | DMACC | Drury | Johnston, Iowa
Lewis brings a wealth of college experience, including a season at Drury in 2022-23, followed by one season at DMACC in 2023-24 where he posted 14.5 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. Most recently, he was at Florida A&M University where he started three contests.
"Trey Lewis is a seasoned vet with a chip on his shoulder," said Kasperbauer. "He's a gym rat and an outstanding leader. He has great vision and is a knock-down shooter, as well."
