News Summary

Cedar Falls High School senior William Gerdes has announced his commitment to play basketball at the University of Northern Iowa. Gerdes, a 6-foot-8 powerhouse, has had an outstanding season, averaging 16.5 points per game and leading his team to the state semifinals. Despite offers from other schools, he chose to stay local at UNI, where he will join fellow classmates. With a solid career record from Coach Ben Jacobson, Gerdes looks forward to contributing to the Panthers’ legacy.

Cedar Falls Buzzing with Excitement as William Gerdes Commits to UNI

In an exciting turn of events, Cedar Falls High School’s very own senior star, William Gerdes, has made a decision that has fans buzzing with excitement—he’s committing to play college basketball at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). This hometown hero announced his commitment recently on social media, declaring his intent to “stay home.” Such a heartfelt commitment is music to the ears of Panthers fans eager to see homegrown talent shine on the collegiate stage.

All About the Player

Standing at an impressive 6-foot-8 and weighing 195 pounds, Gerdes has been a powerhouse on the court. Last season, he not only led Cedar Falls to a remarkable 22-3 record but also guided his team to the Class 4A state semifinals, showcasing his skills against some tough competition. Although Cedar Falls faced a tough loss against Waukee Northwest in the semifinals, Gerdes’s performance throughout the season spoke volumes about his potential as an athlete.

Throughout the season, he racked up an impressive 16.5 points per game along with an average of five rebounds. His shooting accuracy has been nothing short of astounding—Gerdes hit an incredible 66% of his shots from the field, a staggering 73% from the free throw line, and nearly 45% from the 3-point range. These stats certainly illustrate why he was on the radar of several collegiate basketball programs.

Recruitment Journey

Before deciding to stay local, Gerdes had other offers from schools including Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Youngstown State, and Bryant. However, it was UNI and their head coach, Ben Jacobson, who showed strong interest in Gerdes, having offered him in June 2024. This connection likely played a crucial role in Gerdes’s decision to don the Panther colors for the next chapter of his athletic career.

A Fresh Start with Classmates

Fans can expect an exciting dynamic on the court as Gerdes will not be stepping into this journey alone. He will be joined by his classmates, Leyton Wolf and Jaydon Kimbrough, creating a formidable trio for UNI. The chemistry they’ve built during their high school careers is sure to translate into some captivating college basketball.

Summer Grind and Future Aspirations

This past summer, Gerdes didn’t take a break; instead, he played for Murray Elite on the national basketball circuit, further honing his skills and preparing for the challenges of college-level basketball. With UNI’s history of success, making it to the NCAA Division I Tournament eight times (and reaching the Sweet 16 back in 2010), it’s clear that Gerdes is stepping into a program with a proud legacy.

The Road Ahead

Coach Jacobson, who has been with UNI since 2006 and boasts a career record of 374-246, has proven himself as a solid leader and mentor for young athletes. His track record provides a strong foundation for Gerdes and his teammates to develop their game and pursue their aspirations on the court.

As Cedar Falls gets ready to watch their local hero take his talents to the next level, the excitement in the community is palpable. Fans are certain that Gerdes will not only make a mark for himself but will also bring pride to his hometown. Here’s to a future filled with hoops, high-fives, and unforgettable moments for William Gerdes and the UNI Panthers!

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