Laketa’s work pays off as former Hanover-Horton star earns walk-on chance at Iowa
CONCORD, Mich. (BVM) — Luc Laketa will be a Division I, Power 5 college basketball player with the Iowa Hawkeyes. But his journey there was certainly different than most.
While where Laketa would play college basketball was in question for a while, the fact that he would have a career in the sport was never in doubt. Born into the game, Laketa initially grew up in Charlotte, N.C., as his dad, Parker, was a basketball coach there.
But before long, Parker got a job in Michigan, leading Luc to his true childhood home. At the same time that he was coaching, Parker also had an opportunity to introduce the game to his son.
“I really understand the game of basketball by how my dad taught me,” Luc said. “Overall in basketball, my idol is my dad. He’s shown me the way since I started playing and at any moment he’s trying to teach me things and get me to learn the right way to play. He’s really been my rock throughout my basketball career.”
A former college player at Kansas State, Parker has plenty of valuable knowledge to pass on. However, Luc is not the only member of the Laketa family who grew a quick love for the hardwood thanks to his dad. His brother, Rhett, also grew up playing the game and will soon suit up for North Central College in Illinois.
“Playing with Rhett, we just know we have a great IQ of the game,” Luc said. “Growing up with him was always a blessing. We just clicked on the court and it seemed like we always had control of the game. Our relationship is great. I respect him going to North Central and we’re only three hours away from each other so I’m sure we’ll see each other a lot through the years.”
Playing locally growing up, Luc and Rhett gained valuable experience by often competing up in age. They were also able to play school and AAU ball with Hanover-Horton Basketball Club alongside the same teammates.
“Even though we might lose a couple games playing up, we knew we were getting better,” Luc explained. “That’s where I really learned to love the game, through the competitiveness of it all. Growing up it was always about learning, not about winning, but learning how to play and play the right way.”
Luc carried what he gained from his youth into his high school career at Hanover-Horton. After a couple solid years as a freshman and sophomore, Luc and the Comets took off during his junior season. One of the biggest highlights was a trip to play Ypsilanti Lincoln — a team that then featured phenom Emoni Bates — and coming out victorious.
“We went over to their gym and we beat them which was awesome,” Luc said.
However, the Comets suffered an upset loss right before the state finals. During his senior season, Luc came back strong, averaging 15 points and five rebounds per game while shooting 60% from the field and 45% from three-point range.
Hanover-Horton was not able to finish off its campaign the way it wanted yet again, though, this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only was it a heartbreaking finish to the season, but it also greatly affected recruiting for Luc and others on the team.
“It really hurt our chances of getting recruited,” he said. “That’s when me and my brother went over to Massachusetts to play at a prep school for a year. Everything that happened has always been a learning curve, but I’m really blessed the way it turned out. I wouldn’t want to change it other than having my senior year state tournament.”
With recruiting struggles continuing, Luc and Rhett moved out to Massachusetts to play prep basketball at The Winchendon School. The recommendation to do so was given by a good friend their dad made while coaching as an assistant at Notre Dame: Fran McCaffery.
“My dad and Fran were always great buddies at Notre Dame,” Luc said. “After my high school career, I went on to go to prep school and it was actually a school recommended by Fran. I needed to find some recruitment and going out east was the way.”
While Luc was prepared to display his talents, the pandemic yet again came into play. He only got to compete in six games at Winchendon, but was still able to focus on improving himself in every way.
“Mostly, the year was focusing on myself and how I can get better,” Luc added. “The way that everything happened and worked out was a blessing really. The prep level is no joke, it’s fast and it’s tough. It was great to go over there and see a different style of play; just a great opportunity.”
With recruiting still in flux, Laketa continued to have Division II and III opportunities. Yet, he strived to play Division I Power 5 college basketball, and in the end, it ended up being McCaffery who came through.
“Throughout the year last year, it was tough because I didn’t know what was going to happen,” Luc said. “But any time there’s a low there’s always a high. I knew I was going to play college basketball but I didn’t know where.”
Luc was considering a walk-on opportunity at Delaware. But soon, McCaffery ended up calling Luc’s coach at Winchendon, and eventually extended an offer to the basketball standout.
“He gave me a good word to Fran and that’s when he offered me a walk-on spot,” Luc said. “When Fran offered me that walk-on spot at Iowa, I couldn’t turn it down.”
So grateful for this new beginning! Thankful for all of my teammates, coaches, family, and friends who have supported me throughout this process.🙌 https://t.co/x2aYdFNivr
— Luc Laketa (@LaketaLuc) May 13, 2021
The 19-year-old now has a chance to live out his dream as a Division I college basketball player in the Big Ten. Luc has already been with Iowa for a few weeks now, and continues to learn new things everyday.
“The summer has been great,” Luc said. “The practices are awesome. There are a lot of learning curves because the Big Ten is no joke. Each day I’m learning, but as a walk-on I also know my role. I also tell myself that for me, practices are my games. I bring it everyday to help get the older guys mentally ready and get them pumped up for another summer day working in the gym. I can’t wait to get into the season.”
For any walk-on, eventually being able to take the floor and get minutes is the initial goal, and that’s no different for Luc.
“My goal is to play and contribute to the team,” Luc said. “It really comes down to myself and how bad do I want it. My goal is to play here for four to five years, get some playing time and get my team to win.”
Post-college, Luc hopes to continue playing in some capacity. But for now, his focus is on doing everything he can for the Hawkeyes. His journey to Iowa may not have been the easiest path, but he is proud of what he has gone through, and knows his story can serve as motivation.
“My story is crazy,” Luc concluded. “Everyday you have to work hard and just know that every time there is a low, there’s a high. Growing up in Concord, Mich., it’s a very small town and not many players go DI. I just want to encourage people in small towns that you can work hard and get that spot. It really comes down to where you want to be and where you want to go and you have to work towards that everyday.”
