RON MALY HAS BEEN WATCHING THE PARADE GO BY FOR A LONG TIME. THIS IS ONE OF HIS WEBSITES.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Darius Stokes Says Iowa Scholarship 'A Dream Come True'


Iowa basketball coach Fran McCaffery said  junior Darius Stokes, who has been a walkon the past three seasons, has been rewarded with a scholarship.

“Darius is an incredibly hard worker who brings energy and enthusiasm on a daily basis,” said McCaffery.  “It’s rewarding to see his growth and improvement since his freshman year.  Darius is a valuable member of this team and has earned this scholarship.”

The 6-foot-7 forward from Cedar Rapids has been a key member of Iowa’s scout team his first three seasons, while also playing in 24 games the past two years.

This is a dream come true,” said Stokes. “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. Coach McCaffery has always believed in me and pushed me in every practice. Having the opportunity to be part of this team as a walk-on and now earning a scholarship after working hard every day is an amazing feeling.

“There's no other place i would rather be. We have a tremendous coaching staff and I have the best teammates anybody could ask for. I look forward to continued improvement and the challenges ahead.”

Stokes is the son of Greg Stokes, who was a three-time all-Big Ten performer for the Hawkeyes from 1983-85.  Stokes’ sister, Kiah, is a junior on the Connecticut women’s basketball team.

Iowa now has 13 scholarship student-athletes on its 2013-14 roster.

--Matt Weitzel,, Iowa sports information