By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

Drew Thelwell’s college career has been about winning.

Now the former Morehead State guard is going to be counted on to help Iowa get back to the NCAA Tournament.

Thelwell signed with the Hawkeyes on Wednesday to fill a hole in Iowa’s backcourt created by the departure of Tony Perkins. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

Thelwell was part of 91 victories at Morehead State – the most in program history.  He helped the Eagles to two Ohio Valley Conference regular-season titles and two postseason appearances, including an NCAA Tournament appearance this season.

“We are excited to welcome Drew to the Hawkeye family,” Iowa coach Fran McCaffery said.. “Drew has a complete skill set with exceptional passing abilities and most importantly, he’s a winner. He will be a tremendous fit for our program.”

Thelwell started all 68 games during his junior and senior seasons. He averaged a career-best 11.1 points and 2.8 assists as a junior, shooting 46.3 percent (133-of-287) from the floor and 38.1 percent (51-of-134) from 3-point range.  The Eagles won 22 games, claimed the OVC regular-season title and advanced to the NIT.

Thelwell averaged 10 points and 6.2 assists this season, leading the Eagles to a share of the OVC regular-season title and the conference tournament title.  Thelwell led the OVC in assists, assists per game, and assist-to-turnover ratio.

“I was looking for the right fit and with the Iowa coaches and overall program, I found it,” said Thelwell in a statement. “I wanted to find a family and a home away from home and I believe the University of Iowa is the perfect fit. 

“I am a player that likes to push the ball; Iowa’s system does that and allows you to play free. This is a dream come true for me. These are the opportunities you think about as a kid.”

Iowa lost Perkins and forward Patrick McCaffery in the NCAA transfer portal after this season, and guard Payton Sandfort has entered the NBA draft process while keeping his college eligibility. The Hawkeyes went 19-15, playing in the NIT after their four-year NCAA Tournament streak was ended.

Photo: Morehead State’s Drew Thelwell signed with Iowa on Wednesday. (Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire)