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Late rapper Juice WRLD's cousin Navon Shabazz commits to Fran McCaffery's Hawkeyes
Navon Shabazz, a 2026 three-star combo guard and cousin of the late rapper Juice WRLD, has decided to continue his basketball career under the guidance of head coach Fran McCaffery. Shabazz made his commitment official on Monday, following an unofficial visit to Iowa’s campus this past Friday.
Navon said that Iowa’s coaching staff played a significant role in his decision, citing their consistent communication and vision for his growth.
“Because it’s close to home and I grew up around a lot of Hawkeye fans,” he said. "Just them staying consistent throughout the process and checking in regularly.”
When describing his playing style, Shabazz emphasized his versatility.
“I would describe myself as a two-way, three-level scorer that can playmake.”
For Iowa fans, he promised an exciting future:
“A message I have for the fans is that I’ll (be) able to contribute into a deeper tournament run.”
Currently preparing for his junior season, Shabazz recently transferred to Iowa United Prep School in Des Moines, which is entering its inaugural year.
Former Hawkeye Dean Oliver leads the school’s basketball program. Though he remains unranked by the 247Sports Composite and the state of Iowa, Rivals rates Shabazz as a three-star prospect.
Fran McCaffery's Iowa wins local recruiting battle for 2026 guard Navon Shabazz
Navon Shabazz, a 2026 combo guard from Davenport, Iowa, drew attention from several power-conference schools before ultimately committing to the Iowa Hawkeyes.
His power-conference offers included Wake Forest and Iowa State, with Iowa being the final school to extend an offer in February 2024. Additionally, Shabazz received interest from mid-major programs like Siena, Southern Mississippi and Bryant.
As a sophomore, Navon Shabazz played a crucial role in Assumption’s run to a Class 3A state championship. He recorded an average of 14.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 34% from three-point range.
In the state championship game against Waverly-Shell Rock, Shabazz scored 16 points and stepped up in the clutch to secure a 46-45 victory.
Iowa’s head coach, Fran McCaffery, has had success keeping local talent in the state. Players like the Murray brothers and current roster members Payton Sandfort, Josh Dix and Pryce Sandfort all hail from Iowa.
As per Evan Massey of SI:
"All of that being said, this is a major win for the Hawkeyes. He was a very big target for the program and they were able to get the job done."
Shabazz is the latest addition to this growing trend. He is also the first recruit for Iowa’s 2026 class and the first high school scholarship prospect to commit since Chris Tadjo in September 2023.
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