Iowa target Cayden Daughtry leads Florida Rebels to Peach Jam title
An elite point guard with Iowa on his offer list just delivered one of the most dominant performances in the history of high school basketball's biggest stage. Cayden Daughtry, a 6-foot scoring machine from Florida, led the Orlando-based Florida Rebels to the Nike EYBL Peach Jam Classic championship in July, cementing his status as a top national prospect.
The Rebels defeated Drive Nation of Texas 71-60 in the title game at North Augusta, South Carolina. Daughtry poured in 33 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out six assists in the final. That came after he averaged 34.8 points in five pool play games. For the entire tournament, he averaged 32.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 steals while shooting 58.6% from the field, 48.8% from three-point range and 91% from the free-throw line.
How does this affect Iowa basketball?
Daughtry, a Class of 2027 prospect, holds an offer from the University of Iowa along with UConn, Florida, Florida State, Kentucky, Miami and Louisville. He is currently ranked No. 3 nationally by 247Sports, behind only two other Floridians who play for Orlando's Southeastern Prep Academy: Beckham Black and CJ Rosser.
Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery and his staff have been aggressive in recruiting elite guards. Daughtry's skill set — elite ball-handling, deep shooting range and playmaking ability — would fit well in Iowa's up-tempo system. While he remains a long shot given the competition from blue-blood programs, the Hawkeyes' offer keeps them in the conversation for one of the most dynamic players in the country.
Peach Jam victory no fluke for Florida Rebels
The Rebels were the top team in the Elite Youth Basketball League regular season, averaging nearly 90 points while going 13-2. The Peach Jam title is only the third for a Florida-based squad in tournament history, and the second in three years. The Miami-based Nightrydas, led by twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer, won in 2024. The 2013 Each 1 Teach 1 team, featuring future NBA guards D'Angelo Russell and Grayson Allen, was the first Florida champion.
Steve Reece, head coach at Oak Ridge High School and director of the Florida Rebels program, was an assistant on that 2013 title team. He said this year's championship was especially meaningful.
“Winning the Peach Jam is the biggest honor in high school basketball,” Reece said. “These same guys lost in the final of the 16U age group last year. For them to come back and win it this year is what made it so special.”
Daughtry's rise despite lack of size
At 6 feet and 155 pounds, Daughtry does not fit the prototype of a modern NBA prospect. But 247Sports director of scouting Adam Finkelstein has called him the most skillful player in the country. Daughtry led Calvary Christian of Fort Lauderdale to the Florida Class 3A state championship and a national No. 2 ranking in March.
“He can do everything,” Reece said. “He's been in our program since fourth grade. Last year he played up with the 17s team.”
Daughtry's offer list also includes Iowa, which continues to recruit nationally under McCaffery. The Hawkeyes have had success developing guards, and Daughtry's ability to score at all three levels makes him a natural fit.
Other Florida standouts and Iowa connections
The Rebels' second-leading scorer, Oneal Delancey, averaged 16.8 points per game and has committed to Houston. Nijuan Harris averaged 14.8 points. Two Oak Ridge players, Maddox Harden and Bishop Wenze II, also played for the Florida Elite title team.
While Iowa did not have a direct connection to this year's Peach Jam champion, the tournament remains a key recruiting battleground for the Hawkeyes. McCaffery and his staff regularly evaluate talent at the event, which brings together the best high school players in the country.
What's next for Daughtry and Iowa recruiting
Daughtry is expected to take official visits during his junior season. Iowa will need to make a strong impression to stay competitive against programs like UConn, Kentucky and Florida. But the Hawkeyes' offer alone signals they are willing to compete for elite talent.
For Iowa fans, Daughtry's Peach Jam performance is a reminder that the program is in the mix for some of the best players in the nation. Whether he ultimately chooses Iowa or another school, his recruitment will be one to watch.