It was a shock, no doubt – Bo Bassett deciding to walk away from a program that his idol had graced. To emulate Spencer Lee would have been an NCAA highlight for him and a legacy for the Hawkeyes to behold. But that dream was cut short on June 22 when Bassett emphasized divine guidance to help him start a new journey after decommitting from Iowa. “This is about finding the place God wants me to be,” wrote Bassett in his Instagram statement. But his brother, on the other hand, has rather tangible reasons that may have led the 2024 U20 bronze medalist to take the drastic step.

Apparently, Bo Bassett hasn’t been treated the way a #2 National Prospect should be. On June 23, Pat Mineo of The Wrestling Room shared a screenshot on X, which was Bassett’s brother, Keegan Bassett’s reply to the Instagram post in which his brother announced his decommitment from Iowa wrestling. “All we wanted is what every other top program has done for their commits. We didn’t want anything special or fancy but simply just what every other college offered to their guys that were committed.”

This is a twist in the tale, isn’t it? Clearly, the Bassett family is implying there have been some deficiencies from the Hawkeyes, which made them lose a huge Title prospect. When did the cracks in the relationship develop? Because just a few months ago, Bassett was stoked about his upcoming collegiate journey. He was getting ready for his World Team Trials and raring to get going for the Hawkeyes.

“I can’t even imagine that first runout in Carver-Hawkeye (Arena), but I’m excited for it. I think about it a lot,” Bo Bassett said to Hawk Central in April. And he was motivated too to lift the Program. “Let’s get back to that top spot and let’s keep putting titles together”. With only 1 NCAA individual title in 2025 and a 4th place finish, Iowa did have a disappointing end to their campaign.

But with Bassett, things could have changed. But what didn’t they do, which his brother says, Iowa should have? Is it scholarship-related? Better career opportunities? Keegan Bassett mentioned that basic demands are not being met. Whatever it is, for the University of Iowa, it is a major setback. Because not only are they losing a prospect who could help them improve on their standings, there is also the risk that Bo Bassett strengthens a Championship rival, like Penn State or the Cowboys.

As for the problems that Bo Bassett’s brother is seemingly implying, it looks like the Hawkeyes ended up upsetting more members of the Bassett family.

More family issues in the Bo Bassett de-commitment saga

When the initial announcement came out, people were surprised by the decision. But there was also the note he added with his Instagram post. “After a lot of prayer and talking with my family, I’ve decided to decommit from the University of Iowa. This wasn’t easy, but I believe it’s not the right fit for me as a wrestler, a person, or for my faith journey.”

Faith has always played a huge role in Bassett’s life. Graduating from Bishop McCort Catholic High School, the 3-time Ironman Champion always believes in a higher power guiding him through his journey. But soon enough, Pat Mineo, the founder of The Wrestling Room, dropped the headline update on X. The de-commitment may not be as simple as it seemed.

His post read, “Imagine calling up the mother of the #1 recruit in the nation who committed to your school and telling her off? I imagine most head coaches know not to do that…” And then Mineo gave more scoop on the issues brewing under the surface. A user asked in the comment section if the argument took place before or after the initial commitment. Mineo replied, “Before and contributing to…”

Iowa reportedly denied travel expenditures to Bo Bassett because of NCAA regulations, and that started it all. Then, the Bassett family hoped Iowa would let Bassett’s brother, Melvin Miller, train at the Hawkeyes Wrestling Club. It’s something that other programs allow as a way to convince star wrestlers to join their program. But Iowa head coach Tom Brands turned this request down.

As you can understand, the Bassett family has felt neglected. In fact, a renowned coach has sided with the Bassetts completely. Do you think the Hawkeyes were right in their actions? Let us know your thoughts!