Some people are just born with talent. For a select few, it is creating comforting music with just the sound of their voice. For others, it’s the ability to understand advanced quantitative chemical analysis. For Glen Worley, it is his natural ability to shoot a basketball.

Born into a world of basketball, Worley has ate, slept and lived the sport he loves from an early age. From his roots in Iowa to the continent of Europe and then back to his home state, basketball is the foundation of Worley’s world.

Born in Coralville, Iowa, Worley picked up basketball at an early age. Although he played baseball and football as a young child, by the time he hit junior high Worley was focused on only one sport: basketball.

His game progressed as he made his way to Iowa City West prep high school. It was here where Worley would begin his impressive basketball resumé. As a four-year starter, Worley led West to three state tournament appearances and a four-year record of 80-11, including four straight Mississippi Valley Conference championships.

Worley’s free throw after time expired earned West the Class 4A state title his sophomore season as he scored 19 points in that championship game. When he finished his final two years of high school, Worley continued to build his name in the world of high school basketball. Worley was named Player of the Year in Iowa by USA Today, named Iowa’s Mr. Basketball as a senior by the Iowa Newspaper Association and was also named Iowa’s Player of the Year by Gatorade.

Worley did not let all this hoopla go to his head. He kept working hard and maintained his focus, thanks in part to guidance from his father, who had also been a basketball player.

“I know my dad had been through it all before,” Worley said. “I know I can always look up to him for things.”

Worley continued his impressive basketball career, traveling to Russia to represent the United States in the World Youth Games. Worley helped lead the team to a Gold medal, and, more importantly, got some valuable basketball experience.

“Russia was a very good experience,” Worley said. “I got to play with some future college and NBA players.”

Finally it was time for Mr. Basketball to emerge onto the college basketball scene, and like his father before him, Worley chose to attend the University of Iowa. While Worley does acknowledge that he followed in his father’s footsteps, he’s more primed on creating a name for himself.

“I admire what my father did,” Worley said. “But I’m ready to focus on my game at Iowa.”

Worley has come into his own this season, scoring 11.8 points and grabbing 5.3 rebounds per game for the Hawkeyes. His season highlight came when he scored 29 points in a huge win early in the season over Michigan State.

With his true love for the game, Worley understands he still needs to improve, and is willing to work hard at his game to attain his goals. Whatever the future may hold, basketball will unquestionably be part of his life.

“If I don’t end up playing basketball,” Worley said. “Then I’ll definitely be coaching.”