Ben McCollum has quickly turned Iowa’s basketball program into a magnet for top talent, a trend that has been evident in the string of commitments the Hawkeyes have secured over the past year.
The latest development saw the coach extend a scholarship to Bentley Lusakueno, a five‑star center hailing from Georgia who is already listed as the seventh‑best prospect in the 2028 class by 247Sports.
A Recruiting Landscape in Flux
Lusakueno’s résumé includes stints on the 2025 USA Men’s U16 National Team and a recent appearance as a finalist for the 2026 USA Men’s U17 squad, underscoring his national reputation.
The Georgia prospect has also attracted offers from a cluster of elite programs, including Florida State, Georgia, Miami and Oregon, creating a competitive tableau that could decide his ultimate destination.
For Iowa, landing Lusakueno would not only reinforce the program’s upward trajectory but also signal that McCollum can match the recruiting clout of traditional powerhouses.
If the Hawkeyes can convert this interest into a binding commitment, the ripple effect could reshape the recruiting landscape in the Big Ten, prompting rivals to reassess their own strategies.