Iowa head coach Ben McCollum is entering his second full season with the Hawkeyes, and already the buzz around the program is unmistakable.
A Roster Built for Balance
McCollum repeatedly stresses that the team feels strong for about 35 minutes of a game, but the real test will be those final five minutes. The coaching staff is fine‑tuning that stretch, a task made easier by the departure of former NBA draft prospect Bennett Stirtz, whose role is now being shared among several emerging options.
The roster boasts improved shooting and length, with sharpshooters Cooper Koch and versatile wing Tate Sage leading the way. Both have shown confidence on the court and leadership off it, giving the squad a dynamic offensive punch.
Depth is a central theme. McCollum notes that four or five players can step up in clutch moments, and the point guard position offers two solid choices in Kael Combs and Ty'Reek Coleman. At center, second‑year big man Trevin Jirak has surprised in recent practices, providing a reliable interior presence.
Fresh Faces and Future Vision
Freshman Ethan Harris, a newcomer from Camas, Washington, embodies the program’s vision of blending skill with character. Alongside him, other newcomers such as Andrew McKeever, Peyton McCollum, Isaia Howard, Cam Manyawu, Brendan Hausen, Hank Brown, Jeremy Hecklinski and Trey Thompson are all vying for rotation spots, creating a healthy competition that should elevate the team’s overall performance.
McCollum remains optimistic about the Hawkeyes’ potential, looking forward to watching the squad develop throughout the season. He believes the combination of shooting, length, and balanced contributions will keep Iowa competitive in the tough Big Ten landscape.