As the Hawkeyes prepare for the 2026‑27 campaign, the conversation in Iowa City has moved beyond roster size and into the realm of precise skill work. Coach Ben McCollum has repeatedly emphasized that the team’s next leap will be built on incremental gains rather than wholesale changes.
Player Development Takes Center Stage
Tavion Banks epitomizes that approach. After a sophomore season in which his three‑point percentage languished at 21.1, the senior turned the tide, shooting 44.2 percent from beyond the arc in the following year. The surge not only revived his offensive threat but also illustrated how targeted work can rewrite a player’s trajectory.
Not every story shows such a clear upward curve. Cam Manyawu, who began the season with a promising free‑throw rhythm, saw his accuracy dip to 57.5 percent by year’s end. The decline has placed a premium on his offseason work at the line, where consistency could reopen the doors to greater offensive freedom.
Defensive and Guard Emphasis
Defensive reliability remains a cornerstone of McCollum’s system, and Trevin Jirak’s development will be measured against that standard. The sophomore’s athleticism offers a foundation, but the coaching staff wants to see him translate that into tighter on‑ball pressure and better help‑side rotations.
At the point, Tate Sage brings a blend of poise and playmaking that could fill the void left by Bennett Stirtz. His ability to read defenses and distribute the ball makes him a candidate to shoulder more of the creative load, especially in transition.
Isaia Howard’s three‑point efficiency also felt a setback, sliding from 31.1 percent to 28.1 percent last year. The sophomore forward recognizes the need to reclaim that shooting touch, knowing that even modest improvements could stretch the Hawkeyes’ offensive ceiling.
Depth and Outlook
Beyond the headline names, depth pieces such as Trey Thompson, Kael Combs, Ty’Reek Coleman and Peyton McCollum are also slated for focused development. Their contributions may not dominate the stat sheet, but the staff believes they can provide the glue that holds a competitive Big Ten lineup together.
The overarching narrative for Iowa is one of measured progress. By honing specific weaknesses — whether it’s shooting consistency, defensive discipline, or playmaking clarity — the program aims to transform potential into performance. If the offseason work translates into on‑court execution, the Hawkeyes could emerge as a formidable force when the new season tips off.