Iowa Basketball Eyes Encore After Stunning Elite Eight Run Under McCollum

Ben McCollum's inaugural year at the helm of the Iowa Hawkeyes transformed what was expected to be a rebuilding campaign into a historic one. With only one scholarship player returning from the previous season, McCollum orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, guiding the team to the NCAA Tournament's second weekend for the first time since 1999 and to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1987.

Third-year forward Cooper Koch, the lone returning scholarship player from the 2024-25 squad, remains a cornerstone for the Hawkeyes. After injuries sidelined him for most of the prior season, Koch started every game last year and solidified his role as a reliable anchor.

Cam Manyawu, who followed McCollum from Drake, also started all games and provided an interior presence for a team that often lacked size. Tate Sage, an unheralded freshman last season, gradually developed into a key rotation player, highlighted by a 19-point performance in Iowa's victory over Nebraska in the South Regional semifinal.

However, the Hawkeyes must cope with the departure of All-American guard Bennett Stirtz, the team's leading scorer, who left for the NBA. McCollum often described Stirtz as the gravity of the team. Also gone are Alvaro Folgueiras, who transferred to Louisville and delivered crucial baskets in the NCAA Tournament but was inconsistent, and Tavion Banks, the second-leading scorer, along with guard Brendan Hausen.

To address the void, McCollum dipped into the transfer portal and secured 7-foot-3 Andrew McKeever from Saint Mary's, a 300-pound center who brings the size Iowa lacked last season. TyReek Coleman, a second-year guard from Illinois State, is competing for the starting point guard position. First-year guard Ethan Harris and guard/forward Jaidyn Coon will also vie for playing time.

Key Analysis

The Hawkeyes' non-conference schedule features a challenging slate. Iowa's only home game against a ranked non-conference opponent is against Iowa State on Dec. 10. The team will face Creighton on Nov. 15 and Alabama on Dec. 21 in neutral-court matchups in Des Moines, and will play Virginia Tech in Sioux City, Iowa, on Nov. 10. Additionally, Iowa travels to Xavier on Nov. 20. The Big Ten opener is set for Dec. 1 at Purdue.

Forward Trey Thompson, who reclassified before last season to join the Hawkeyes and sat out the year, could be a key contributor off the bench. Thompson, who didn't turn 18 until last December, adds depth to the frontcourt. McCollum's son, Peyton, also sat out last season in his first year with the program. McKeever, at 7-foot-3, is the tallest player in program history.

Originally reported by yourvalley_net.