Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball: 3 Key Questions For Summer Workouts
The Iowa Hawkeyes are officially kicking off summer workouts following a thrilling Elite 8 run, but head coach Ben McCollum faces major roster questions in Year 2. Iowa must replace star guard Bennett Stirtz, integrate new transfer portal additions like Ty'Reek Coleman and Andrew McKeever, and blend in top freshmen including Mr. Iowa Basketball Jaidyn Coon.
How will the Hawkeyes replace Bennett Stirtz?
There may not have been a player in college basketball shouldering more weight than Bennett Stirtz did in his lone year with the Hawkeyes. That cannot be the formula this season. Iowa needs to spread the load around more evenly to compete in a grueling Big Ten schedule.
Ty'Reek Coleman came over via Illinois State in the transfer portal and figures to be the lead guard. However, it is unfair to ask him to shoulder that entire burden in his first year in the conference. Iowa has to get contributions from others.
Kael Combs, Isaia Howard, Tate Sage, and even freshman Jaidyn Coon may be asked to step up as a lead guard at times. The luxury Iowa has this year is depth. The real question is if this group as a whole can replace Stirtz's production.
Can Ben McCollum's new transfers and recruits mesh quickly?
This is where Ben McCollum earns the benefit of the doubt. Last year, he brought over players from Drake, transfer portal cast-outs, and what some viewed as leftovers, yet molded them into a quality Big Ten team. His system works.
This offseason, he brought in a true big man in Andrew McKeever from Saint Mary's. McKeever gives Iowa a big presence at the rim, which they lacked and were hurt by at times last year.
Ty'Reek Coleman will run the show as the lead guard. Expect McCollum to ask him to game-manage things within the system rather than put up 20 points each night.
Most exciting for Iowa fans are the arrivals of two four-star freshmen, Ethan Harris and Jaidyn Coon. Coon, the 2026 Mr. Iowa Basketball, brings local talent and hard work to the roster. At 6-foot-9, Harris is a lanky and versatile player who can play a wing role or slide into a traditional 4 if Iowa goes smaller.
What is the predicted starting five for Iowa basketball?
Predicting the starting lineup is like aiming at a high-speed moving target, but a traditional lineup in Ben McCollum's offense points to a clear core. Depending on the matchup, Iowa is sure to shuffle things, but the foundation appears set.
- PG: Ty'Reek Coleman
- SG: Tate Sage / Kael Combs
- SF: Cooper Koch
- PF: Cam Manyawu
- C: Andrew McKeever
Ty'Reek Coleman, Cam Manyawu, and Andrew McKeever seem likely to get big minutes this year. That gives Iowa its point guard and two bodies down low. The guards and wings get interesting from there.
Cooper Koch came alive down the stretch last year from the three-point line, and that confidence should carry over into 2026. The fourth and final spot could fluctuate. Kael Combs is a veteran and reliable, two things McCollum likes.
Alternatively, Tate Sage may provide Iowa with more length and athleticism against teams demanding that in the Big Ten. It is not a bad choice, just a matter of the matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball
Who is the new lead guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes?
Ty'Reek Coleman, a transfer from Illinois State, is expected to take over the lead guard role for the 2026-27 season.
Who was Mr. Iowa Basketball in 2026?
Jaidyn Coon, a four-star freshman guard, won the 2026 Mr. Iowa Basketball award and is joining the Hawkeyes this season.
Did the Iowa Hawkeyes make the Elite 8 last year?
Yes, the Iowa Hawkeyes reached the Elite 8 in the 2025-26 season under head coach Ben McCollum.