Iowa Hoops Faces 3 Key Questions Ahead of Summer Workouts
The Iowa Hawkeyes are riding high after a thrilling Elite 8 run in the 2025-26 season, but the work is far from over. Head coach Ben McCollum is kicking off summer workouts with a revamped roster, entering Year 2 of a new era with expectations soaring across the state. The buzz in Iowa City is real, but significant questions remain. The Hawkeyes have gaps to fill, new players to blend, and a starting lineup that is still very much up in the air.
How Do the Hawkeyes Replace Bennett Stirtz?
There may not have been a player in college basketball carrying a heavier load than Bennett Stirtz did during his lone season with Iowa. That kind of burden cannot fall on one set of shoulders again this year. The Hawkeyes need to distribute the weight more evenly across the roster if they want to survive the Big Ten grind.
Ty'Reek Coleman arrived from Illinois State via the transfer portal and is expected to take the reins as the lead guard. However, asking him to shoulder the entire offensive load in his first season in the conference would be a mistake. Iowa needs contributions from across the backcourt.
Players like Kael Combs, Isaia Howard, Tate Sage, and even freshman Jaidyn Coon could be called upon to step into lead guard duties at various points. The advantage Iowa has this season is depth. The real question is whether this group, working together, can replace the production Iowa lost when Stirtz moved on.
Can the New Transfers and Freshmen Contribute Immediately?
This is where McCollum has earned the benefit of the doubt. Last year, he took transfers from Drake, portal cast-offs, and players other programs overlooked, then molded them into a legitimate Big Ten contender. His track record of developing talent speaks for itself.
This offseason, McCollum addressed a clear weakness by bringing in Andrew McKeever from Saint Mary's. McKeever gives Iowa a true big man and a physical presence at the rim, something the Hawkeyes lacked and were punished for at times last season.
Ty'Reek Coleman, as mentioned, will run the point. McCollum is unlikely to demand 20 points per night from him. Instead, expect Coleman to be asked to manage the game and run the system efficiently, which plays to McCollum's coaching strengths.
The freshman class brings serious firepower. Ethan Harris, a four-star recruit, stands at 6-foot-9 and brings versatility. He can play on the wing or slide into a traditional power forward spot when Iowa goes to a smaller lineup. Jaidyn Coon, the 2026 Mr. Iowa Basketball, is another four-star addition who chose to stay home. Keeping the state's top talent in Iowa City is a massive win for the program and a sign that the McCollum era is building real momentum locally.
What Will Iowa's Starting Five Look Like?
Predicting a starting lineup in June is like aiming at a moving target, but based on the current roster, a traditional lineup under McCollum seems likely:
- Point Guard: Ty'Reek Coleman
- Shooting Guard: Tate Sage or Kael Combs
- Small Forward: Cooper Koch
- Power Forward: Cam Manyawu
- Center: Andrew McKeever
Coleman, Manyawu, and McKeever appear to be locks for significant minutes. That gives Iowa its floor general and two physical bodies down low. The guard and wing rotations are where things get interesting.
Cooper Koch found his stroke from beyond the arc late last season, and that confidence should carry into the new campaign. The final starting spot could fluctuate based on matchups. Kael Combs offers veteran reliability, a trait McCollum values. Alternatively, Tate Sage provides length and athleticism, which will be critical against the bigger, faster teams in the Big Ten. Both are solid options, and the decision may simply come down to the opponent on any given night.
Can Iowa Build on Last Season's Elite 8 Run?
The short answer is yes, but it will require the new pieces to come together quickly. McCollum has already proven he can get the most out of his roster. Keeping Mr. Iowa Basketball home and adding proven talent through the portal shows the program is moving in the right direction. If the Hawkeyes can replace Stirtz's production by committee and get immediate impact from the freshman class, Iowa has the depth and coaching to make another deep postseason run.
FAQ
Who did Iowa basketball lose from last season's Elite 8 team?
The biggest loss is Bennett Stirtz, who carried a massive offensive load as the team's lead guard during the 2025-26 season.
Who are the key additions for Iowa basketball this offseason?
Iowa added transfer guard Ty'Reek Coleman from Illinois State, center Andrew McKeever from Saint Mary's, and two four-star freshmen in Ethan Harris and Mr. Iowa Basketball Jaidyn Coon.
What is Iowa basketball's biggest weakness heading into the new season?
Replacing the scoring and playmaking of Bennett Stirtz is the primary concern. Iowa will need a committee approach to fill that void.