In a surprising twist, Iowa freshman forward Cooper Koch has decided to return to the Hawkeyes after initially entering the transfer portal. Following the dismissal of former head coach Fran McCaffery last March, Koch, along with 11 other players, explored other options. However, a productive conversation with new head coach Ben McCollum convinced him to stay put, and it seems to be a decision that's already paying off.
After a season on the sidelines, Koch has stepped into a starting role under McCollum, emerging as a promising three-and-d forward. In a recent clash against Nebraska, Koch showcased his skills on both ends of the court, scoring 10 points and playing a crucial role in stifling the Cornhuskers' offense.
Postgame, Koch didn't shy away from stirring the pot in the Iowa-Nebraska rivalry. When asked about the significance of defeating Nebraska, he candidly stated, "They’re second to Iowa State.
We don’t like them." This straightforward comment resonated with Hawkeye fans, who have long felt the intensity of this growing rivalry.
Since Nebraska joined the Big Ten in 2011, the rivalry with Iowa has intensified, filled with passion and competitive spirit. Koch's remarks echo the sentiments of many Iowa supporters, adding another chapter to this heated matchup. As the rivalry continues to evolve, Koch's performance and bold words have only fueled the fire between these two storied programs.