Iowa Basketball: What We’ve Learned Through 11 Games of the Ben McCollum Era
When Ben McCollum took over as head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes, there were more questions than answers. A new system, new faces, and a roster full of moving parts made this team one of the biggest mysteries in the Big Ten heading into the season. Fast forward 11 games, and while not every piece has clicked into place just yet, we’ve got a much clearer sense of who this team is-and who they might become.
Let’s take a deep dive into the key storylines shaping Iowa’s season so far.
Bennett Stirtz Is Exactly Who Iowa Needed-And Then Some
There’s been no bigger constant for Iowa than Bennett Stirtz. The transfer guard has stepped into the spotlight and delivered like a seasoned veteran. He’s averaging 17.5 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game, shooting a blistering 49.2% from the field and 44.4% from beyond the arc.
He’s not just scoring-he’s carrying the load. Stirtz is logging 36.7 minutes per game, and that number is only pulled down by a rare breather in a blowout win over Western Michigan.
He rarely comes off the floor, and his stamina will be something to monitor as the grind of Big Ten play ramps up. But make no mistake: Iowa goes as Stirtz goes.
Still Searching for a True No. 2 Scorer
While Stirtz has been the engine, the Hawkeyes are still looking for a consistent second option. No other player is averaging double figures, and eight different guys are hovering between 5.1 and 8.7 points per game. That kind of balance can be a strength, but it also highlights the lack of a clear sidekick.
Alvaro Folgueiras was expected to help fill that role, but the former Horizon League Player of the Year has been up and down. He’s had flashes, but hasn’t quite found his rhythm yet. Iowa doesn’t necessarily need another star-but they do need someone to step up and take pressure off Stirtz when defenses key in on him.
Offense: Better Than Advertised
Coming into the season, there were concerns about how Iowa would score. Those concerns have quieted.
Aside from a clunker against Michigan State, the Hawkeyes have shown they can light it up. They’re not just scoring-they’re doing it efficiently.
Iowa is shooting 52.1% from the field, 39.9% from three, and over 60% on two-point attempts. That’s not an accident.
McCollum’s offense is built on smart shot selection-layups, threes, and free throws. Mid-range shots are practically nonexistent.
It’s modern, it’s calculated, and it’s working.
Slow Pace, High Energy
Don’t let the tempo fool you. Iowa’s adjusted pace is among the slowest in the country, but the Hawkeyes play with an energy that keeps things entertaining.
They’re deliberate, but not dull. It’s a controlled chaos that’s easy on the eyes, especially when the ball movement clicks and the defense feeds the transition game.
Defense: A Legitimate Strength
One of the biggest shifts from the previous regime has been on the defensive end. Iowa is holding opponents to just 42% shooting from the field and 31.3% from three.
That’s not just solid-it’s a foundation. The team’s defensive connectivity and effort have been noticeable, and it’s giving them a chance to win even when the shots aren’t falling.
Freshmen Making Noise
Tate Sage wasn’t a name many fans circled before the season, but the freshman has quickly earned his spot in the rotation. Ranked 365th nationally in the 2025 class, Sage has outperformed expectations and looks like a piece Iowa can build around.
Cooper Koch, meanwhile, has taken a big step forward. After redshirting last year, he’s found his footing and delivered his first career double-double against Ole Miss. He’s started every game and looks like a guy who belongs.
Under-the-Radar Contributors Stepping Up
Kael Combs may have flown under the radar, but he’s become a key cog in McCollum’s rotation. He’s second on the team in minutes and offers value on both ends-especially as a secondary ball-handler behind Stirtz.
Brendan Hausen’s role has been smaller than expected, but he’s still valuable. A veteran with nearly 100 college games under his belt, Hausen’s leadership and shooting touch make him a potential X-factor off the bench. Think of him as a bullpen arm who can come in and change a game with a couple of big threes.
Trey Thompson Still Waiting in the Wings
One of the more surprising developments has been the absence of four-star freshman Trey Thompson. He reclassified to join the program early, but has yet to make his debut.
McCollum hasn’t ruled out a redshirt, and it’s possible we won’t see him on the court until next season. It’s a long-term play, but one that could pay off down the road.
Bench Depth Could Be a Game-Changer
Iowa’s bench has quietly become one of its strengths. Between Folgueiras, Sage, Hausen, Isaia Howard, and Trevin Jirak, the second unit has provided real production. That depth could be critical as the season wears on and the physical toll of Big Ten play sets in.
Cam Manyawu and Tavion Banks deserve a special mention here. They don’t always fill up the box score, but they bring effort, energy, and toughness every time they step on the floor. Manyawu rebounds well for his size, and Banks plays with a motor that’s hard to ignore.
Rebounding and Free Throws: Two Red Flags
If there’s an area that could hold Iowa back, it’s rebounding. They were out-boarded by 18 against Michigan State and by eight against Maryland.
It’s not for lack of effort-it’s a size issue. The Hawkeyes are undersized in the frontcourt, and that’s going to be a challenge as they hit the meat of their Big Ten schedule.
The other concern? Free-throw disparity.
In games against Michigan State, Maryland, and Iowa State, the opposition attempted 52 more free throws than Iowa. Whether it’s officiating or adjusting to the physicality of power-conference play, it’s a trend that needs to turn around.
This Team Has Grit-and a Shot at the Tournament
What stands out most about this Iowa team is its edge. They’re tough, they scrap, and they play with the kind of chip-on-the-shoulder mentality that made McCollum’s Drake teams so dangerous. That identity could be the difference in close games down the stretch.
And yes, the NCAA Tournament is within reach. Joe Lunardi has the Hawkeyes slotted as a 7-seed right now. There’s still work to do, but this team has put itself in the conversation-and that’s no small feat for a program in transition.
Bottom Line: Iowa might not have all the answers yet, but they’re asking the right questions-and more importantly, they’re finding ways to win. With Stirtz leading the charge, a defense that’s locked in, and a bench that’s proving its worth, the Hawkeyes have built a foundation that could carry them into March.