Trey Thompson's Journey: A Hawkeye in the Making
In Iowa City, Trey Thompson is experiencing the highs and lows of being a college athlete, even before stepping onto the court for an official game. The young forward had his welcome-to-the-Big Ten moment courtesy of a hard elbow from teammate Alvaro Folgueiras, which left him with a loose tooth but a stronger resolve.
Thompson, a promising recruit, hasn't played in Iowa's first 27 games, as the plan is for him to redshirt this season. This development year is all about growth and learning for the former four-star recruit. While he hasn't seen game action, his front-row seat on the bench gives him a unique perspective on the Hawkeyes' dynamics.
"I've got the best seat in the house," Thompson said. "Watching Coach McCollum get animated on the sidelines is something else.
His passion for winning is contagious, and I love being part of it. Even from the bench, I'm learning and enjoying every moment."
Choosing Iowa was a big win for Coach Ben McCollum, as Thompson picked the Hawkeyes over programs like Purdue, Kansas, and UConn. By starting college early, Thompson bypassed his senior year at Greeneville High in Tennessee, seeking a more challenging environment.
"I wasn't being pushed enough in high school," Thompson explained. "Here, every day is a new challenge. The assistant coaches are top-notch, pushing and correcting me, all while keeping things fun."
Transitioning to college life at 17 wasn't without its challenges. "There's no more asking Mom what's for dinner or Dad to take me to practice," Thompson shared. "The independence is a big shift, but it's part of growing up."
Initially, McCollum expected Thompson to play significant minutes, but defensive adjustments were needed. "Offensively, he was ready," McCollum noted.
"But at this level, he needed to adapt defensively. The transition from guarding high school forwards to college-level players was a learning curve."
Thompson's journey hit another bump with a health setback, sidelining him for 4-6 weeks. "I was really sick, lost weight, and felt exhausted," Thompson said. "Catching up on classes was tough, but it was just another hurdle to overcome."
The decision to redshirt, while difficult, was strategic. "We didn't want to waste a year for just a few minutes of play," McCollum explained. "Thompson's maturity in handling this speaks volumes about his character."
Despite the setbacks, Thompson is focused on development. "Getting sick wasn't ideal, but I'm here to grow.
The weight room and daily practices are pushing me, and I'm grateful for the opportunity. Coach McCollum believes in my potential, and so do I."
Looking ahead, Thompson is poised to be a key player in Iowa's future alongside teammates like Tate Sage and Cooper Koch. He's added 20 pounds to his frame, preparing for the moment his talent can truly shine.
"He keeps improving," McCollum praised. "His offensive skills are undeniable, and he's catching up defensively. When his time comes, he'll be ready to make an impact."
As Thompson continues his journey, the Hawkeyes are building a foundation for success, with Thompson as a central figure in their plans.