When Ben McCollum took the reins at Iowa, the expectation was clear: build a program that develops talent, plays with purpose, and competes at a high level. The first major recruiting win for McCollum and his staff came this past summer, when they landed four-star forward Trey Thompson out of Greeneville, Tennessee. And while Thompson hasn’t yet suited up in a game for the Hawkeyes, his presence is already being felt behind the scenes.
Thompson, a 6-foot-8 hybrid forward, was originally part of the 2026 class but chose to reclassify to 2025 when he committed to Iowa. That move alone shows a level of maturity and ambition - he passed on programs like Purdue, Tennessee, UConn, and Clemson to join a rebuilding Iowa squad a year early.
For a player who should still be in high school, that’s a big step. But it’s one that McCollum believes is already paying dividends.
“He’s doing great,” McCollum said Friday. “He’s getting better every day.
He’s getting stronger. Defensively, he’s getting exponentially better - he’s working on it extra after practice every single day.”
That’s where Thompson's growth story begins. Offensively, the skillset was never in question.
He’s a smooth shooter with range, a capable slasher, and someone who can post up, drive, and finish. At his size, his ability to pass off the bounce adds another layer to his game.
He spaces the floor, competes on the boards, and has a natural feel for where to be on the court. Simply put, he checks a lot of boxes on the offensive end.
But defense? That’s where the Hawkeyes needed to see more. And that’s where Thompson has leaned in.
“He’s gotten exponentially better,” McCollum emphasized. “He’s healthy now.
He had that sickness for four, five, maybe six weeks. He lost like 15 pounds.
Now he’s back healthy, and he’s playing well.”
That kind of commitment - grinding through illness, staying locked in during practice, putting in extra reps - is why Thompson is viewed as a foundational piece for the future of the program. Even though he hasn’t logged any game minutes yet this winter, the Iowa staff sees the long-term value. He’s likely on a redshirt path, but it’s a redshirt with purpose.
And it’s not just about the talent. Thompson brings a team-first mentality that fits right into the culture McCollum is building in Iowa City.
He’s bought in. Fully.
“Man, I’m telling you, it’s the coaching staff,” Thompson said after his official visit. “They’re such down-to-earth people.
They’re constantly making fun of each other, messing with each other, but they’re serious as well. When you’re in practice, they don’t joke - they want to get their work done and get out of there.
Then, it’s time to play. They want to get better, not just as basketball players, but as people as well.”
That balance - serious work and genuine connection - is something McCollum has emphasized throughout his coaching career. He’s not just looking for players who can score; he’s looking for players who can grow. And Thompson fits that mold.
In terms of fit, Thompson is exactly the kind of hybrid forward McCollum thrives with. His skillset aligns with what Iowa has on the floor right now in freshmen Cooper Koch and Tate Sage - both of whom have already carved out meaningful roles this season. And looking ahead, 2026 signee Ethan Harris will bring a similar blend of size, shooting, and versatility when he arrives this summer.
That’s the vision: a frontcourt built on interchangeable parts, guys who can shoot, defend multiple positions, and play off each other. Thompson’s ability to mesh with that group - and his willingness to embrace the developmental grind - makes him a key piece in Iowa’s long-term puzzle.
McCollum has always taken pride in players who make significant strides throughout their careers. It doesn’t have to click right away, but the trajectory matters. And in Trey Thompson, Iowa has a player who’s already showing he’s on the right path.