Since Ben McCollum took the reins in Iowa City, the Hawkeyes have undergone a full-blown identity shift - and it’s starting to pay off in a big way.
Gone is the high-octane, offense-first system that defined the Fran McCaffery era. In its place?
A methodical, defense-driven approach that’s already producing results. Iowa has slowed things down to one of the most deliberate tempos in the country, and they’re pairing that with a defense that’s starting to look downright stingy.
The result? A 9-2 start to the season and a near-upset on the road against a top-five Iowa State team that turned more than a few heads.
McCollum hasn’t just changed the system - he’s brought in players who fit it like a glove. And while there have been some growing pains, the early returns are hard to ignore. In fact, one trio in particular has emerged as one of the most efficient three-man combinations in all of college basketball.
According to Fox College Hoops, Iowa’s group of Bennett Stirtz, Tavion Banks, and Isaia Howard ranks among the top five most efficient three-man units in the country. Over 155 possessions and 97 minutes together, that trio has posted a 97 defensive rating, 99 offensive rating, and a 99 net rating - elite numbers by any standard. They’re also the only group from the Big Ten to make the list, which speaks volumes about their impact.
Let’s break down why this combination is working so well.
Stirtz was the headline addition this offseason - and he’s lived up to the billing. The reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year has seamlessly transitioned into a leadership role at Iowa.
He’s been the engine of the offense, averaging 17.5 points and 4.9 assists per game, while also holding his own defensively. He’s not just putting up stats - he’s setting the tone on both ends.
Banks, a former Drake standout, has embraced a starting role and brought a steady presence to the frontcourt. He’s averaging 8.7 points and 4.3 rebounds, but his value goes beyond the box score. Banks is a glue guy - someone who defends, rebounds, and does the dirty work that makes the system hum.
Then there’s Howard, who might be the biggest surprise of the bunch. The sophomore guard wasn’t expected to play a major role this season, but he’s forced his way into the rotation with efficient, high-energy play.
He’s putting up 7.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in just over 20 minutes a night, shooting a blistering 50% from the field. Howard came with McCollum from Drake, and he’s quickly proving to be one of the more underrated pickups of the offseason.
Together, this trio has become a snapshot of what McCollum is building - a tough, connected group that values efficiency, defense, and unselfish play.
They’ll look to keep the momentum rolling this Saturday when Iowa faces off against Bucknell at the Casey’s Center in Des Moines. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. CST on Big Ten Network.
If this trio continues to click the way they have, and if McCollum’s system keeps producing results like these, Iowa could be one of the more intriguing teams to watch in the Big Ten this season.