The Iowa men's basketball team is undergoing a massive makeover, with only one scholarship player returning from last season—leaving fans eager to get to know the fresh faces stepping onto the court. But here's where it gets intriguing: will this new roster ignite a resurgence for the Hawkeyes, or could the lack of continuity pose a challenge? Stick around to discover the hidden gems and potential game-changers on this revamped squad, and let's dive into what makes each player tick.
Starting with No. 3—Cam Manyamu, a 6-foot-9 junior hailing from Kansas City, Missouri. He brings experience from stints at Wyoming and Drake, where he shone in his most recent season, racking up an average of 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds while starting every single one of Drake's 35 games during their impressive 31-4 run. Imagine the reliability of a player who's been in the trenches—Cam could be a steady force in Iowa's frontcourt, providing that seasoned presence amid all the newcomers.
Next up, No. 5—Peyton McCollum, a 6-foot-2 freshman out of Waukee. As the son of head coach Ben McCollum, he enters with high expectations, having dazzled at Waukee Northwest High last season with an average of 13.1 points. This family connection might add an extra layer of motivation, but here's the part most people miss: how will he balance the pressure of being a coach's kid with proving his own skills on the hardwood?
No. 6 brings us Tavion Banks, a 6-foot-7 senior from Kansas City, Missouri. He earned the Missouri Valley Conference's Sixth Man of the Year honors last season, contributing 10.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game off the bench. Plus, he made the All-MVC tournament team after a stellar performance of 35 points and 21 rebounds across three victories. For beginners wondering what a 'sixth man' role entails, it's like being the ultimate energy booster—coming off the bench to spark the team without starting. Banks' clutch play could be a revelation in high-stakes moments.
From Spain comes No. 7—Alvaro Folgueras, a 6-foot-10 junior from Malaga. He was named the Horizon League's Player of the Year after posting averages of 14.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists for Robert Morris, who went 26-9. In the NCAA tournament, he put up 15 points and 10 rebounds in their 90-81 loss to Alabama. International players like Alvaro often bring unique perspectives—his European background might introduce innovative plays, and this is where controversy brews: do you believe his overseas style will seamlessly blend with American college basketball?
No. 8 is Cooper Koch, a 6-foot-8 freshman from Peoria, Illinois, and notably Iowa's sole returning scholarship player. He saw action in 10 games last season before opting for a medical redshirt—a strategic pause to recover from injury while preserving eligibility—averaging 4.6 points, including a highlight 14-point outing against New Hampshire. As the son of former Iowa player J.R. Koch, he's got Hawkeye roots running deep. For those new to the term, a redshirt year allows players to sit out and regain strength, potentially making them stronger in future seasons. Cooper's return could be pivotal for team chemistry.
Then there's No. 10—Jacob Koch, a 6-foot-2 sophomore from Iowa City, who plays as a walk-on. He appeared in seven games last year and was a three-time all-conference honoree at Iowa City West High School. Interestingly, he's not related to Cooper Koch, despite the shared last name. Walk-ons like Jacob earn their spot through hard work rather than scholarships, adding a grassroots element to the team—think of them as the underdogs proving their worth.
No. 11 features Kael Combs, a 6-foot-4 junior from Nixa, Missouri, with stops at Wyoming and Drake. He averaged 3.8 points for Drake last season but exploded against Texas Tech in the NCAA tournament's second round with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 20 minutes. This kind of breakout potential shows how depth players can steal the spotlight when given a chance—Combs might be the surprise factor Iowa needs.
No. 14 is Bennett Stirtz, a 6-foot-4 senior from Liberty, Missouri, who played at Northwest Missouri State and Drake under Coach McCollum. He claimed the MVC's Player of the Year title, leading the league with 19.2 points, 2.2 steals, and 5.7 assists per game. He also dropped 21 points in both of the Bulldogs' NCAA tournament games. Stirtz's leadership and scoring prowess could anchor Iowa's offense, but here's where it gets controversial: with such a talented senior stepping up, do you think he gets overshadowed by the hype around the freshmen?
Moving to No. 15—Brendan Hausen, a 6-foot-4 senior from Amarillo, Texas, with experience from two years at Villanova and one at Kansas State. He started all 33 games for K-State last season, averaging 10.9 points and draining 90 of 232 three-pointers. He even scored 27 points in a game against St. John’s last December. His sharpshooting from deep could stretch defenses, making spaces for teammates—perfect for illustrating how a reliable outside threat elevates a team's play.
No. 20 introduces Trey Thompson, a 6-foot-8 freshman from Greeneville, Tennessee, rated as a 4-star recruit. Over his three high school years, he averaged 21.8 points and 9.6 rebounds, and he'll turn 18 on December 3. High school standouts like Trey often bring raw talent that matures in college; his stats scream potential, but will he adapt quickly to the intensity of Big Ten competition?
No. 23 is Isaia Howard, a 6-foot-5 sophomore from Plattsburg, Missouri. After an explosive senior high school year with 34.4 points and 13.2 rebounds per game, he averaged 4.5 points and 15.4 minutes at Drake last season. He notched 21 points against Southern Illinois in the MVC tournament. This transition from high school stardom to college can be tricky, and Howard's journey might highlight the challenges of balancing expectations with role adjustments.
Then No. 24—Tate Sage, a 6-foot-7 freshman from Weatherford, Oklahoma. He averaged 13.1 points last season for his state's Class 4A high school champions, who compiled a 110-12 record over his four years. Coming from a winning program could instill a championship mindset—Sage's consistency might be a key to Iowa's success.
No. 27 brings Trevin Jirak, a 6-foot-11 freshman from West Des Moines, who was Iowa's prep 'Mr. Basketball' last season. He averaged 16.2 points and 9.4 rebounds for West Des Moines Valley, part of the Class 4A state champions for three straight years. As a local hero, Jirak could energize home crowds, but this is the part most people miss: how does a high-profile high school award translate to collegiate dominance?
Finally, No. 44—Joey Matteoni, a 6-foot-9 freshman from Overland Park, Kansas. He transferred from Drake and sat out last season, having averaged 19.1 points and 8.9 rebounds in his senior year at Blue Valley Northwest High. He originally committed to Northwest Missouri State when Coach McCollum was there. Transfers like Joey often carry extra motivation from fresh starts, and his decision to move schools might spark debate: is loyalty to a program more important than chasing new opportunities?
And this is where controversy really heats up: with so many transfers and freshmen, does this roster risk lacking unity, or could the blend of experiences create an unstoppable force? Do you think the family ties, like the McCollum sons, add pressure or inspiration? What about the international flair from players like Folgueras—will it revolutionize Iowa's style, or cause clashes on the court? Share your opinions in the comments below—we'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a completely different take! Comments: (319) 398-8440; mike.hlas@thegazette.com
