“Get ready to be Hoosier-sized with excitement as the Hawkeyes are on the cusp of a major move in their men’s basketball program. Sources close to the Hawkeyes have confirmed a major hire, sending shockwaves throughout the college basketball world. As the University of Iowa looks to build on their recent success, they’ve reportedly landed a highly respected assistant coach from none other than the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets – Ben McCollum. With his impressive coaching resume and a proven track record of success at the collegiate level, McCollum is expected to bring a new dimension to the Iowa men’s basketball team. Will this move be the catalyst for the Hawkeyes’ next championship run? Stay tuned as Gizmoposts24 delves deeper into this developing story and gets you all the inside scoop on the Iowa men’s basketball world.”
The Hiring of Ben McCollum and the Arrival of Bennett Stirtz
Bennett Stirtz Transfers to Iowa
In a significant move for both the Iowa men’s basketball program and the upcoming season, Bennett Stirtz, the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season, has transferred from Drake University to the University of Iowa. This transfer comes on the heels of Ben McCollum’s recent hiring as Iowa’s head coach, following his successful stint at Drake. Stirtz, a standout guard, averaged an impressive 19.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game during his lone season at Drake, leading the nation in minutes played per game. His contributions extended beyond the regular season, as he notched 21 points in both of Drake’s NCAA Tournament games, including an 8-for-11 shooting performance in the Bulldogs’ first round of 64 victory.
Stirtz’s decision to transfer to Iowa is a strategic move for both the player and the program. With McCollum’s familiarity from his time at Drake, Stirtz will likely transition smoothly into the Hawkeyes’ system. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively will add a significant boost to Iowa’s roster, particularly in the guard position. Stirtz will likely spend the summer evaluating his NBA prospects before deciding to return to college basketball, with plans to maintain his collegiate eligibility.
Implications for Iowa’s Roster and Big Ten Prospects
The addition of Bennett Stirtz to Iowa’s roster has immediate implications for the team’s strategy and competitiveness in the Big Ten Conference. Stirtz’s scoring ability, court vision, and leadership will significantly enhance Iowa’s backcourt depth. His addition, combined with McCollum’s coaching expertise, positions the Hawkeyes to be a formidable force in the Big Ten, particularly in the coming season.
With Stirtz’s potential to create scoring opportunities and his presence on the court, Iowa’s overall offensive capabilities are expected to improve. Additionally, his experience and leadership will be invaluable to a team that is looking to rebuild its identity under a new coaching staff. The Big Ten Conference is known for its competitive nature, and the Hawkeyes will need to capitalize on Stirtz’s talents to compete against established powerhouses like Michigan and Michigan State.
Player Movement in the Transfer Portal
List of Iowa, Iowa State, Drake, and Northern Iowa Players Who Have Entered the Transfer Portal
As the transfer portal season begins, several key players from Iowa, Iowa State, Drake, and Northern Iowa have entered the portal, signaling a significant shift in the composition of these teams. The flow of players out of these programs will necessitate a robust recruiting effort to maintain or enhance their current positions within their respective conferences.
- Iowa Hawkeyes:
- Josh Dix, guard — 14.4 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game, 2.8 assists per game, 42% 3-point shooter in 2024-25.
- Owen Freeman, center — 16.7 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, 64% field goal percentage in 2024-25.
- Pryce Sandfort, forward — 8.8 points per game, 2.9 rebounds per game, 40% 3-point shooter in 2024-25.
- Brock Harding, guard — 8.8 points per game, 5.3 assists per game, 40% 3-point shooter in 2024-25.
- Cooper Koch, forward — 4.6 points per game, 43% 3-point shooter in 2024-25. Koch missed the final two months of the season due to injury.
- Ladji Dembele, forward — 4.5 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game in 2024-25.
- Riley Mulvey, center — 2.2 points per game, 19 games played in 2024-25. Mulvey has committed to Siena, located near his hometown of Rotterdam, New York.
- Iowa State Cyclones:
- Dishon Jackson, center — 8.5 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game in 2024-25. Jackson started 33 of 35 games.
- Demarion Watson, forward — 1.8 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game in 18 games in 2024-25. Watson played in 81 career games as a Cyclone over three seasons and saw double-digit minutes in all three games of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
- Jonah Jackson, guard — 5.8 points per game, 2.1 rebounds per game in 2024-25.
- Colin Slater, guard — 2.4 points per game, 1.8 assists per game in 2024-25.
- Drake Bulldogs:
- Bennett Stirtz, guard — 19.2 points per game, 5.7 assists per game in 2024-25.
- Cam Manyawu, forward — 7.1 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game in 30 games in 2024-25.
- Isaia Howard, guard — 4.5 points per game, 2.5 rebounds per game in 30 games in 2024-25.
- Northern Iowa Panthers:
- Charlie Miller, guard — 1.0 points per game, 17 games played in 2024-25.
- Wes Rubin, guard — 0.8 points per game, 14 games played in 2024-25.
Analysis of Each Player’s Stats and Potential Impact on New Teams
Josh Dix’s decision to enter the transfer portal is a significant loss for Iowa, considering his 14.4 points per game and 42% 3-point shooting percentage. His leadership and scoring ability will be missed, and the Hawkeyes will need to find capable replacements to fill his void.
Owen Freeman, who earned Big Ten co-Freshman of the Year honors in 2023-24, is another significant loss. His high field goal percentage and ability to anchor the paint will be crucial for any team that secures his services. His departure leaves the Hawkeyes looking for a strong post presence.
Bennett Stirtz’s move from Drake to Iowa is a major gain for the Hawkeyes. His high-scoring and playmaking skills will bolster the Hawkeyes’ backcourt and provide a leadership presence that can elevate the team’s overall performance. Stirtz’s experience and familiarity with McCollum’s system will likely expedite his integration into the Hawkeyes’ system.
Cam Manyawu, a primary contributor for Drake, will be another notable addition to a team that secures his services. His versatility and scoring prowess will be valuable additions to any roster. Manyawu’s departure leaves a significant hole in Drake’s lineup, but his contributions to his new team could be transformative.
The departure of these key players opens doors for new opportunities for both the players and the teams they leave behind. Teams must now focus on attracting talented players from the transfer portal to fill these gaps and enhance their rosters.
Implications for the Four Division I Men’s Basketball Programs in Iowa
The departure of key players from Iowa, Iowa State, Drake, and Northern Iowa signals a period of transition and rebuilding for each program. Each team must now focus on leveraging their remaining talent while actively recruiting to fill the voids created by these departures.
Iowa’s addition of Bennett Stirtz, while losing Josh Dix and Owen Freeman, shifts the balance of power within the Big Ten. Stirtz’s impact will be immediate and significant, providing a scoring and leadership boost. However, replacing Dix and Freeman’s contributions will be a priority for Iowa’s recruitment efforts.
Iowa State’s roster will be reshaped by the departures of Dishon Jackson and Demarion Watson. Their scoring and rebounding abilities will be challenging to replace, and the Cyclones will need to find players who can step into those roles effectively. The transfer portal will be a critical avenue for securing talented players to fill these needs.
Drake’s roster changes with the departure of key players like Stirtz and Manyawu will require a focused recruitment strategy to replenish the team’s depth and offensive capabilities. The Bulldogs will likely look to the transfer portal and high school prospects to rebuild their lineup.
Northern Iowa’s roster turnover is also significant, particularly with the departure of Charlie Miller and Wes Rubin. These players’ contributions, while not as prolific as those of the Hawkeyes or Cyclones, were critical to the Panthers’ performance. The Panthers must identify players who can bring an immediate impact to the court.
Overall, the transfer portal activity for Iowa’s four main programs underscores the dynamic nature of college basketball. Teams will need to be proactive in securing talent to stay competitive in their respective conferences and beyond. The transfer portal provides an opportunity for players to maximize their collegiate careers and for teams to acquire players who can immediately enhance their rosters.
Conclusion
Iowa Men’s Basketball: A New Era Takes Shape as Ben McCollum Joins the Hawkeyes
In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the college basketball world, the University of Iowa men’s basketball program has reportedly hired Drake University’s head coach Ben McCollum to take the reins. According to KCCI Des Moines, this strategic hiring is expected to bring a fresh perspective and a winning mentality to the Hawkeyes’ program, marking a significant departure from the previous era. By bringing in McCollum, Iowa is embracing change and positioning itself for long-term success in the increasingly competitive Big Ten Conference.
The implications of this move cannot be overstated. McCollum’s coaching philosophy, which emphasizes defense, rebounding, and teamwork, is likely to alter the Hawkeyes’ culture and approach to the game. With his experience at Drake, where he has consistently produced winning teams, Iowa fans can expect to see a marked improvement in the team’s performance on the court. Furthermore, this hiring sends a strong message to recruits and college basketball enthusiasts, signaling that the Hawkeyes are committed to competing at the highest level and seeking new heights of success.
As the Iowa basketball program embarks on this new chapter, fans and alumni alike are eagerly awaiting the first signs of progress. With McCollum at the helm, the Hawkeyes are poised to take a significant leap forward, one that promises to bring renewed excitement, energy, and competitiveness to the program. As the team prepares to take the court, one thing is certain: the future of Iowa men’s basketball is brighter than ever, and the possibilities are endless.
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