Buckle up, Hawkeye fans— Iowa's men's basketball squad is undergoing a massive overhaul, with fresh faces poised to reshape the team's future! As we dive into these 'info capsules' on the remade roster, get ready to meet the new recruits and veterans who could turn heads in the Big Ten. It's an exciting rebuild, but here's where it gets intriguing: With only one returning scholarship player, how will this blend of high school stars, transfers, and seasoned pros gel together? And this is the part most people miss—these players bring not just talent, but stories of resilience from past challenges that might just spark a dynasty. If you're new to college hoops, don't worry; I'll break down terms like 'redshirt' (meaning a player sits out a season for eligibility purposes) or 'walk-on' (an athlete who joins the team without a scholarship) to keep things clear and fun.
Let's kick things off with a powerhouse forward who already has some college experience under his belt. No. 3 — Cam Manyamu, a 6-foot-9 junior hailing from Kansas City, Missouri. He spent time honing his skills at Wyoming and Drake, where last season he dazzled in all 35 games for the 31-4 Bulldogs. Averaging 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds, Cam's reliability as a starter shows his potential to anchor Iowa's frontcourt. Imagine him blocking shots and grabbing boards—could he be the key to defending against top scorers?
Next up, a freshman with royal connections. No. 5 — Peyton McCollum, a 6-foot-2 guard from Waukee, Iowa. As the son of head coach Ben McCollum, Peyton brings family ties to the court. In high school at Waukee Northwest, he lit it up with an average of 13.1 points per game. For beginners, this highlights how coaching legacies can create pressure—but also motivation. Will nepotism rumors swirl, or will he earn his stripes on merit?
Shifting to a senior standout who's no stranger to accolades. No. 6 — Tavion Banks, a 6-foot-7 forward from Kansas City, Missouri. He earned Missouri Valley Conference Sixth Man of the Year honors last season, chipping in 10.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. He shone in the MVC tournament too, amassing 35 points and 21 rebounds across three victories to land on the All-Tournament team. Picture him as the clutch bench player who swings momentum— a role model's epitome for underclassmen.
From Europe comes a towering talent with tournament pedigree. No. 7 — Alvaro Folgueras, a 6-foot-10 junior from Malaga, Spain. He dominated in the Horizon League as Player of the Year for Robert Morris, posting 14.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in a 26-9 season. Even in a heartbreaking 90-81 NCAA tourney loss to Alabama, he delivered 15 points and 10 rebounds. For context, the NCAA tournament is like the college basketball version of the Olympics—highly competitive. Could his international flair bring a new dimension to Iowa's playstyle?
Now, the sole returning scholarship player, adding continuity to the chaos. No. 8 — Cooper Koch, a 6-foot-8 freshman from Peoria, Illinois. He suited up for 10 games last year before opting for a medical redshirt, averaging 4.6 points and notably dropping 14 against New Hampshire. As the son of former Iowa player J.R. Koch, Cooper's lineage might fuel expectations. This is where controversy creeps in: Redshirting due to injury—does it give an unfair edge to those who can afford the time, or is it a smart recovery strategy?
A local walk-on proving that heart beats stats sometimes. No. 10 — Jacob Koch, a 6-foot-2 sophomore from Iowa City. Despite being a non-scholarship player, he saw action in seven games last season and was a three-time all-conference honoree at Iowa City West High. No relation to Cooper, he exemplifies the grit of walk-ons. For rookies in fandom, walk-ons often become team favorites through sheer dedication—think underdogs in sports movies.
A versatile guard with a knack for big moments. No. 11 — Kael Combs, a 6-foot-4 junior from Nixa, Missouri. His journey included stints at Wyoming and Drake, where he averaged 3.8 points last season but exploded for 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 20 minutes against Texas Tech in the NCAA tourney's second round. It's a reminder that stats don't tell the whole story—his clutch performance could inspire Iowa's young guards.
A scoring machine who's already tasted conference glory. No. 14 — Bennett Stirtz, a 6-foot-4 senior from Liberty, Missouri. After playing at Northwest Missouri State and Drake under Coach McCollum, he claimed MVC Player of the Year honors with league-leading 19.2 points, 5.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. He even netted 21 points in both of Drake's NCAA tourney outings. For context, the MVC is a competitive mid-major conference, so this is like winning MVP in a tough league. But here's where it gets controversial—transfers like Bennett raise questions: Are they poaching talent, or just players seeking better opportunities?
A sharpshooting veteran with a storied past. No. 15 — Brendan Hausen, a 6-foot-4 senior from Amarillo, Texas. He bounced from Villanova to Kansas State, starting all 33 games last season and averaging 10.9 points, including 90 of 232 three-pointers made. He once scored 27 points at St. John's in December. If you're new, three-pointers are those long-range shots worth three points, and his accuracy could stretch defenses. Imagine him draining threes to open up the lane—pure excitement!
A highly touted freshman with sky-high potential. No. 20 — Trey Thompson, a 6-foot-8 forward from Greeneville, Tennessee. As a 4-star recruit, he dominated high school with 21.8 points and 9.6 rebounds over three years. Fun fact: He'll turn 18 on December 3, so his debut might coincide with his birthday. High school stars like him often bring raw energy, but adapting to college pace is a challenge—and this is the part most people miss: Will he live up to the hype, or fizzle like some recruits before him?
A rebounding phenom making the leap. No. 23 — Isaia Howard, a 6-foot-5 sophomore from Plattsburg, Missouri. At Drake last season, he managed 4.5 points and 15.4 minutes but scored 34.4 points and grabbed 13.2 rebounds per game in high school. He impressed with 21 points against Southern Illinois in the MVC tournament. Rebounds are like steals of the ball after a miss—vital for second chances. Could his hustle redefine Iowa's interior defense?
Another high school champ ready for the big stage. No. 24 — Tate Sage, a 6-foot-7 freshman from Weatherford, Oklahoma. He averaged 13.1 points for the Class 4A state champions, with a stellar 110-12 record over four seasons. State championships are like winning a regional title—proof of team success. Picture him as the next big thing in Iowa's lineup.
Iowa's homegrown prep star. No. 27 — Trevin Jirak, an 6-foot-11 freshman from West Des Moines. Crowned Iowa's 'Mr. Basketball,' 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. 'Mr. Basketball' is like Prom King for athletes—recognition of statewide excellence. His size and skill could make him a future NBA prospect.
Wrapping up with a transfer who's been waiting in the wings. No. 44 — Joey Matteoni, a 6-foot-9 freshman from Overland Park, Kansas. He moved from Drake and sat out last season, but in high school at Blue Valley Northwest, he averaged 19.1 points and 8.9 rebounds. He originally committed to Northwest Missouri State under Coach McCollum. Transfers like Joey bring depth, but the sit-out rule (often for eligibility) can be frustrating. And this is where it gets controversial: Is the NCAA's transfer portal empowering players or destabilizing teams?
There you have it—the full scoop on Iowa's revamped men's basketball roster. It's a mix of proven talents and rising stars that could either soar or stumble. But what do you think? Will this group challenge for a Big Ten title, or is the rebuild too risky? Do you agree that transfers strengthen teams, or do they dilute loyalty? Share your thoughts in the comments—I'm curious to hear if you're optimistic or skeptical about the Hawkeyes' future! For more updates, reach out at (319) 398-8440 or mike.hlas@thegazette.com.
