Iowa Basketball Under Ben McCollum Earns CBS Praise for Major Roster Revamp

The Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team, under new head coach Ben McCollum, has undergone a significant roster rebuild this offseason, earning an A- grade from CBS Sports for their efforts. McCollum, who led Drake to a 31-4 record, brought key players like Bennett Stirtz, the Missouri Valley Player of the Year, who is expected to lead the team with his scoring and playmaking abilities. Additional impactful transfers include Alvaro Folgueiras from Robert Morris and Brendan Hausen from Kansas State, who add toughness and three-point shooting to the lineup. Despite some questions about defense and rebounding, McCollum's offensive system anchored by Stirtz's leadership positions the Hawkeyes for a potential turnaround in the competitive Big Ten. Returning player Cooper Koch provides continuity and defensive potential to complement the new recruits. The Hawkeyes' revamped roster reflects a strategic approach to quickly rebuild and compete under McCollum’s direction.