While the Hawkeyes sit at home awating their NCAA Tournament fate, it is a good time for reflection.
Expectations were low for Iowa this season thanks to a coaching change and a completely revamped roster.
Ben McCollum has done a fantastic job with the hand he's been dealt, and even though he had to completely rebuild the program in less than a year, Iowa is so close to making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2022-2023 season.
One of those new players, freshman Trevin Jirak, has gone through the ups and downs of being a freshman, coupled with being one of the first wave of players in the rebuild. He has learned a lot this year, especially about what it takes to be an elite player in the Big Ten.
Jirak does not "want to be just average"
Jirak was a solid part of the rotation early in the season, but even as his minutes faded, he has still soaked up everything he could about being an elite big man in the Big Ten.
Trevin Jirak on what he has learned during his freshman season: "What it takes to be a good big in the Big Ten. Because I want to be a great player in the Big Ten. I don't want to just be average." pic.twitter.com/bGot2WzRzw
— Tyler Tachman (@Tyler_T15) March 12, 2026
After the painful loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament, Jirak said he learned a lot during his freshman season, especially what it takes to be a good big man in the Big Ten.
Jirak followed that by saying he wants to be a great player in the league, not just an average player.
Jirak has shown flashes of what he can do this season, showcasing his good footwork and touch around the basket when McCollum has called on him.
With Cam Manyawu on the way out after this season and no other center on the roster, Jirak is poised to take a big step forward next season.