Iowa men's basketball had a very successful first year under Ben McCollum, but a big part of keeping it that way is bringing in talented prospects.
The program added two talented forward prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, including the 2026 Iowa Mr. Basketball and four-star prospect, Jaidyn Coon, and four-star forward and Washington's No. 1 prospect, Ethan Harris.
Snagging two four-star prospects for the 2026 class is an excellent way to bring in more talent, and that must continue.
The program currently has no committed prospects in the 2027 class and beyond, but one of Iowa's top targets in the class just moved to the top of the priority list.
Five-star guard Cayden Daughtry proved he is a must-have for the program
Ben McCollum's squad is loaded with versatile players next season, but it is light on pure-scoring lead guards.
The program returns Kael Combs and Isaia Howard from last season, and added a huge transfer from the portal after signing Ty'Reek Coleman, but after next season, they need more guard help.
Enter uber-talented prospect, Cayden Daughtry.
Five-star point guard and top Iowa target Cayden Daughtry had 37 points and five assists on 15-of-23 shooting in @fl_Rebels's 100-80 win over Nightrydas on Friday afternoon at the EYBL Session 2 in Memphis.
— Sean Bock (@SBock247) May 15, 2026
Daughtry had total control of the game and had a big impact on nearly… pic.twitter.com/bJqfNyRt3b
Ben McCollum and the program have been aggressively pursuing five-star point guard prospect Cayden Daughtry, and it is easy to see why.
Daughtry is a pure scorer who can fill it up from anywhere on the court and excels at getting to and finishing at the rim, even though he is only six feet tall.
During an EYBL Session II game in Memphis recently, Daughtry showed off his scoring ability by dropping 37 points on 15/23 shooting, while also adding five assists in a 100-80 win.
He was in control of the game from the jump and proved why he should be Iowa's No. 1 target in the 2027 class.
Daughtry would give Iowa a dynamic one-two punch with Ty'Reek Coleman
There is no doubt that Daughtry would give Iowa an immediate scoring threat, but he would also pair extremely well with Ty'Reek Coleman.
Coleman is a good scorer, but is better suited to an off-ball role, and Daughtry can easily fill that role when Combs graduates after this season.
That isn't saying that Coleman can't be a lead guard, but Daughtry is a great passer and efficient scorer, something McCollum looks for in a lead guard.
Coleman is also a better defender and can guard either guard spot, giving Iowa an elite one-two punch in the backcourt that could rival any backcourt in the Big Ten.
Daughtry could easily come in and be the starting point guard with Isaia Howard staying in a reserve role, something he is better suited to at this stage in his career.
Iowa's consistent pursuit has been beneficial in Daughtry's recruitment, and he has spoken very highly of the program.
It will be difficult to pry Daughtry away from some of the top Florida colleges, which are also in hot pursuit, as well as from multiple high-profile programs outside the state.
If they can bring him to Iowa City, it would be one of the biggest recruiting wins in McCollum's short tenure.
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