After the new Iowa Men's Basketball Head Coach, Ben McCollum, was hired at the end of March, one of his first tasks was to assemble his coaching staff.
McCollum assembled his staff with multiple coaches who had previously coached with him at Drake, including Bryston Williams.
Williams was not only a coach with McCollum at Drake, but was one of McCollum's first college recruits at Northwest Missouri State in 2009.
Williams has multiple years of assistant coaching experience, including some time in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons (2018-2022).
On Tuesday, Williams spoke to reporters during open media availability after practice and discussed what has stood out to him thus far during his short time in Iowa City.
Iowa has a REALLY talented freshmen class
One of the first items that Williams addressed was the exceptional talent of the freshman class. He made a point to discuss how well they are doing and how excited the coaching staff is for them.
Williams stated that the staff is impressed with how fast the young guys have picked things up
He also singled out Trevin Jirak as a player who has had a really good summer. Williams mentioned he was surprised that Northern Iowa was his only offer out of high school, and he his a big, powerful player.
Williams is excited about the freshman group, and stated they have a really good young core.
Differences in coaching at Drake and Iowa
Outside of coaching in the NBA and the G League, Williams noted that he has never played on or coached a Power Five program.
He sees the potential the team has and feels they can be really good, but he noted he is unsure until they start playing games.
Williams noted that the coaching staff and the players are trying to win the day, and the results will take care of themselves. They are trying to be the best versions of themselves by taking it one practice, one drill, or one day at a time.
Drake transfers leading the way
Williams mentioned it feels easier to start again this time around because of the players they brought from Drake.
He stated the Drake guys have the main foundation and know what they are trying to build, which helps a great deal.
Williams also mentioned that the coaching staff is the same, which was nice not to have to get used to a whole new staff.
With the Drake transfers and the same coaching staff, they all have the same idea of what the culture is, and can help teach and mentor the other players.
Williams is excited for the players that Iowa has, and Hawkeye fans are excited to see them in action.