After a disappointing 17-16 season, Athletic Director Beth Goetz decided it was time for the team to move in a different direction.
With a brand-new head coach and several portal players joining the team, the Hawkeyes are aiming to regain their success on the court once again. Let's take a look at the team for this season.
Head coach: Ben McCollum
After wanting to take a fresh start for the Hawkeyes, the team turned to in-state head coach Ben McCollum.
The former Drake coach has had quite the career, leading Drake to 31 wins last season. Before that, he served as the head coach at Northwestern Missouri State, leading the team to four Division II championships during his tenure.
McCollum has had success everywhere he has coached, so the Hawkeyes are hoping he can continue that success in the Big Ten.
With several All-Americans coming under his leadership, there is no doubt that he is a great mentor and coach. There is a lot to be excited for if you're a Hawkeye fan this season, and the team is going to look like a brand-new team under McCollum's guidance.
The Starters
Projected Starters:
G: Bennett Stirtz (Sr - Transfer from Drake; 19.2 ppg, 5.7 apg)
G: Brendan Hausen (Sr - Transfer from Kansas State; 10.9 ppg, 38.8% 3pt)
F: Tavion Banks (Sr - Transfer from Drake; 10.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg)
F: Alvaro Folguerias (Jr - Transfer from Robert Morris; 14.1 ppg, 9.1 rpg)
F: Cam Manyawu (Jr - Transfer from Drake; 7.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg)
As expected from a new coach entering a new program, McCollum had a number of his players follow him to Iowa City. Bennett Stirtz was about as big a pickup as Hawkeye fans can ever remember getting.
The guard had an incredible year at Drake last season, bringing an all-around offensive attack that makes the Hawkeyes a dangerous team. He won't be alone, with teammates Tavion Banks and Cam Manyawu also joining the squad.
However, this team is not just a repeat of the Drake Bulldogs from last year. Alvaro Folguerias had a fantastic season last year at Robert Morris that was capped off by being named the Horizon League Player of the Year.
With a sharpshooter from Kansas State, Brendan Hausen, rounding out the starting five, this is a balanced starting lineup that has strengths in all areas.
This is about as good a starting five as Hawkeye fans have seen in a long time, and fans should be very excited.
The Key Reserves
Cooper Koch initially entered the transfer portal, but decided to return after the program hired McCollum. Despite missing most of last season with a medical condition, Koch is highly touted and is expected to be a key bench contributor this season.
Trey Thompson is a true freshman who is coming into this team with a lot of potential to be a game-changer. The forward was a four-star and top 100 recruit, according to 247Sports.
He has been scouted as a great defender, not only in the low post but also in the post. The three-pointers are a key part of his game, so a stretch big man could make things difficult for opposing defenders.
Drake guards Isaia Howard and Kael Combs were both key reserve players last season, and that role is expected to be the same for both of them this season.
The stats alone for both of these guys do not paint the true picture, as they both had numerous double-digit games last season. Even when they don't score much, they know their role well, and that is exactly what you need in a reserve.
Final thought
The Hawkeyes open their season on Tuesday, November 4, as they host Robert Morris.
Shifting away from the schedule, Hawkeye fans should look forward to watching this team throughout the year. There are numerous positives about this squad, and time will tell if these strengths can translate into wins.