Now that all the players and coaches are in place, new Iowa Men's Basketball Head Coach Ben McCollum is attempting to establish a new culture in Iowa City.
Since arriving in Iowa City in March, McCollum has been adamant that the players and coaches are important, but the community is the most important factor.
Throughout the summer and fall, McCollum has been focused on consistent improvement and has liked what he has seen.
McCollum has been working to install a new culture in Iowa City, starting with encouraging his players to play with a chip on their shoulders.
McCollum is adamant that he and the players he recruits work better when they are doubted, and wants to prove people wrong this season.
During media days this week, McCollum discussed the status of the program and what he has seen from his players so far.
What he has seen from Alvaro Folgueiras
Alvaro Folgueiras spent most of the summer with the Spanish National Team, and McCollum and his staff have gotten to see him more than everyone else.
McCollum has been impressed with Folgueiras' effort and stated he has been meeting the standards they have set for the program.
Folgueiras is a versatile player who can shoot at a high level and is a great passer for a big man. McCollum loves his versatility and says he is one of the most intense players on the team.
McCollum stated that his intensity is both his biggest strength and weakness, and they are working to harness it more consistently.
Who has impressed him the most
McCollum was asked who had impressed him the most, and without taking a second to think, stated it was freshman Trevin Jirak.
Jirak was initially committed to Northern Iowa, but decided to flip his commitment to the Hawkeyes, which has been paying dividends.
Jirak is a traditional big man, but has developed a consistent outside shot this summer. He has gotten in shape as well, and has impressed all of the coaches.
McCollum stated that of everything Jirak has done, his attitude is what impressed him the most.
The biggest difference in preparation
McCollum has now jumped two different levels in two seasons, and stated that one of the biggest differences for the players is the amount of distractions.
With a higher level of competition comes more distractions, and he is doing his best to help his players navigate those distractions.
Another big difference is the high expectations. Everyone is expecting them to come in and win the Big Ten because they have had so much success in the past, but he is adamant that things will be harder, and they are supposed to be.
He also noted that championships are grand, but it is the struggle and hard work that make them worthwhile.
McCollum will have higher expectations and more eyes on the program than ever before, but he is starting to create a culture for future success.