Transfer guard Ty'Reek Coleman wasn't ranked among the top 100 transfers this offseason, but he's made a solid impression in his short time in Iowa City.
While he won't fully replace Bennett Stirtz, Coleman will play a key role next season as Iowa's potential new lead guard. Coleman and Andrew McKeever were the only transfers Iowa brought in during the winter sports transfer window, and Ben McCollum was immediately impressed by what they bring to the table. McCollum called Coleman a "twitchy, efficient scorer" who will be a weapon in the pick-and-roll, and he continued praising Coleman during Iowa's recent media open practice.
Ty'Reek Coleman has gotten 'exponentially' better since joining the team
Coleman was a regular contributor for the Illinois State Redbirds last season, playing in all 35 games (19 starts). Coleman averaged 10.0 points on 50.4 percent shooting from the field and 41.6 percent from beyond the arc. He also added 2.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 22.7 minutes per game. Coleman has a lot working in his favor, and McCollum continues to praise him for what he potentially brings to the program next season.
Ben McCollum says Ty'Reek Coleman has gotten "exponentially better since he's gotten" to Iowa City. Physical tools are there. Working on getting him more integrated into the system at Iowa.
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) October 12, 2026
McCollum said Coleman has gotten "exponentially" better since arriving on campus and possesses all the physical tools. As he continues learning and integrating into Iowa's system, the Hawkeyes become even more dangerous. With Stirtz not on the team, other players have a chance to step up, and Coleman could be that guy. He showed flashes as a freshman, especially as a two-way player, which McCollum values highly. Coleman can guard multiple positions, and if his offense improves, Iowa could potentially have 4-5 shooters on the floor at all times.
Coleman's biggest asset is his defense, with the ability to pressure the ball at the point of attack. Iowa has often pressured opponents at the point of attack to offset its lack of size in the paint, and even with seven-foot-three Andrew McKeever now on the squad, McCollum will likely still set the defensive tone there. Coleman fits perfectly into that role. Coleman is more than just a defensive specialist, and he will have a chance to earn an expanded role this season.
Iowa's current roster is full of versatile wings and forwards, but thin on lead guards. Isaia Howard and Kael Combs return this year after playing secondary roles last season, but Coleman fills a void the program has. Thanks to the NCAA's new five-for-five eligibility rules, he could be on the roster for another five years. Everyone knows how important lead guards are in McCollum's system, and it will be interesting to see what impact Coleman has in his first season in Iowa City.
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