Iowa Basketball Is Entering a New Era
The 2025 offseason marks a new era in Iowa basketball, parting with Fran McCaffery after 15 years. McCaffery produced 13 winning seasons, appearing in seven tournaments and developing Wooden Award winner Luka Garza and consensus All-American Keegan Murray, but failed to make it past the Round of 32. Swiftly after his departure, the Hawkeyes hired Drake’s Ben McCollum, who quickly laid the groundwork for a strong inaugural season. McCollum is one of basketball’s most promising up-and-coming coaches. He spearheaded a Northwest Missouri State dynasty in Division Two, winning four championships, including a three-peat. McCollum made the jump to Division One, coaching the Drake Bulldogs, and took them to March Madness this past season. One major contributor to McCollum’s recent success is point guard Bennett Stirtz, who’ll join his long-time coach in Iowa City next fall.
Stirtz is a jack-of-all-trades point guard, being the third overall transfer in the nation according to 247Sports. He averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds off an elite true shooting percentage of 60.8. Stirtz utilizes his quick first step to penetrate the paint and control the offense. He’s a sound decision-maker as a playmaker and scorer, making him one of the best table-setters in the country. Stirtz won’t arrive in Iowa alone, as McCollum brought four other transfers from Drake.
Hard-nosed, physical forward Tavion Banks will likely see a promotion from Sixth Man at Drake to starting forward at Iowa. His relentless activity in the interior should translate from mid-major, possessing the toughness and finishing to do so. Cam Manyawu, Isaia Howard, and Kael Combs are all young players, loyal to McCollum, who should be a part of Iowa’s long-term core. Manyawu, in particular, has intriguing potential as a six-foot-nine, versatile forward who plays with energy but must extend his shooting range and sharpen his decision-making. McCollum was also successful in bringing in outside transfers.
One of McCollum’s best pick-ups was reigning Horizon Player of the Year, Alvaro Folguerias. The Spanish forward averaged 14.1 points and 9.1 boards a game, off 41.3% from three. His catch-and-shoot prowess should complement Stirtz’s tenacious driving well, being a reliable kick-out option. Former Kansas State guard Brendan Hausen should fulfill this role as well while taking pressure off of Stirtz as a secondary ball handler. In contrast, Miami transfer Isaiah Johnson-Arigu is a pesky, high-motor wing who can guard multiple positions and create plays on the defensive end.
