Get ready for a thrilling new chapter in Iowa men’s basketball—one that’s already sparking debates and raising eyebrows. Ben McCollum is stepping into the spotlight with a chip on his shoulder, and he’s not alone. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a coach known for dominating Division II hoops truly make the leap to the Big Ten’s cutthroat arena? And this is the part most people miss—this isn’t just about McCollum; it’s about a team of relative unknowns ready to prove themselves in a league that doesn’t forgive mistakes.
As college football dominates the headlines, the basketball season quietly tiptoes in, giving Iowa’s fresh-faced squad a chance to fly under the radar—for now. The Hawkeyes are a blank slate, led by a new head coach and a roster filled with players unfamiliar to both Iowa fans and Big Ten rivals. Among them are seven players from Missouri and metro Kansas City, a standout from Oklahoma, another from Tennessee, and even one from Spain. Guard Brendan Hausen, a Texan with stops at Villanova and Kansas State, adds to the mix. The burning question? Who are these guys, and how good can they be? The first part will be answered soon enough, but the second? That’s a 31-game journey of discovery.
What we do know is this: The roster includes proven Division I talent with NCAA Tournament experience. But will that translate under McCollum’s leadership in his debut season at Iowa? After 15 years at Northwest Missouri State and a stint at Drake, McCollum is no stranger to winning—his 426-95 career record and four Division II titles speak for themselves. Yet, the Big Ten is a different beast entirely. Can he replicate his success at the highest level of college hoops?
McCollum isn’t shy about his approach. ‘I’ve always worked better with a chip on my shoulder,’ he declared at his first media day. He’s wary of the ‘sense of arrival’ that can creep in with a new program, emphasizing the need for an edge—especially in a league as unforgiving as the Big Ten. His star player, senior point guard Bennett Stirtz, echoes this mindset. Fresh off a preseason All-Big Ten selection and a Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year title under McCollum at Drake, Stirtz is ready to prove he can dominate high-major competition. But can he? And can the rest of the team keep up?
Defense is the name of the game for McCollum, a stark contrast to Fran McCaffery’s 14-year offensive-focused tenure. While the offensive strategy remains a mystery, there are glimpses of potential. Hausen’s 90 three-pointers at Kansas State last season and redshirt freshman Cooper Koch’s sharp shooting before his injury offer hope. Yet, questions linger: Can this team find the balance between McCollum’s defensive mantra and the offensive firepower needed to compete in the Big Ten?
McCollum embraces the challenge. ‘It’s supposed to be hard,’ he said. ‘The struggle and the fight to get to that championship level—that’s the cool part.’ Bold words, but will they translate into wins? Is McCollum’s ‘chip on the shoulder’ mentality enough to lead this underdog team to success, or will the Big Ten prove too much to handle?
As the season unfolds, one thing is certain: This Iowa team is a wildcard, and McCollum is at the center of it all. Will they rise to the occasion, or will they be just another footnote in Big Ten history? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss.
