Get ready for an exciting season with the Iowa men's basketball team! With a nearly entirely new roster, we're delving into the backgrounds of these talented players to help you get to know them better.
A Fresh Start for Iowa Hoops
The Iowa men's basketball team is gearing up for a fresh beginning, and we're here to introduce you to the new faces on the court. With only one returning scholarship player, this team is an intriguing mix of newcomers and seasoned veterans. Let's dive into their stories and uncover the potential that lies within this remade roster.
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, where opinions might differ. As we explore these players' backgrounds, we invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts. Are you ready to discuss the future of Iowa basketball?
No. 3 - Cam Manyamu: The Versatile Forward
Cam Manyamu, a 6'9" junior from Kansas City, brings a wealth of experience to the team. He's no stranger to the court, having played for both Wyoming and Drake in the past. Last season, he averaged an impressive 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, starting in all 35 games for Drake, who finished with an impressive 31-4 record. Manyamu's versatility and consistency make him a valuable asset to the team.
No. 5 - Peyton McCollum: Coach's Son Steps Up
Peyton McCollum, a 6'2" freshman from Waukee, Iowa, is the son of head coach Ben McCollum. He averaged 13.1 points per game for Waukee Northwest High last season, showcasing his scoring prowess. With a famous basketball lineage, McCollum Jr. has big shoes to fill, but his talent and determination suggest he's up for the challenge.
No. 6 - Tavion Banks: Sixth Man of the Year
Tavion Banks, a 6'7" senior from Kansas City, was named the Missouri Valley Conference's Sixth Man of the Year last season. His stats speak for themselves: 10.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Banks made a significant impact during the MVC tournament, totaling 35 points and 21 rebounds across three wins. He's a reliable presence off the bench and a key player for Iowa.
No. 7 - Alvaro Folgueras: Horizon League's Top Player
Alvaro Folgueras, a 6'10" junior from Malaga, Spain, was named the Horizon League's Player of the Year. His numbers are impressive: 14.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game for Robert Morris, who finished with a 26-9 record. Folgueras had a standout performance in the NCAA tourney, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a tough loss to Alabama.
No. 8 - Cooper Koch: Iowa's Returning Player
Cooper Koch, a 6'8" freshman from Peoria, Illinois, is Iowa's only returning scholarship player. He played in 10 games last season before taking a medical redshirt, averaging 4.6 points per game. Koch had a standout performance against New Hampshire, scoring 14 points. He's the son of former Iowa player J.R. Koch, and his return to the team brings a sense of continuity.
No. 10 - Jacob Koch: Walk-On with Talent
Jacob Koch, a 6'2" sophomore from Iowa City, is a walk-on player who appeared in seven games last season. He was a three-time all-conference player at Iowa City West, showcasing his talent and dedication. Koch is unrelated to Cooper Koch, adding an interesting dynamic to the team.
No. 11 - Kael Combs: A Familiar Face
Kael Combs, a 6'4" junior from Nixa, Missouri, is another familiar face, having played for Wyoming and Drake. Last season, he averaged 3.8 points per game for Drake. Combs had a standout performance against Texas Tech in the NCAA tournament, contributing 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 20 minutes on the court.
No. 14 - Bennett Stirtz: MVC's Player of the Year
Bennett Stirtz, a 6'4" senior from Liberty, Missouri, is a seasoned veteran. He played for Northwest Missouri State and Drake under Coach McCollum. Stirtz was named the MVC's Player of the Year, averaging league-highs of 19.2 points and 2.2 steals per game, along with 5.7 assists. He scored 21 points in both of the Bulldogs' NCAA tourney games, showcasing his clutch performance.
No. 15 - Brendan Hausen: Transfer with Experience
Brendan Hausen, a 6'4" senior from Amarillo, Texas, brings a wealth of experience to the team. He played for Villanova and Kansas State, starting in all 33 games at K-State last season and averaging 10.9 points. Hausen is a reliable three-point shooter, making 90 of 232 attempts. He had a standout performance against St. John's last December, scoring 27 points.
No. 20 - Trey Thompson: Highly Rated Recruit
Trey Thompson, a 6'8" freshman from Greeneville, Tennessee, is a highly rated recruit. Over three years of high school play, he averaged an impressive 21.8 points and 9.6 rebounds. Thompson, who turns 18 on December 3rd, is a talented young player with a bright future ahead.
No. 23 - Isaia Howard: Developing Talent
Isaia Howard, a 6'5" sophomore from Plattsburg, Missouri, is a developing talent. Last season at Drake, he averaged 4.5 points and played 15.4 minutes per game. In his senior year of high school, Howard averaged an impressive 34.4 points and 13.2 rebounds per game. He had a standout performance against Southern Illinois in the MVC tournament, scoring 21 points.
No. 24 - Tate Sage: Rising Star
Tate Sage, a 6'7" freshman from Weatherford, Oklahoma, is a rising star. Last season, he averaged 13.1 points for the state's Class 4A high school champion, Weatherford. Over his four seasons, Weatherford compiled an impressive 110-12 record. Sage is a talented scorer and a key addition to the team.
No. 27 - Trevin Jirak: Iowa's Prep Star
Trevin Jirak, a 6'11" freshman from West Des Moines, Iowa, was named Iowa's prep "Mr. Basketball" last season. He averaged 16.2 points and 9.4 rebounds for West Des Moines Valley. Jirak played for the Class 4A state champions for the past three years, showcasing his talent and consistency.
No. 44 - Joey Matteoni: Transfer with Potential
Joey Matteoni, a 6'9" freshman from Overland Park, Kansas, is a transfer from Drake who sat out last season. In his senior year of high school, he averaged an impressive 19.1 points and 8.9 rebounds for Blue Valley Northwest High. Matteoni originally signed with Northwest Missouri State when Coach McCollum was there, and now he's back under McCollum's guidance.
As we get to know these players, it's clear that this Iowa men's basketball team has a lot of potential. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, the future looks bright. But what do you think? Are you excited for this new-look Iowa team? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments!
