The Iowa Hawkeyes have a new head coach, as Ben McCollum has taken over after the school dismissed Fran McCaffery from his position.
However, McCollum faces a tough challenge in rebuilding Iowa’s roster for the 2025-26 season.
The Hawkeyes have lost eight players to the transfer portal, and several recruits have decommitted, with the most recent being four-star forward Badara Diakite, according to Eliot Clough of Rivals.
Diakite becomes the third prospect to back out of his commitment to Iowa, joining Joshua Lewis and Dezmon Briscoe. All these departures have occurred since McCaffery’s firing.
As a result, McCollum enters next season with no commits, putting the former Drake coach in a very tough situation.
Diakite, ranked 122nd in his class and the third-best player from Connecticut, was a highly anticipated recruit for the Hawkeyes. Known for his ability to stretch the floor and play multiple positions, his departure leaves Iowa searching for new talent.
The Iowa Hawkeyes have a new head coach, as Ben McCollum has taken over after the school dismissed Fran McCaffery from his position.
However, McCollum faces a tough challenge in rebuilding Iowa’s roster for the 2025-26 season.
The Hawkeyes have lost eight players to the transfer portal, and several recruits have decommitted, with the most recent being four-star forward Badara Diakite, according to Eliot Clough of Rivals.
Diakite becomes the third prospect to back out of his commitment to Iowa, joining Joshua Lewis and Dezmon Briscoe. All these departures have occurred since McCaffery’s firing.
As a result, McCollum enters next season with no commits, putting the former Drake coach in a very tough situation.
Diakite, ranked 122nd in his class and the third-best player from Connecticut, was a highly anticipated recruit for the Hawkeyes. Known for his ability to stretch the floor and play multiple positions, his departure leaves Iowa searching for new talent.
On the bright side, McCollum has a strong track record of identifying top players and has already secured a major addition from the transfer portal, with former Drake guard Bennett Stirtz following him to Iowa City.
Still, McCollum faces a formidable task this offseason, as he must rebuild an entire roster after such a significant player exodus.
On the bright side, McCollum has a strong track record of identifying top players and has already secured a major addition from the transfer portal, with former Drake guard Bennett Stirtz following him to Iowa City.
Still, McCollum faces a formidable task this offseason, as he must rebuild an entire roster after such a significant player exodus.
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