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The Athletics way too early 2026-27 prediction

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Whtnhawk

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Jul 1, 2025
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11. Iowa​

Starters: Portal TBD, Kael Combs, Tate Sage, Cooper Koch, Portal TBD

Notable returners: Cam Manyawu, Isaia Howard, Trevin Jirak, Trey Thompson (redshirted)

Newcomers: Ethan Harris (No. 112, 6-9 PF)

The big question here: How will Iowa replace Bennett Stirtz? Stirtz was all-everything for the Hawkeyes, and coach Ben McCollum asks a lot of his lead guard. McCollum also needs to find an anchor in the post to give him size that allows Iowa to be able to match up better with teams like Michigan and Illinois in the Big Ten. What’s to love here is the positional size on the wing with Tate Sage (6-7) and Cooper Koch (6-8), the roster continuity and McCollum pulling the strings. He just proved himself nationally as one of the best tacticians in the sport with Iowa’s run to the Elite Eight; it’s probably time to start banking on Iowa being good every season.
 
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DukeSlater

DukeSlater

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Anon1751373437 said:

11. Iowa​

Starters: Portal TBD, Kael Combs, Tate Sage, Cooper Koch, Portal TBD

Notable returners: Cam Manyawu, Isaia Howard, Trevin Jirak, Trey Thompson (redshirted)

Newcomers: Ethan Harris (No. 112, 6-9 PF)

The big question here: How will Iowa replace Bennett Stirtz? Stirtz was all-everything for the Hawkeyes, and coach Ben McCollum asks a lot of his lead guard. McCollum also needs to find an anchor in the post to give him size that allows Iowa to be able to match up better with teams like Michigan and Illinois in the Big Ten. What’s to love here is the positional size on the wing with Tate Sage (6-7) and Cooper Koch (6-8), the roster continuity and McCollum pulling the strings. He just proved himself nationally as one of the best tacticians in the sport with Iowa’s run to the Elite Eight; it’s probably time to start banking on Iowa being good every season.
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Way too early never applied more exactly than now. Most teams don't even know who their players will be next season. But these guesses obviously generate clicks, and that's what it's all about. But Iowa at #11 is pretty awesome . . . :cool:
 
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Max Rebo

Max Rebo

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Anon1751373437 said:

11. Iowa​

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I'm guessing that's #11 in the Big Ten?

EDIT: I see it's #11 in the country. Wow. Love the optimism, but this could be another situation that sets Hawkeye fans up for disappointment.
 
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Whtnhawk

Senior
Jul 1, 2025
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DukeSlater said:
Way too early never applied more exactly than now. Most teams don't even know who their players will be next season. But these guesses obviously generate clicks, and that's what it's all about. But Iowa at #11 is pretty awesome . . . :cool:
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Agree
 
W

Whtnhawk

Senior
Jul 1, 2025
254
413
63
DukeSlater said:
Way too early never applied more exactly than now. Most teams don't even know who their players will be next season. But these guesses obviously generate clicks, and that's what it's all about. But Iowa at #11 is pretty awesome . . . :cool:
Click to expand...
agree
 
DukeSlater

DukeSlater

All-Conference
Jul 2, 2023
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Max Rebo said:
I'm guessing that's #11 in the Big Ten?

EDIT: I see it's #11 in the country. Wow. Love the optimism, but this could be another situation that sets Hawkeye fans up for disappointment.
Click to expand...
In other times, yes, but don't forget who the coach is now. Ben didn't turn down UNC just to put in his time in Iowa City. He's come to the place where his childhood heroes played and coached for one reason: To bring the Hawkeyes Big Ten and national championships. I don't think Ben is afraid of expectations. I don't think Ben is afraid of having a target on his team's back. A guy whose goal is to impose his will on other teams ain't afraid, period. So don't let Hawkeye history worry you. Ben's preparing to make his own championship history right there in Iowa City.
 
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Buffalo43

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Sep 20, 2011
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DukeSlater said:
In other times, yes, but don't forget who the coach is now. Ben didn't turn down UNC just to put in his time in Iowa City. He's come to the place where his childhood heroes played and coached for one reason: To bring the Hawkeyes Big Ten and national championships. I don't think Ben is afraid of expectations. I don't think Ben is afraid of having a target on his team's back. A guy whose goal is to impose his will on other teams ain't afraid, period. So don't let Hawkeye history worry you. Ben's preparing to make his own championship history right there in Iowa City.
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He was offered by UNC?
 
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