Awfully quiet about summer workouts

Hawkangler

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Mar 16, 2014
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This is a fairly young team. Ben feels really good about Koch. Will Sage continue to ascend. Will Manyawu be a different player at the four, relied on for rebounding and an inside game. What about Thompson? What will our transfers provide?

Anxious to see where the points will come from with ojr three top scorers gone.

A lot of uncertainty, but I'm pumped to see how the team comes together.
 

J.Hawkeye

All-Conference
Dec 28, 2006
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Was told by someone that has seen Iowa workout 2 times, that “Thompson doesn’t stand out” and that “Sage impresses immediately”. His opinion is that the PG Transfer (Coleman from Illinois State) doesn’t yet know how to “run a team” and should’ve waited a year before moving up to B1G level, but did mention “he can lock you down on D, though!”
 
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DuddyB

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2022
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Was told by someone that has seen Iowa workout 2 times, that “Thompson doesn’t stand out” and that “Sage impresses immediately”. His opinion is that the PG Transfer doesn’t yet know how to “run a team” and should’ve waited a year before moving up to B1G level, but did mention “he can lock you down on D, though!”
I can’t remember the podcast, but somebody threw cold water on Trey Thompson on that as well. That was surprising to me because everybody gushed about him up until the last few weeks.A
 

Hawksfor3

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J.Hawkeye

All-Conference
Dec 28, 2006
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Was told by someone that has seen Iowa workout 2 times, that “Thompson doesn’t stand out” and that “Sage impresses immediately”. His opinion is that the PG Transfer (Coleman from Illinois State) doesn’t yet know how to “run a team” and should’ve waited a year before moving up to B1G level, but did mention “he can lock you down on D, though!”
Also, I asked him about…

J. Coon: “good looking Athlete, good looking kid. If he gets his shoulders past you he is attacking the Rim & going to try & put one on you, but not much wiggle to his game”

McKeever: “moves well… might not be great with back to basket”

….thats all I remember.
 

Hootie LaRue

Sophomore
Sep 6, 2025
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Was told by someone that has seen Iowa workout 2 times, that “Thompson doesn’t stand out” and that “Sage impresses immediately”. His opinion is that the PG Transfer (Coleman from Illinois State) doesn’t yet know how to “run a team” and should’ve waited a year before moving up to B1G level, but did mention “he can lock you down on D, though!”
I imagine Combs will be the primary ball handler and get quite a few minutes so at least Coleman won’t be thrown into the deep end right away. However, it would be concerning if Iowa doesn’t have a legitimate backup PG or secondary ball handler. There aren’t a lot of other options.
 

hawkeyemark18

Senior
Aug 16, 2019
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I imagine Combs will be the primary ball handler and get quite a few minutes so at least Coleman won’t be thrown into the deep end right away. However, it would be concerning if Iowa doesn’t have a legitimate backup PG or secondary ball handler. There aren’t a lot of other options.
Coleman I think stepped into a great situation where he can get comfortable at this level without having to become the primary ball handler right away. He appeared to come in as Ben's primary point guard target in the transfer portal so I feel confident he will develop under this staff.

If you recall earlier in the summer Bennett Stirtz said Peyton McCollum will surprise people. Peyton strikes me as as scrappy player who could help us if needed. I don't think we have much to worry about when it comes to point guard depth.
 

PeteJox

Senior
Mar 4, 2010
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They released around 30 min of live scrimmage. Put it on the big screen and see who you like.
 

TailgateTom

All-Conference
Oct 6, 2003
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His opinion is that the PG Transfer (Coleman from Illinois State) doesn’t yet know how to “run a team” and should’ve waited a year before moving up to B1G level, but did mention “he can lock you down on D, though!”
This is exactly why they brought him in when they did. McCollum has said as much.
 
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TailgateTom

All-Conference
Oct 6, 2003
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Also, I asked him about…

J. Coon: “good looking Athlete, good looking kid. If he gets his shoulders past you he is attacking the Rim & going to try & put one on you, but not much wiggle to his game”

McKeever: “moves well… might not be great with back to basket”

….thats all I remember.
McKeever isn't great with his back to the basket. He knows this and it's a huge reason he chose Iowa--McCollum's system accentuates his strengths.
 

iahawkeyes17

All-Conference
Apr 22, 2014
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Was told by someone that has seen Iowa workout 2 times, that “Thompson doesn’t stand out” and that “Sage impresses immediately”. His opinion is that the PG Transfer (Coleman from Illinois State) doesn’t yet know how to “run a team” and should’ve waited a year before moving up to B1G level, but did mention “he can lock you down on D, though!”
With Coleman not the worst thing. I say better for us for him to learn a year in mccollums system then play at Ill St one more year then get him. Plus who knows if Iowa would even get him as his number on the floor probably only get better at isu and his asking price $ only increases with it.
 

2432Hawk

Heisman
Jun 22, 2002
6,041
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Was told by someone that has seen Iowa workout 2 times, that “Thompson doesn’t stand out” and that “Sage impresses immediately”. His opinion is that the PG Transfer (Coleman from Illinois State) doesn’t yet know how to “run a team” and should’ve waited a year before moving up to B1G level, but did mention “he can lock you down on D, though!”
Summer workouts Ben treats almost like free-writing. Not a lot of structure and really just letting them play in the random offense and see what they can and can't do. Thompson was doing very well in the structured practices in Spring, but this summer is being pressed to get uncomfortable and expand his game. That can often look ugly. As for Coleman, much the same.

The only thing I take from summer workouts are new guys and how quickly they can assimilate to this level.

Fall practice is when you get more of a sense of who's gonna see the court and produce.
 

Hawklove

Senior
Jul 11, 2018
259
540
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I have a feeling most fans will have unrealistic expectations of this season, especially given our amazing tourney run last year. The little I’ve heard about this team echoes what everyone is saying on this thread regarding readiness of certain players. But then again, the year before last year at this time, many of us didn’t even think that the team would make the tourney. At least, I didn’t.
 

RagnarLothbrok

Heisman
Jun 11, 2025
6,066
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I can recall so many past Iowa players being bragged about because of how they were tearing it up in the summer PTL only to not do sh*t during the season and transfer out a year later.

If things don’t look good now, I will take that as a good sign, because it probably means defense actually exists and players are actually working on improving their game instead of just showboating during glorified YMCA type pickup games.

Yes, obviously my words should be interpreted to mean anything short of a Big Ten championship and Final Four appearance is a massive failure that needs to result in several firings and player demotions to Kirkwood.

Just trying to be honest and sensible now before a large swath of Iowa fans try to beat me to the punch come January.
 

Hawksfor3

All-American
Dec 5, 2016
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I like our chances with this coach. We are going to be a better rebounding team with the size at center and the 4 and we have plenty of people that can shoot the ball.
Also, I think the guards will rebound better as well. Ben said that, in the Illinois game, the guards didn't rebound well enough.
 

RuggieC

Senior
Mar 30, 2014
459
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I don't think there have been many years where defense was a serious part of the summer leagues. So if there is some struggling going on I am assuming the defensive side of the ball is part of this "struggle". I think with Ben they will find their way offensively but defense is the starting line.....you don't play defense, you won't play much. Not worried about offensive struggles.....yet.
 

DuddyB

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2022
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Clough on a podcast just released indicating that Coleman is essentially a work in progress and basically alluded to not expect too much from him this year. Not the kind of review I was hoping for.
 
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TailgateTom

All-Conference
Oct 6, 2003
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Clough on a podcast just released indicating that Coleman is essentially a work in progress and basically alluded to not expect too much from him this year. Not the kind of review I was hoping for.
I wouldn't get too hung up on that. Of course he's a work in progress--he's learning a new system coming in from Illinois State. He's quick, can get to and finish at the rim and hit 3 pointers. This is in addition to him being a beast on defense. With the 5 for 5 it's he's got 4 years still.
 

Palmerhawk

All-Conference
Jul 3, 2025
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I wouldn't get too hung up on that. Of course he's a work in progress--he's learning a new system coming in from Illinois State. He's quick, can get to and finish at the rim and hit 3 pointers. This is in addition to him being a beast on defense. With the 5 for 5 it's he's got 4 years still.
Agree, but it seems this year Combes is our #1 pg....that's ok...he is a steady vet.
 
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TailgateTom

All-Conference
Oct 6, 2003
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Agree, but it seems this year Combes is our #1 pg....that's ok...he is a steady vet.
He will be. Him and Coleman will both play on and off the ball. Probably mix in some Sage too. The fact that McCollum didn't swing bigger at this position tells me he's confident in:

Kale and Ty'Reek's development


.....and Daughtry.....
 

DuddyB

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2022
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He will be. Him and Coleman will both play on and off the ball. Probably mix in some Sage too. The fact that McCollum didn't swing bigger at this position tells me he's confident in:

Kale and Ty'Reek's development


.....and Daughtry.....

Agree, but it seems this year Combes is our #1 pg....that's ok...he is a steady vet.
I suppose it doesn’t change the outlook for this year as this was going to be Forward dominated team. I was just hoping TC would be a little more impactful already. Obviously taking that report with a grain of salt until the season actually starts.
 
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TailgateTom

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Oct 6, 2003
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I suppose it doesn’t change the outlook for this year as this was going to be Forward dominated team. I was just hoping TC would be a little more impactful already. Obviously taking that report with a grain of salt until the season actually starts.
Remember McCollum said If TC waited another year to leave ISU he would have been one of the really high dollar portal targets at guard. I took that initial comment to mean "he's good, but not quite there yet." A year in the system will do him wonders!
 

2432Hawk

Heisman
Jun 22, 2002
6,041
11,373
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Clough on a podcast just released indicating that Coleman is essentially a work in progress and basically alluded to not expect too much from him this year. Not the kind of review I was hoping for.
I often feel they just put content out to just put content out. A lot of rehashed material every single day, and just twist it to fit a narrative and have discussion.

I don't put much stock in their opinions.
 

Hawksfor3

All-American
Dec 5, 2016
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I often feel they just put content out to just put content out. A lot of rehashed material every single day, and just twist it to fit a narrative and have discussion.

I don't put much stock in their opinions.
Yep. It's the off-season. Content is sparse.
 

BigOHawk1

Senior
Oct 27, 2001
489
917
93
Great video and love the chemistry and of course the commitment to S&C. Jaidyn Coon is going to be a problem sooner than later, a true athletic slasher who will want to dunk over you when he gets the chance. Big Man McKeever adding weight to the frame too and Koch has really filled out. 2.5 more months to keep grinding, can't wait to watch this team again + don't sleep on Ben's kid, maybe he carves out some role minutes somewhere in the non conf, etc.
 
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