Next Season

[LincolnHawkeye]

After yesterdays game, it is more apparent than ever that Stirtz is the only consistent scoring option on this team. My main concern is, for next season, who replaces him? I honestly don't see anyone on the current roster taking over that amount of scoring. I'm hoping we will try and grab a pure scorer out of the portal, but I don't know if thats how McCollum will operate.

 

[TampaHawkFan]

Ben has stated he needs to get a PG and more size for next year. I assume he will be looking in the portal for at least some of the personnel.

 

[Hawk48]

Ben has stated he needs to get a PG and more size for next year. I assume he will be looking in the portal for at least some of the personnel.

Agree BS is very special and next year could be rough without him. Recruiting this year is going to be critical to continue the upward trend. Not many BS's out there to recruit, portal or otherwise IMO.

Next year may be tough for fans and team, but then again maybe Iowa will get lucky.............

 

[HawkInDenver]

Besides Stirtz, we will also lose Banks and Hausen.
IMHO, next year success will largely be determined by who we can bring in via the transfer portal. If this year ends well, then I think it will help BS sell the program to some good players who want to play in a winning culture.

 

[TampaHawkFan]

Besides Stirtz, we will also lose Banks and Hausen.
IMHO, next year success will largely be determined by who we can bring in via the transfer portal. If this year ends well, then I think it will help BS sell the program to some good players who want to play in a winning culture.

Yeah losing Banks will hurt a lot as well. Hausen, could use his shooting, but he plays very little as it is.

My expectations for next year aren't super high, but I'll revisit that once the roster is set going into next year. We don't know a lot at this point other than that there will be a couple of big holes to fill. Maybe Ben will grab a stud PG from the portal.

 

[AndreTheHawk]

Ben has stated he needs to get a PG and more size for next year. I assume he will be looking in the portal for at least some of the personnel.

He doesn't have any choice IMO. He needs both in the worst way. I think Cooper Koch with another year under his belt will be solid. We have no idea what we have in Trey Thompson, but he's only a freshman regardless so probably freshman issues like most have, but he'll have this year in College under his belt, that can't hurt. The rest of the crew is solid, but unspectacular. They'll play hard, no doubt about that.

We lose Stirtz, Banks and Hausen. So our 2 best players are gone. Two of the better free throw shooters too. Big shoes to fill.

 

[Anon1751457816]

The correct answer to any "who will replace {insert name}" question is the portal.

 

[Palmerhawk]

I still think banks could be back, if he wants...there are no eligibility rules right now.

I have faith that Ben can find a portal pg somewhere that can play and score.
Kam woods of USC came from Robert Morris like alvaro... there's guys out there.

If Ben can find that guy,we will have a core of mature experienced players that are disciplined enough to play Ben's precision ball....we will be competitive...just find your Wagler,Coach!

 

[Max Rebo]

Ben has stated he needs to get a PG and more size for next year. I assume he will be looking in the portal for at least some of the personnel.

Does anyone have any knowledge of how Ben has done in the past with first-year PGs? Can a portal (or freshman) PG learn Ben's system and run it to the coach's expectations?

 

[IllQChawk]

Besides Stirtz, we will also lose Banks and Hausen.
IMHO, next year success will largely be determined by who we can bring in via the transfer portal. If this year ends well, then I think it will help BS sell the program to some good players who want to play in a winning culture.

Since Banks went to JC his first 2 years, he could petition for an extra year if he wanted to, my theory is Iowa will wait until the end of the year to do so, that's if he wants to play another year.

 

[HAWKNESS]

Ben has stated he needs to get a PG and more size for next year. I assume he will be looking in the portal for at least some of the personnel.

I wonder If he would be interested in Nyk Lewis again. Was down to Iowa and VCU and he chose VCU but his minutes have been very inconsistent lately. Maybe he saw VCU as better option as a Freshman to play and now wants to move up a level. He averages about 9, 4, and 2 for pretty good VCU team.

 

[T_Woods]

Bennett is a special talent, hard to replace. But if you look back at coach’s teams in Missouri, they said the same thing about Deshaun Cooper, then Justin Pitts took over and they said they same thing about Pitts and then Trevor Hudgins took over and they said the same thing about Hudgins and then Bennett Stirtz took over. Every time it ended up with better results.

many folks might know about Hudgins, he won 3 national titles and had a cup of coffee with the Rocket. But Pitts was also spectacular and he was the pg who won the first of four national titles.

highlights below of Pitts:

 

[Max Rebo]

Bennett is a special talent, hard to replace. But if you look back at coach’s teams in Missouri, they said the same thing about Deshaun Cooper, then Justin Pitts took over and they said they same thing about Pitts and then Trevor Hudgins took over and they said the same thing about Hudgins and then Bennett Stirtz took over. Every time it ended up with better results.

many folks might know about Hudgins, he won 3 national titles and had a cup of coffee with the Rocket. But Pitts was also spectacular and he was the pg who won the first of four national titles.

highlights below of Pitts:

Thank you for sharing this!

Do you know if Pitts or Hudgins had experience in McCollum's system before they took over? (I believe Stirtz took over as a true freshman, correct?)

 

[T_Woods]

Thank you for sharing this!

Do you know if Pitts or Hudgins had experience in McCollum's system before they took over? (I believe Stirtz took over as a true freshman, correct?)

Correct, Stirtz came in as a true freshman and started right away. Pitts redshirted his freshman year-Deshaun Cooper was a senior that year. Hudgins also redshirted his freshman year-Pitts’ senior year.

As far as the system, it’s a good question but one of the biggest strengths of coach is adapting his team and style of play to his personnel. So they tweaked things based on the strengths of the roster and individual players. One might say this approach is why coach has won so much and why we shouldn’t be overly concerned about replacing Stirtz and falling off to the mid to bottom tier of the BIG.

 

[QChawks]

How much can we afford??

 

[LaQuintaHawk]

How much can we afford??

I don't know why, but I just don't think Ben is going to be looking for that $3M/yr portal guy to replace Stirtz or be the stud scorer.

I get the feeling he wants to develop a team with balance, and if someone should rise above to become a Stirtz-like guy, then so be it.

 

[Jonesy5960]

After yesterdays game, it is more apparent than ever that Stirtz is the only consistent scoring option on this team. My main concern is, for next season, who replaces him? I honestly don't see anyone on the current roster taking over that amount of scoring. I'm hoping we will try and grab a pure scorer out of the portal, but I don't know if thats how McCollum will operate.

Not a point guard, but I think Sage is a star in the making. He's a 6'7" guard with excellent handles and is a 3 level scorer. He currently has the second best conference EFG% on the team at 61% with 44% from outside the arc. Watch for his scoring to really pick up next year.

 

[Hawk48]

Not a point guard, but I think Sage is a star in the making. He's a 6'7" guard with excellent handles and is a 3 level scorer. He currently has the second best conference EFG% on the team at 61% with 44% from outside the arc. Watch for his scoring to really pick up next year.

agreed, I think he has the athletic skills and is a very tough competitor in the future. IMO, he has been pretty impressive as a freshman.

 

[HawksRule73]

No offense to the OP because I have a tendency to look ahead as well, but there's a lot of season left this year and we still have a shot at a pretty special season.....so I'll worry about next year once this year is over.

 

[ObeseMuffins]

Sage getting starter minutes. Added strength and athleticism. Dude can already shoot it. Needs at least 10 shots a game. He is way ahead of a guy like Pryce Sandfort. Last time I was so impressed with an Iowa freshman? Keegan Murray.

 

[eyesofhawk]

0-0

 

[Kirbs]

Sage getting starter minutes. Added strength and athleticism. Dude can already shoot it. Needs at least 10 shots a game. He is way ahead of a guy like Pryce Sandfort. Last time I was so impressed with an Iowa freshman? Keegan Murray.

I agree that he’s an impressive player for a freshman. He’s not a point scorer though. Stirtz and the other guys Ben M have had in his offense before Stirtz have had to handle the ball a ton. I see Sage as a wing scorer/slasher but more limited with his ball handling

 

[hawkeyemark18]

When you move on from a generational player like Stirtz you just have to step back and realize the next team will not only look different but have different strengths of its own. Awhile back I really liked the comment another poster made that Combes has looked better than expected and should step in nicely running the point. We do very much need another ball handler and Stirtz out of the picture should help. And what more can you say about Tate Sage? Has all the makings of the next dynamic player at Iowa.

Up front minus Banks I think starts with Koch another young player just getting better and Cam who brings versatility and good leadership. Folgueiras has started to come on and should have a really good season after a summer with Ben. Jirak will likely develop to the point where he gets in the rotation and right there brings more size before bringing in a big from the portal. The two freshmen coming in look they can really play.

It all amounts to a different brew. But we can count on Ben to make the most of all the different pieces and move the team forward.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

When you move on from a generational player like Stirtz you just have to step back and realize the next team will not only look different but have different strengths of its own. Awhile back I really liked the comment another poster made that Combes has looked better than expected and should step in nicely running the point. We do very much need another ball handler and Stirtz out of the picture should help. And what more can you say about Tate Sage? Has all the makings of the next dynamic player at Iowa.

Up front minus Banks I think starts with Koch another young player just getting better and Cam who brings versatility and good leadership. Folgueiras has started to come on and should have a really good season after a summer with Ben. Jirak will likely develop to the point where he gets in the rotation and right there brings more size before bringing in a big from the portal. The two freshmen coming in look they can really play.

It all amounts to a different brew. But we can count on Ben to make the most of all the different pieces and move the team forward.

I completely agree.

Stirtz is a blessing. How many times has Iowa had a PG that could run the team very well, play practically the whole game, and can score inside and outside? So, I would say the chances of replacing him with someone even close at around 5%.

Other guys will have to step up.

 

[uihawk82]

Since Banks went to JC his first 2 years, he could petition for an extra year if he wanted to, my theory is Iowa will wait until the end of the year to do so, that's if he wants to play another year.

If he gets paid even $100,000 I bet he would come back

 

[scotihawk]

Agree BS is very special and next year could be rough without him. Recruiting this year is going to be critical to continue the upward trend. Not many BS's out there to recruit, portal or otherwise IMO.

Next year may be tough for fans and team, but then again maybe Iowa will get lucky.............

Wait until you see Trey Thompson and Harris with Combs, Koch, Sage, Howard, Manyou and Folguras with another quality pg. They will be just fine.

Maybe even talk Banks into changing his mind as well.

 

[MacMiney]

Steal Keaton Wagler. He's from Kansas that's kinda closer to Iowa than Illinois. To compliment the PG spot / he can play PG when needed. Make it happen. $$$$. (Probably NBA bound next yr though).

 

[Hawksfor3]

I agree with those who have singled out Combs for Bennett. He knows the system, runs the point to relieve pressure on Bennett moving him to the SG position, he'll be a senior and can easily transition to that role as Ben develops the next PG.

 

[TrojanHawkeye]

Ben in the same spot on the sideline as he is for every play. Too bad we didn't need a pg at Iowa in 2017-2018, Pitts looks like he would have been a nice addition.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

Bennett is a special talent, hard to replace. But if you look back at coach’s teams in Missouri, they said the same thing about Deshaun Cooper, then Justin Pitts took over and they said they same thing about Pitts and then Trevor Hudgins took over and they said the same thing about Hudgins and then Bennett Stirtz took over. Every time it ended up with better results.

many folks might know about Hudgins, he won 3 national titles and had a cup of coffee with the Rocket. But Pitts was also spectacular and he was the pg who won the first of four national titles.

highlights below of Pitts:

None of them made a successful jump to a high major D1 either.. so its hard to compare..

 

[CRHAWK]

None of them made a successful jump to a high major D1 either.. so its hard to compare..

Trevor Hudgins literally played in the NBA...

 

[HawkInDenver]

I agree with those who have singled out Combs for Bennett. He knows the system, runs the point to relieve pressure on Bennett moving him to the SG position, he'll be a senior and can easily transition to that role as Ben develops the next PG.

I like Combs. He's been a good backup / role player for Iowa. He does know the system and can be a transition piece. If everybody sticks around (big IF these days), and takes a step forward in production / consistency then perhaps we don't need a guy who can put up 30+ when needed.

Lot's of talent on this team but I'm VERY curious about how the transfer portal goes in the offseason. I trust BM to make the right moves.

 

[Hawksfor3]

I like Combs. He's been a good backup / role player for Iowa. He does know the system and can be a transition piece. If everybody sticks around (big IF these days), and takes a step forward in production / consistency then perhaps we don't need a guy who can put up 30+ when needed.

Lot's of talent on this team but I'm VERY curious about how the transfer portal goes in the offseason. I trust BM to make the right moves.

Agree that Ben will sort out the Portal. But, if you look at positional succession, Combs just makes sense.

 

[doughuddl2_rivals]

Does anyone have any knowledge of how Ben has done in the past with first-year PGs? Can a portal (or freshman) PG learn Ben's system and run it to the coach's expectations?

Google Trevor Hudgins

 

[MAXIMUSHAWKEYE]

I would like to see Ben add a rim protector/rebounder.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

Trevor Hudgins literally played in the NBA...

And Stirtz may end up being a lottery pick if he keeps playing like he is now...Hardly the same as an undrafted FA and playing on a two way contract for a cup of coffee before becoming a minor league player.

 

[The Big Z]

Ben’s teams have always been guard oriented as @T_Woods said. We currently have nobody on the bench to take his place which is also why He’s playing 40 minutes now. We desperately need guards to run this offense next year. Losing Banks who is also our best defender will hurt as well. But, Mac seems to win no matter what. I have faith he’ll find the right guys.

 

[Warhawkeye]

They’ll be fine. Ben’s the right guy for the job. He’ll figure it out. I’d bet any amount of money Fran would have 3-4 more losses if his team came back from last year. Can you imagine what an Iowa team with loaded talent and Ben coaching them could do?

 

[wilson reborn]

It will take a recruiting miracle to make Hawks competitive next year. Hope Ben pulls it off.

 

[The Big Z]

It will take a recruiting miracle to make Hawks competitive next year. Hope Ben pulls it off.

Not sure why you say that. Any pt guard that wants to be the man should certainly look to come here based on his past history with pt guards. Shouldn’t be that hard unless we have no money.