Iowa men’s basketball prepares for rematch with Illinois
When talking to Iowa players, it’s evident how much belief they have in each other, but especially in head coach Ben McCollum “He’s a very honest coach and he’s going to always tell you the truth and just be hard on you. It’s just because he cares about you,” said Tavion Banks, an Iowa senior forward. “I believe that’s a big role in my life because there’s not really — there’s not that many people that would do that, just be really honest with you and just push you and challenge yourself on and off the court.
” “Yeah, (Coach McCollum) just pushes you past your limit. I think he shoots you straight and never lies to you. Sometimes it sucks because — the discipline and everything sucks in the moment, but it makes you stronger mentally, physically, emotionally,” said Bennett Stirtz, an Iowa senior guard.
“It just makes you a stronger person and it makes you think that you can just accomplish anything. So just gives you the confidence and puts the trust in you. ” The belief in one another will be paramount for Iowa as they try to get revenge over Illinois.
The Fighting Illini won inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena back in January. “I think just like anybody, they get more secure in who they are. Their role definition becomes a little bit better.
I think they’re very similar to what they were. I think they just defined it a little bit and sharpened it. They still run a heavy ball screen team, obviously try to put you in predicament with their mismatch, etc.