Iowa Hoops: Reflecting on the McCollum proof of concept after his first season with the Hawks

Mar 25, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Ben McCollum speaks during a practice session press conference ahead of the south regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images Ben McCollum’s first season was an unquestioned success after leading the Iowa Hawkeyes (24-13, 10-10) to the Elite 8 for the first time since 1987, Dr. Tom Davis’ first season in Iowa City.

But it didn’t always feel that way. There was the January swoon where the Hawks struggled through illness and amassed 3 straight losses (though none by more than 7 points) which was quickly followed by a run of 6 straight wins. Yet the Hawks’ regular season stumbled to a close with a 2-6 finish as the schedule tightened up.

While the losses to top 25 outfits in Purdue (again), Wisconsin, Michigan, & Nebraska was just life in the daunting Big Ten, road defeats at Maryland & Penn State show some of what is still on the table for improvement. So let’s take a look at a few different areas which were part of Ben McCollum’s value statement upon hire. NCAA Tournament Success The biggest differentiator in McCollum’s resume vs Iowa’s previous head coaches was winning in March.

As this season demonstrated, a finish where the Hawks punch above their weight in a single-elimination situation can drive a positive narrative in a way that hasn’t happened in my lifetime (born 1990). Sure there were flashes of hope with Iowa taking down Purdue in the finale of Fran McCaffery’s first season and the NIT win in Matt Gatens’ last home game. Conference tournament victories in 2022, 2006, and 2001.