Coach McCollum Highlights Developing Hawkeyes Players

Iowa basketball coach Ben McCollum points to the growth of three players following a busy offseason period.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball

Coach McCollum Highlights Developing Hawkeyes Players

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Should your local college basketball team prioritize system familiarity when building their roster?

Iowa basketball head coach Ben McCollum identified Isaia Howard, Trevin Jirak, and Joey Matteoni as players who have made significant progress. The improvements come as the program integrates a new group of transfers following the coaching staff transition.

Why it matters

The development of these players is critical as the team seeks depth in the frontcourt and adjusts to a new system. Understanding which players have adapted well to the program's culture provides clarity on the rotation heading into the season.

Joey Matteoni, a 6-foot-9 forward, joins the squad with career totals of 17 points, seven rebounds, and three assists over 11 games. He is the last of six Drake transfers to join the team alongside players like the 7-foot-3 Andrew McKeever.

The players

Ben McCollum

He is the head basketball coach for the Iowa Hawkeyes who previously led programs at Drake and Northwest Missouri State.

Joey Matteoni

He is a 6-foot-9 forward who transferred to Iowa after redshirting at Drake.

Trevin Jirak

He is a player for the Iowa basketball team who adjusted his diet to improve his physical conditioning.

Isaia Howard

He is a member of the Iowa basketball team recognized by the coaching staff for his offseason progress.

Cam Manyawu

He is a key player for Iowa who started all 37 games for the team during the previous season.

The details

Joey Matteoni followed coach Ben McCollum from Northwest Missouri State to Drake and finally to the Iowa Hawkeyes. To bolster his readiness, Trevin Jirak revamped his nutrition by focusing on high-protein intake from steak, chicken, and ground beef while cutting carbohydrates.

May 2025: Joey Matteoni spoke regarding his decision to transfer to Iowa.
October 2026: Ben McCollum provided updates on player development at Big Ten Media Days.

Season Trajectory

The reliance on six total Drake transfers signals a major overhaul in team identity under the new coaching regime. This shift in personnel suggests the program is prioritizing system familiarity to maintain competitive balance during the transition.

Joey Matteoni could become a primary depth option should the team's frontcourt starters face foul trouble or injuries. His deep understanding of the coaching staff's system potentially secures him a consistent role in the rotation throughout the season.

The takeaway

Effective transition management often hinges on players who already understand the nuances of a coach's tactical system. Fans should watch for how these familiar faces impact the team's depth and rotation stability in the early weeks of the season.