New Look Hawkeyes Get a Win in Ben McCollum’s Debut

A new era of Iowa men's basketball began at Carver Hawkeye Arena on Tuesday night. The Ben McCollum era. Fans were handed out gold neck ties to help welcome Iowa's sharply dressed new coach to his Hawkeye debut. Those fans were then treated to high a high-flying offense and stifling defense in a 101-69 win over Robert Morris.

A New Look Iowa Basketball Team

Iowa fans probably needed a program last night to keep up with all the new faces. The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that McCollum brought six players with him from a Drake team that won 31 games last season. Four of them were starters Tuesday night, including All-American point guard Bennett Stirtz.

Which New Iowa Players Stood Out? 

Let's start with Stirtz. He is McCollum's unquestioned leader of the court and had an impressive Hawkeye debut. The Gazette reports that Stirtz scored 15 of his 19 points in the first half and added six assists and four steals. The former Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year was as good as advertised.

But the player that caught my eye was senior forward Tavion Banks. His defense was tenacious, and he will no doubt be depended on this season to defend the opposition's top scorer. But Banks also brought down the house with some impressive dunks.

Banks scored 17 points and was one of six different Hawkeyes with dunks on Tuesday night, according to the Gazette.

Coach McCollum Seen Firing Up the Iowa Crowd

The other part that got my attention was the new Iowa coach, Ben McCollum. He patrols the sidelines with a razor-sharp intensity, firing up his players and the Iowa crowd!

The Ben McCollum era of Iowa basketball continues Friday night at 6 p.m. as the Hawkeyes host Western Illinois.