Ben McCollum says Iowa rotation could change based on practice

When the final buzzer sounded on Iowa basketball’s preseason exhibition against Illinois Springfield, the 88-64 final score told only part of the story. While a dozen Hawkeyes managed to score during the blowout victory on October 27, 2026, one notable name was entirely missing from the offensive column: Trey Thompson.

A Quiet Preseason Debut for a Coveted Prospect

For a program that fought off powerhouse recruiters to secure his commitment, the evening raised immediate questions. Thompson did not step onto the floor until less than four minutes remained in the contest, spending the entire first half on the bench and finishing the night without a single field goal attempt.

External expectations for the sophomore had pointed toward a reliable rotational role this winter.

Ben McCollum says Iowa rotation could change based on practice

Ben McCollum Says Rotation Is Not Set in Stone

So what dictates who cracks the floor under the new coaching staff? Iowa head coach Ben McCollum addressed the rotation puzzle directly following the final whistle.

“The rotation could change,” McCollum said. “It’s not one of those things that’s locked in, set in stone. Outside of going into why some people do go in and why some people don’t, I think it’s just more of an internal thing as to who we think that has done it in practice more often than most, consistently from a winning perspective.”

Data and Observation Help Build the Lineup

The evaluation process in Iowa City relies heavily on a blend of data and observation. McCollum pointed to a mix of analytical tracking and traditional assessment when building the lineup.

“We have so many different stats and tools and objective measures,” McCollum added. “Then, there’s just subjective measures, right? And so then, you’ve also got to think, OK, well, who are some people going to beat out? Like, who are they going to play over? And so, there’s a lot that goes into it. But it’s a long season.”

High Stakes for Thompson’s Collegiate Timeline

The stakes are high for Thompson, who arrived in Iowa City as a coveted four-star prospect. The Hawkeyes successfully beat out major programs like Purdue and Tennessee to land his commitment. After choosing to reclassify and join the program early, Thompson ultimately redshirted his initial year, making this upcoming stretch critical for his collegiate debut timeline.

The Road Ahead as the Regular Season Approaches

For now, the coaching staff’s message emphasizes practice performance over preseason projections, leaving the door open for adjustments once the games begin to count.