Iowa will lean on Payton Sandfort again, but McCaffery likes his roster’s depth and versatility
- The team expects 2024-25 to be the deepest of Coach McCaffery's tenure, with 13 players able to play multiple positions.
- Returning three starters and adding new talent, the Hawkeyes aim to improve after missing the NCAA Tournament.
- With their season opener set for November 4, the team faces a challenging schedule and a preseason ranking of 11th in the Big Ten.
In the 2024-25 season, the Iowa Hawkeyes, led by Coach Fran McCaffery, aim to leverage their roster's depth and versatility after missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years. With a record of 19-15 and a 10-10 showing in the Big Ten last season, the team returns three starters alongside a pool of experienced players, positioning themselves for a competitive run. Key player Payton Sandfort, a senior forward, is noted for his strong performance, including leading the Big Ten in 3-pointers made. Moreover, freshman standout Freeman and graduate Drew Thelwell, who has prior NCAA Tournament experience, add to the team's potential. The roster changes with the departures of key players like Tony Perkins and Patrick McCaffery prompt a rebuilding phase, requiring the remaining and new players to step up. The Hawkeyes' season will commence with anticipation, starting with a home game against Texas A&M-Commerce, followed by challenging matchups against ranked teams like Iowa State and UCLA. As they prepare for the season, they find themselves ranked 11th out of 18 teams in the Big Ten preseason poll, signaling the uphill challenge that lies ahead to regain their status in the NCAA Tournament.