Iowa Coach McCollum Challenges Team to Find Edge

After leading Iowa to its first Elite Eight since 1987 in his debut season, coach Ben McCollum says the Hawkeyes must improve their regular-season consistency while replacing their top three scorers, including Bennett Stirtz. McCollum expects newcomers to add athleticism, depth and shooting, and says transfer guard Ty’Reek Coleman has made progress adjusting to the team’s system. He is also urging his players to bring more consistent intensity and hold one another accountable, a message players said they heard at media day and practice. Cooper Koch said the team remembers its Big Ten losses as well as its NCAA Tournament success and hopes to improve on last season’s ninth-place conference finish. Iowa opens its season at home against Lipscomb on Nov. 3, with attendance and ticket sales rising after last year’s tournament run.