Brendan Hausen, a highly skilled guard known for his exceptional shooting ability, has committed to the University of Iowa's men's basketball program. This addition brings a wealth of experience and talent as the team prepares for the upcoming season under new coach Ben McCollum. Hausen’s impressive career includes stops at Villanova and Kansas State, where he established himself as one of the nation's top shooters. His arrival bolsters Iowa's backcourt, providing much-needed depth and offensive firepower.
Hausen’s commitment strengthens Iowa’s roster, which already features several standout players transferred from Drake University. Among them is Bennett Stirtz, the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, whose playmaking complements Hausen’s scoring prowess. With this lineup, Coach McCollum aims to build a competitive team capable of excelling in Big Ten play.
A Shooting Specialist Joins the Hawkeyes
Brendan Hausen, a transfer from Kansas State, adds an experienced shooter to Iowa's basketball lineup. Known for his consistent long-range accuracy, Hausen averaged 10.9 points per game last season while maintaining a remarkable three-point shooting percentage. His skills will provide crucial support to Iowa's offense, enhancing their overall effectiveness on the court.
Throughout his collegiate career, Hausen has demonstrated exceptional shooting abilities. As a former four-star recruit out of Amarillo High School in Texas, he initially committed to Villanova but never played under Jay Wright due to the coach's retirement. During his tenure with the Wildcats, Hausen improved significantly, increasing both his playing time and scoring averages. At Kansas State, he reached peak performance, averaging over ten points per game and hitting nearly 40% of his three-point attempts. Notably, he drained at least three triples in more than half of his appearances last season, showcasing his reliability as a sharpshooter. These attributes make him an invaluable asset to the Hawkeyes' roster.
Building a Competitive Roster Under McCollum
Under Coach Ben McCollum, the University of Iowa is assembling a formidable basketball team by attracting talented transfers and recruits. Hausen’s commitment marks the first major acquisition outside of Iowa or Drake, signaling a broader recruitment strategy aimed at strengthening the program. This move aligns with McCollum’s vision of building a balanced and versatile squad.
The influx of skilled players, including Hausen and other notable transfers like Bennett Stirtz, promises to elevate Iowa's competitiveness in the Big Ten conference. Stirtz, renowned for his point-guard capabilities, pairs perfectly with Hausen’s scoring expertise, creating a dynamic duo that could dominate games. Additionally, McCollum has retained Cooper Koch, a key player who entered the transfer portal, further solidifying the roster. The inclusion of Trevin Jirak, a local star athlete, adds another dimension to the team’s future prospects. Together, these athletes bring diverse experiences and talents, setting the stage for a successful season under McCollum’s leadership.