Despite reclassifying to the 2025 recruiting class in order to join the Iowa basketball (7-0) program for the 2025-26 campaign, the Hawkeyes are still considering whether to use a redshirt on 17-year-old freshman forward Trey Thompson.
The 6-foot-8, 220-pound native of Greeneville, Tenn., arrived on campus after being ranked as the No. 93 overall recruit in the 2025 recruiting class, as the No. 17 power forward, and as the No. 1 prospect in the state of Tennessee, according to 247Sports.
Seven games into the season, Thompson is still patiently awaiting his first floor time as a Hawkeye. Thanks to a transfer portal infusion that is veteran-heavy, Iowa hasn’t been pressed into playing the youngster just yet.
Earlier this week, Iowa head men’s basketball coach Ben McCollum said all options are still on the table for this season with Thompson.
“I don’t think we rule anything out at this point. I think he needs to continue to plan as though he is going to play. But you also don’t want to all the sudden come in and you’re up 20 against a team and you put him in for a minute and there goes his year of eligibility.
“And then let’s say, you get into Big Ten play and he’s not totally ready or hasn’t beaten certain guys out. I have no concerns he’s going to beat guys out. I have no concerns that he’s going to play and be a really good player in the Big Ten. Zero concern with that. It’s a matter of when, not all of that. So, we’re just a little more cautious with that,” McCollum said.
Iowa improved to 7-0 and captured the Acrisure Classic championship with a 59-46 win over Grand Canyon on Wednesday night. The Hawkeyes were led by sophomore Isaia Howard’s team-high 19 points off the bench and senior point guard Bennett Stirtz’s 13 points.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa basketball still weighing redshirt decision on freshman forward
Reporting by Scout Springgate, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
