Ben McCollum and the Iowa men’s basketball team saw their Cinderella run in last year’s NCAA Tournament end in the Elite Eight at the hands of Illinois. There were a lot of things that didn’t go the Hawkeyes way in that game. But the biggest problem was on the glass.
Iowa got out-rebounded 38-21 in that game. Illinois grabbed 16 offensive rebounds, turning them into 13 points. Iowa’s lack of size was finally used against them as the season came to an end.
McCollum set out to address that this offseason, and did so emphatically. He landed Saint Mary’s center Andrew McKeever out of the transfer portal. The 7-foot-3 center brings the size and rebounding the Hawkeyes desperately needed, to go along with a blossoming offensive skill set.
McKeever got the chance to speak with the media last week about his new role at Iowa and how he’s adjusting to life as a Hawkeye. He started by describing the type of player Iowa fans are getting in him.
“A defensive presence and a big presence on the glass,” McKeever said. “I feel like I helped Saint Mary’s a lot last year and can come in and do the same thing here.”
He then proceeded to talk about his transition to Iowa and his thoughts on the program.
“I like it, it’s been good. It’s definately an adjustment because Saint Mary is a little bit more stagnant for the bigs, more of a back to the basket type of thing. This is a lot more active and you’re kind of setting up the offense. It’s been an adjustment but I’m liking it so far.
McKeever’s energy and smile have been a staple of Iowa’s open practices so far. He talked about the energy and vibe he’s trying to bring to the team.
“I try to keep high energy to keep myself engaged with all the practices. It’s pretty easy with these guys, they like a lot of intensity, a lot of energy. It’s pretty easy to be yourself when you’re out here.”
Iowa making the Elite Eight last year made a big impression on a lot of recruits, including McKeever. He broke down why he chose to move up a level and come to Iowa City.
“Going to the next level is the biggest thing for me. Being able to expand my game was the biggest thing that was going to get me to achieve that. I feel like this offense is kind of perfect for me.”
“It was good to see them at the biggest stage, so that’s a big thing. You could see, even before this year, how much of a winner Coach Mc[Collum] is. It added onto it, but you could already see what the pedigree was from him.”
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa basketball center Andrew McKeever breaks down skill set
Reporting by Zach Hiney, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Zach Hiney, Hawkeyes Wire | USA TODAY Network
