No justifications. Don’t be afraid. The Iowa Hawkeyes will compete throughout the season.
This year’s Iowa Hawkeyes are different in some way. They’ve always had it, but it’s more than just the hustle, the grit, and the raw emotion. It’s the attitude. “No excuses” is a straightforward yet impactful phrase that has been circulating throughout Iowa City this fall. Don’t be afraid. And they intend to play precisely that way, if the season’s early tone is any guide.
McCollum has consistently told his players to compete every night with all of your might. The team’s reaction has been outstanding thus far. The Hawkeyes are supporting everyone, from the seasoned veterans who have seen it all to the freshmen attempting to establish themselves. They’re acting loose—confident but not arrogant—rather than scared. That combination is risky.
Although there aren’t many five-star players on the roster, Iowa makes up for it with chemistry and discipline. Tony Perkins, a guard who thrives when the game gets ugly, has been a reassuring presence. He sets the tone with his defense, leadership, and unwavering energy, so he doesn’t need to score 20 points to have an effect. Then there is Payton Sandfort, who has taken on a more vocal role this season and uses his confidence and shooting to lead the offense. The whole building senses his heat.
And it’s evident in their playing. They don’t fold even when you’re down double digits. They claw, scrape, and figure out ways to make their opponents uncomfortable during games. Resilience like that doesn’t appear on a stat sheet, but it earns respect and occasionally wins games that other teams would have lost. Fans of Iowa have also noticed the change.
Louder, more proud, and closer to the team’s identity, Carver-Hawkeye Arena has been electrifying. It’s about fighting, not about perfection. Every defensive stop, every chase of a loose ball, and every bench celebration seems to be a declaration that this team isn’t going to back down.
There will be hiccups during the lengthy season. However, if Iowa basketball is defined by this motto—no excuses, no fear—you can bet that the Hawkeyes will be at the center of every conflict. They’ll make you earn it, win or lose. And for that reason, it’s very easy to support this team.
They will always have the most heart, even if they don’t always have the best skill on the court. The Hawkeyes are demonstrating that they have more than enough toughness in a league that is known for it.
