TRANSFER PORTAL SHOCKWAVE: 5 Early Targets Emerging as Ben McCollum Eyes Game-Changing Additions for Iowa
With the college basketball transfer portal window set to open on April 7, a sense of urgency is already building around and the . The 15-day window closing April 21 always brings chaos, opportunity, and program-defining decisions. But this year, it feels different in Iowa City.
There’s no shortage of talent entering the portal. The real question is: who fits McCollum’s system and who can elevate Iowa from a solid contender to a serious force?
Early projections point to five standout players already generating buzz. Each brings something Iowa desperately needs, whether it’s rim protection, scoring punch, or backcourt leadership. Here’s a deeper, sharper look at the names Hawkeye fans should be watching closely.
A GIANT SOLUTION IN THE PAINT: ANDREW McKEEVER
If Iowa fans had to circle one glaring weakness from last season, it was interior defense and rebounding. Enter a towering 7-foot-3 presence from .
McKeever averaged 8.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, shooting an efficient 50% from the field. But stats alone don’t tell the full story. He led the WCC in rebounding, consistently controlling the glass and altering shots in the paint.
In a February matchup against , McKeever showcased his defensive instincts, challenging nearly every attempt around the rim. That’s exactly what Iowa lacked.
McCollum’s system thrives on structure and discipline and McKeever fits that mold perfectly. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable. A true pick-and-roll big, he sets hard screens, finishes efficiently, and protects the rim without fouling excessively.
With quality centers expected to be in high demand this cycle, landing McKeever wouldn’t just fill a gap it could transform Iowa’s identity defensively.
THE FLOOR GENERAL: CHRISTIAN BLISS
Replacing a high-usage, high-impact point guard is never easy. But if Iowa is searching for the closest thing to a ready-made solution, might be the answer.
The guard put together one of the most demanding seasons in the country, averaging 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. Even more impressive? He led the nation in minutes played at 39.8 per game.
That kind of durability and trust from his coaching staff speaks volumes.
Bliss also shot nearly 40% from three-point range on high volume, proving he’s not just a ball-handler but a legitimate scoring threat. In a January clash against , he controlled tempo from start to finish, dictating the pace and creating scoring opportunities at will.
For McCollum, who values guards that can think the game as much as play it, Bliss checks every box. He’s composed, efficient, and battle-tested.
If Iowa wants stability in the backcourt, this is the name to watch.
SCORING SPARK: ALEX WILKINS
Offensive consistency was another area where Iowa showed flashes but not enough reliability. That’s where comes in.
The sophomore guard from averaged 17.8 points and 4.7 assists per game, leading his team in both categories. He shot 46% from the field and proved he could carry an offense when needed.
Wilkins had seven games with 25+ points, including a 34-point explosion against UNC Greensboro during the SoCon Tournament. That kind of scoring ceiling is something Iowa simply didn’t have consistently last season.
Against powerhouse competition like in the NCAA Tournament, Wilkins showed he could hold his own, attacking off the dribble and creating shots under pressure.
He’s not just a scorer he’s a playmaker who thrives in high-stakes moments.
If McCollum wants to inject offensive firepower into his lineup, Wilkins could be the spark that changes everything.
THE RISING STAR: KEVAIR KENNEDY
Sometimes, the best portal additions aren’t veterans they’re rising stars ready to explode. That’s exactly what represents.
The freshman guard from put up eye-popping numbers: 18.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, shooting over 45% from the field.
Even more impressive? He scored 20+ points in 16 games and earned MAAC Player of the Year honors as a freshman.
In a tough early-season matchup against the , Kennedy showed zero fear, attacking defenders and finishing through contact.
At 6-foot-2, he’s not the biggest guard, but his explosiveness, confidence, and scoring instincts make him incredibly dangerous.
The biggest question for Iowa isn’t talent it’s timeline. Kennedy has three years of eligibility remaining, meaning he’s more of a long-term investment than an immediate plug-and-play veteran.
But if McCollum believes in building something sustainable, Kennedy could become the cornerstone of Iowa’s future.
THE UNDER-THE-RADAR STAR: ISAIAH JOHNSON
While some players shine under bright lights, others get overlooked due to team struggles. falls into the latter category.
Playing for the , Johnson quietly put together a stellar season, averaging 16.9 points and 3.0 assists per game, while shooting an efficient 48.6% from the field and 37.8% from three.
He scored at least eight points in every single game a level of consistency that coaches dream about.
In a February matchup against , Johnson attacked relentlessly, showing his ability to create offense even against disciplined defenses.
What makes him intriguing for Iowa is his upside. On a struggling Colorado team, he didn’t always have the support he needed. In a more structured, talent-rich system, his numbers and impact could skyrocket.
He’s efficient, reliable, and quietly one of the most complete guards in the portal.
FINAL TAKE: WHAT IOWA REALLY NEEDS
There’s no mystery about Iowa’s priorities.
They need:
- A dominant rim protector
- A steady, high-IQ point guard
- At least one dynamic scoring option
McCollum doesn’t need five new stars he needs the right pieces.
Andrew McKeever addresses the interior defense problem instantly. Christian Bliss offers control and leadership in the backcourt. Wilkins and Kennedy bring scoring in different forms one proven, one emerging. And Isaiah Johnson might be the most balanced option of them all.
But here’s the reality: every one of these players will be heavily pursued.
The transfer portal has become a bidding war, and there’s still uncertainty around how much Iowa can spend this cycle. That could ultimately determine which of these targets becomes a Hawkeye.
One thing is clear, though if McCollum lands even two of these five players, Iowa won’t just “stay competitive.”
They’ll be dangerous.
And with the portal about to open, the clock is already ticking.
