Sometimes, one recruiting decision changes everything. Just months after walking away from his commitment to Creighton, Jaidyn Coon has become one of the most exciting young names surrounding Iowa basketball, and there’s growing belief that Ben McCollum may have landed another cornerstone piece for the Hawkeyes’ future.
The 6-foot-6 wing from Storm Lake, Iowa, flipped his commitment to Iowa in early April after originally pledging to Creighton. The change came shortly after longtime Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott announced his retirement, reopening Coon’s recruitment and giving McCollum an opportunity he didn’t waste.
For Hawkeye fans, the commitment represented much more than simply adding another freshman. It signaled that McCollum could win major recruiting battles inside the state while keeping elite local talent at home.
Coon arrives in Iowa City carrying an impressive résumé. He captured Iowa’s 2026 Mr. Basketball honor after an outstanding senior season at Storm Lake, averaging 22.0 points, 9.3 rebounds and more than three assists per game while showcasing the versatility that made him one of the state’s most coveted prospects.
His biggest performance came on one of the biggest stages. During the Iowa state tournament, Coon exploded for 36 points in a dramatic double-overtime semifinal against ADM, proving he could deliver even with the season hanging in the balance. Although Storm Lake fell short, his performance only strengthened his reputation as one of Iowa’s premier high school players.
Those numbers tell only part of the story.
Coon has earned praise for his athleticism, length and ability to impact games in several ways. Whether attacking the rim, finishing above defenders or knocking down perimeter shots, he gives Iowa another versatile wing capable of fitting into McCollum’s up-tempo, aggressive style.
Recruiting analysts believe those physical tools could allow him to contribute much sooner than many freshmen. At 6-foot-6 with excellent leaping ability, Coon provides the size and athleticism Iowa occasionally lacked during the previous season. His combination of rebounding, transition scoring and defensive versatility could earn him meaningful minutes right away.
The coaching change at Creighton ultimately altered the course of his college career.
After McDermott’s retirement, Coon reopened his recruitment but didn’t stay on the market for long. McCollum quickly built a relationship with the in-state standout, convincing him that Iowa was the right place to continue his basketball journey.
When announcing his decision, Coon shared his excitement on social media.
“Thank you Lord for blessing me with an opportunity of a lifetime. I dreamed as a kid playing at the collegiate level. Lastly I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this process! GO HAWKS.”
That message immediately energized Iowa supporters, many of whom viewed the commitment as another sign that McCollum’s recruiting momentum continues to grow.
McCollum has already transformed expectations around the program.
After taking over the Hawkeyes, the Iowa native guided the program to an impressive first season that included a deep NCAA Tournament run and renewed optimism throughout the fan base. His reputation for player development, built during championship-winning stops at Northwest Missouri State and Drake, has made Iowa an increasingly attractive destination for talented recruits.
Landing Coon reinforces that momentum.
Keeping one of Iowa’s top high school players in-state has long been a priority for the Hawkeyes, and McCollum delivered. It also sends an important message to future recruits that Iowa intends to compete for the region’s best talent instead of watching them leave for rival programs.
Of course, expectations should remain realistic.
Freshmen often face an adjustment period when moving from high school basketball to the physical demands of the Big Ten. The speed, strength and consistency required at the college level present challenges for every newcomer.
Still, Coon appears to possess many of the qualities needed to shorten that learning curve.
His scoring instincts, rebounding ability and willingness to compete on both ends of the floor make him an intriguing option as Iowa reshapes its roster for another postseason push. If he adapts quickly, he could become one of the biggest surprises of the upcoming season.
For Hawkeye fans, that’s where the excitement truly begins.
A player who once seemed destined for Creighton is now preparing to wear the Black and Gold. What started as an unexpected recruiting flip has evolved into one of Iowa’s most promising additions, and if Coon’s high school career is any indication, Carver-Hawkeye Arena could soon be witnessing plenty of highlight-reel dunks, momentum-changing plays and the emergence of another fan favorite under Ben McCollum.
The recruiting victory is already significant. What Coon does next on the court could make it even more memorable.
