Hawkeyes Rise as NBA Star and NCAA Shifts | Cedar Rapids News

Bennett Stirtz’s NBA draft journey just got wild—he’s headed to Memphis, then traded to OKC, making Iowa basketball history with one of its highest picks in decades. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes’ hoops squad is stacking up elite non-conference matchups against Virginia Tech, Creighton, and Alabama in Des Moines to build a championship resume. Coach Ben McCollum’s staying put after leading Iowa to an Elite Eight run—turning down UNC’s offer and reportedly signing a new contract. The NCAA’s expanding both men’s and women’s tournaments to 76 teams next season, reshaping the bracket. And on the gridiron, Iowa football faces NCAA sanctions, vacating four wins over recruiting tampering involving Cade McNamara—but they’re already looking ahead to rebuilding. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0d3afbc3ab693771