Iowa Basketball's Cooper Koch Finds Groove After Slow Stretch

Freshman forward bounces back with strong performances on Pacific Northwest road trip

Feb. 6, 2026 at 3:39pm

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Iowa basketball freshman forward Cooper Koch, the lone scholarship holdover from the Fran McCaffery era, has started to find his groove after a slow stretch in January. Koch struggled with his shooting and defense at times, but has bounced back with strong performances on a recent road trip to the Pacific Northwest, averaging 10.5 points per game and playing solid defense against tough matchups.

Why it matters

Koch's development is crucial for an Iowa team looking to make a push in the Big Ten. As a versatile forward who can space the floor and defend multiple positions, his growth could raise the Hawkeyes' ceiling if he can play consistently on both ends of the floor.

The details

Over a five-game stretch in January, Koch shot just 5-of-20 on catch-and-shoot three-pointers and 3-of-11 on contested attempts, including a 2-of-8 showing in a loss to Illinois. However, he has bounced back on the recent road trip, going 4-of-8 from three-point range and playing strong defense against Washington's Franck Kepnang, limiting the 7-footer to 2 points and 2 rebounds. Koch's ability to read matchups, attack closeouts, and make timely shots has been a boost for the Hawkeyes.

  • In January, Koch struggled with his shooting over a five-game stretch.
  • On the recent two-game road trip to the Pacific Northwest, Koch averaged 10.5 points per game.

The players

Cooper Koch

A freshman forward for the Iowa Hawkeyes, and the lone scholarship holdover from the Fran McCaffery era. He redshirted last season due to a medical issue but decided to stay in Iowa City when the new regime took over.

Ben McCollum

The new head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes, who has worked to integrate Koch into his system and help the freshman develop on both ends of the floor.

Franck Kepnang

A 7-foot center for the Washington Huskies, who is considered one of the best offensive rebounders in the Big Ten and the country. Koch helped limit Kepnang to 2 points and 2 rebounds in their matchup.

JR Koch

Cooper Koch's father, who was a former center for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

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What they’re saying

“I got frustrated with myself, because I want to perform with my team and for my teammates, cause I know I can make those shots. Mentally, it hasn't been that difficult because I know eventually they're going to fall. You just have to try and trust the work that I put in, and they're going to go down eventually.”

— Cooper Koch, Iowa Basketball Player

“He's just continuing to get better. He's getting more and more comfortable with the defensive side of the ball, the physicality, the competitive spirit that we want to play with, and the intensity that I coach with. There are ebbs and flows, especially for young guys, throughout the season, and I know that he plays with a level of maturity, but he is still a freshman, so he hit a little trough point and now he's making his way back up and rebuilding his confidence, and focusing on things he can control.”

— Ben McCollum, Iowa Basketball Head Coach

What’s next

The Hawkeyes will look for Koch to continue his strong play as they push for a high seed in the Big Ten tournament and a potential NCAA Tournament berth.

The takeaway

Cooper Koch's development is a key storyline for an Iowa team looking to make a deep run this season. His ability to space the floor, defend multiple positions, and make timely plays could be a difference-maker for the Hawkeyes if he can maintain his recent level of play.