Iowa Hawkeyes Men's Basketball Team Earns NCAA Tournament Bid

Head coach Ben McCollum, forward Cam Manyawu, and guard Bennett Stirtz discuss the team's tournament berth and upcoming matchup against Clemson.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 11:04pm

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The Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team has earned a spot in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Following the announcement, head coach Ben McCollum, forward Cam Manyawu, and guard Bennett Stirtz met with the media to discuss the team's tournament berth and their upcoming matchup against No. 8 seed Clemson.

Why it matters

The Hawkeyes' return to the NCAA Tournament is a significant accomplishment for the program, which has worked hard to rebuild and regain its status as a national contender. The team's performance in the tournament will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

The details

During the media session, the Iowa players and coach shared their thoughts on earning the tournament bid and the challenge that lies ahead against Clemson. They expressed excitement about the opportunity to compete on the national stage and discussed the team's preparation for the big game.

  • The Hawkeyes learned of their NCAA Tournament berth on Selection Sunday, March 16, 2026.
  • Iowa will face off against Clemson in the first round of the tournament on March 21, 2026.

The players

Ben McCollum

The head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team, who has led the program's resurgence and guided the team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in several years.

Cam Manyawu

A forward for the Iowa Hawkeyes, known for his strong defensive presence and ability to contribute on both ends of the court.

Bennett Stirtz

A guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes, recognized for his sharp shooting and playmaking skills, which have been instrumental in the team's success this season.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to be back in the NCAA Tournament. This is what we've been working towards all season, and we're excited to represent Iowa on the national stage.”

— Ben McCollum, Head Coach

“This is a dream come true for us. We're going to leave it all on the court and give it our best shot against Clemson.”

— Cam Manyawu, Forward

“The tournament is the ultimate goal, and we're grateful to have this opportunity. We're going to prepare hard and do everything we can to advance.”

— Bennett Stirtz, Guard

What’s next

The Hawkeyes will continue their preparations for the first-round matchup against Clemson, with the game scheduled for March 21, 2026.

The takeaway

The Iowa Hawkeyes' return to the NCAA Tournament is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff. This appearance represents a significant milestone for the program and an opportunity for the team to showcase its talent on the national stage.