Drake Players Transfer After Coach Moves to Iowa

Drake University is experiencing significant changes in its basketball program as several players enter the transfer portal following the departure of head coach Ben McCollum to Iowa. Isaia Howard and Cam Manyawu are among the players leaving Drake, with Howard having averaged 4.5 points per game and Manyawu 7.1 points per game this season. Bennett Stirtz, who was the Missouri Valley Conference's Player of the Year, plans to transfer to Iowa, following McCollum who led Drake to a 31-4 record and a first-round NCAA Tournament win. McCollum, an Iowa native, was appointed as Iowa's head coach, replacing Fran McCaffery, and is seen as a chance to revitalize the Iowa basketball program that has struggled in recent seasons. Meanwhile, Oregon's sophomore forward Mookie Cook has also entered the transfer portal, seeking more playing opportunities after a challenging stint with the Ducks.