This NCAA season is heating up and every team is fighting to overtake a clear spot on the national stage. Auburn Tigers are the league leaders at (9-1). But the same can’t be said for Fran McCaffery’s Iowa Hawkeyes. The journey to reclaim prominence has been a hard one for the Hawkeyes, currently No. 57, but new moves by the team suggest that it’s trying to get into the top 25.

Iowa men’s recent struggles have been evident in their 7-4 record which is an unremarkable start for a team with aspirations of competing at the highest level. This inconsistency has led McCaffery to make significant changes. Through an X post, it was revealed that Drew Thelwell would remain in the starting lineup, replacing the towering presence of Ladji Dembele.

This recent move comes after, Iowa State bested the Hawkeyes on Wednesday (80-89), Dembele made all four of his field-goal attempts, including three from 3-point range, and finished with 11 points, while Thelwell scored 10 points, grabbed six rebounds, and had four assists. This shift introduces a three-guard setup, leaning into speed, agility, and perimeter shooting rather than size and traditional inside play.

The current starting five includes players, Even Brauns, Brock Harding, Drew Thelwell, Josh Dix, and Trey Buchanan. Thelwell who’s averaging 8.3 PPG and 2.4 RPG is expected to give more support to the team over Dembele who was averaging 4.6 PPG and 4 RPG.

Now coming to McCaffery’s tenure as head coach, it has been all about adaptability so the new move might help the Hawkeyes to get back on track. Since taking the helm in 2010 he has transformed Iowa from a middling program into a consistent competitor in the Big Ten.

Under his guidance, the team has secured seven NCAA tournament appearances and fetched NBA-caliber talent, including Luka Garza who became Big Ten Player of the Year two times.

As the season progresses, Fran McCaffery’s decision to overhaul the lineup could prove to be a turning point for the Hawkeyes. However, while McCaffery had to make this move now, there was a time when he was quite confident in his team.

When Fran McCaffery revealed his team’s special feature

McCaffery began his career over four decades ago with the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. As mentioned earlier, after taking the responsibility of the Iowa Hawkeyes on his shoulders in 2010, the 65-year-old has maintained a 287-194. This experience enables McCaffery to connect with his players and identify what sets each of his squads apart.

Back in October, during an interview with CBS Sports Matt Norlander, McCaffery revealed that with most of the starters returning for the team, they were ready to take the NCAA by storm.

“We have essentially three starters back. One was a Rookie of the Year in the league, one led the league in made 3s and the other one led the league in offensive efficiency. So that’s a great place to start,” said the Hawkeyes coach during the interview.

Moreover, not only this but the 65-year-old was also excited about the expansion of the NCAA. “It’s a game changer. Flying to the West Coast. Flying to the East Coast but we’re kind of used to that and I think it, if anything, makes it more interesting for the fans to be looking at different matchups,” said McCaffery. With McCaffery’s experience guiding them, the Hawkeyes aim to turn this unique identity into a championship-caliber season.