Iowa City, Iowa – Despite not yet stepping onto the court for a regular-season game, freshman forward Trey Thompson is already experiencing a unique initiation into Big Ten basketball. The Hawkeyes are taking a patient approach with the highly-touted recruit, prioritizing development and a long-term vision over immediate playing time. This strategy, as Thompson himself acknowledges, involves navigating the challenges of a new level of physicality and a recent health setback, all while learning from the sidelines.
Thompson’s journey to Iowa included a surprising early arrival, foregoing his senior year at Greeneville (Tenn.) High School to join the program over the summer. The decision to commit to the Hawkeyes, choosing them over offers from programs like Purdue, Kansas, UConn, and Tennessee, signaled a significant recruiting win for coach Ben McCollum. Still, the transition hasn’t been without its hurdles. Thompson quickly learned the intensity of Big Ten basketball, experiencing it firsthand with an elbow to the face from teammate Alvaro Folgueiras during practice. “I was like, holy, that hurt really bad,” Thompson recalled, adding, “It knocked my tooth loose over here but that’s all right.”
The plan for Thompson this season is a redshirt year, a developmental period designed to allow him to adjust to the college game without sacrificing a year of eligibility. This allows him to focus on improving his skills and building strength, a process he embraces. “I wasn’t being pushed every day in high school and I think getting pushed every single day in practice here is just so much better for me,” Thompson said. He’s already added approximately 20 pounds to his frame since arriving on campus, according to McCollum, preparing him for the physical demands of the Big Ten.
Adjusting to College Life and the Defensive Challenge
The adjustment to college life extended beyond the basketball court. At 17 when he enrolled, Thompson quickly found himself responsible for tasks he previously relied on others for. “There is no, ‘Mom, what’s for dinner?’” Thompson explained. “There is none of that. There is no, ‘Dad, will you take me to shoot?’ You’re on your own.” This newfound independence, coupled with the academic rigor of college, presented a learning curve. However, a more significant initial challenge was adapting to the defensive requirements of the Big Ten.
Coach McCollum initially anticipated Thompson contributing “considerable minutes” this season, but quickly recognized a require for improvement in his defensive game. “I think he could play from an offensive perspective immediately,” McCollum said. “He could’ve played from an emotional perspective, as well… But just defensively, wasn’t quite there.” The difference, McCollum explained, lies in the speed and skill of opposing players at this level, requiring Thompson to guard both forwards and quicker guards.
Illness and the Redshirt Decision
Adding to the challenges, Thompson battled an illness shortly after the season began, sidelining him for four to six weeks. “I was really sick for about four or five days,” Thompson said. “I couldn’t eat anything. I lost like 10 pounds. My throat was swollen. It was not fun at all.” The illness, combined with the defensive adjustments, ultimately solidified the decision to redshirt him. “You’re like, OK, well, we don’t want to burn your year and have you play two minutes,” McCollum explained, acknowledging the difficulty of convincing a highly-recruited player to sit out.
Despite the initial disappointment, Thompson has embraced the redshirt year, viewing it as an opportunity for growth. He maintains a positive attitude, appreciating his “best seat in the house” on the bench, where he can observe McCollum’s coaching style firsthand. “I have the best seat in the house,” Thompson said on Feb. 24. “I’m front row and I get to see coach (Ben McCollum) live when he gets mad at our players.”
McCollum has been impressed with Thompson’s maturity and willingness to trust the coaching staff’s vision. “He still may not understand it, but he did trust in what we were talking about,” McCollum said. The coaching staff continues to see progress, noting Thompson’s improving understanding of the game and his dedication to development. “He’s even better than when I said this a month ago,” McCollum stated.
Looking Ahead
As McCollum builds the Iowa basketball program for the future, Thompson is viewed as a key component alongside players like Tate Sage, Cooper Koch, Trevin Jirak, Isaia Howard, and incoming recruit Ethan Harris. The Hawkeyes are investing in Thompson’s long-term potential, and his commitment to the program is evident. The focus remains on continued development, both physically and strategically, as he prepares to contribute to the team’s success in the seasons to reach.
What comes next for Thompson is continued focused practice and development. The Hawkeyes will look to build on the foundation laid this season, and Thompson’s progress will be a key indicator of the program’s future success. Feel free to share your thoughts on Iowa basketball and Thompson’s potential in the comments below.
