In preparation for the upcoming basketball season, Iowa is set to participate in a notable holiday tournament during Thanksgiving week in 2025. Announced by Total Sports Consulting, the Hawkeyes will join the Acrisure Series held at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California. The event will feature two games for each participating team on November 25 and 26. Other confirmed participants include a mix of strong teams such as Colorado, Minnesota, Stanford, and Xavier. The full schedule remains under development, with matchups to be revealed later. Broadcasts will air on TNT Sports, truTV, or MAX. Additionally, Iowa has secured a home-and-home series with Xavier, further enhancing their non-conference slate.

As excitement grows around Coach Ben McCollum's first season leading the Hawkeyes, his efforts in assembling a competitive roster are evident. Recently, Iowa announced the signing of Alvaro Folgueiras, a standout forward from Robert Morris University. Known for his versatility and leadership, Folgueiras was named the Horizon League Player of the Year last season after averaging 14.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. His addition strengthens an already formidable lineup that includes transfers like Bennett Stirtz and Isaia Howard, alongside promising high school recruit Trevin Jirak.

The Acrisure Series promises to provide a challenging platform for Iowa to showcase their talent against some of college basketball's top programs. This event not only serves as a critical test but also offers fans a glimpse into the future direction of the program under McCollum's guidance.

With these developments, Iowa basketball continues its upward trajectory, building a squad capable of competing at the highest levels. The combination of experienced transfers, fresh talent, and strategic scheduling positions the Hawkeyes well for both short-term success and long-term growth. Fans eagerly anticipate how this diverse group will gel under McCollum’s leadership, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in Iowa basketball history.