IOWA CITY, Iowa– The Hawkeyes are gearing up for their inaugural season under new head coach Ben McCollum. An Iowa native, McCollum has returned to his roots and created significant excitement for his hometown team. The past few months have been hectic for him as he has hired a coaching staff, relocated to Iowa City, and assembled a roster from the ground up.
One of McCollum’s key acquisitions was Hausen, who made a significant impact as a transfer from the portal. Formerly with Kansas State, Hausen is recognized as one of the top catch-and-shoot players in college basketball and has a knack for heating up quickly. Although he began his collegiate career at Villanova, he never anticipated attending three different schools but appreciates the experiences he has gained.
“It wasn’t the plan I initially envisioned,” Hausen shared this summer. “However, God has different paths. It’s been challenging for my family, with three moves in four years taking a toll mentally. This is the career path I’ve chosen, though, and I’m committed to it.”
Last season, Hausen averaged 10.9 points over 27.6 minutes per game, shooting 39 percent overall and 38.9 percent from beyond the arc, making 90 of 232 three-point attempts. While he missed the first media practice, he made an impressive splash in the subsequent session.
During a live 5-on-5 scrimmage, Hausen showcased his shooting prowess, sinking four three-pointers in just six plays from various positions, and doing so with remarkable confidence even under defensive pressure.
McCollum praised Hausen’s skillset, stating, “He’s an elite shooter from multiple areas. A fierce competitor who plays hard with a strong instincts. He is eager to contribute to something special and will be a vital asset for us.”
Hausen proved to be a standout performer in spot-up scenarios last season, ranking in the 92nd percentile for points per possession. His versatility allows him to be effective coming off screens and in transition, making him a reliable option for the Hawkeyes. With the addition of other talents and a collaborative team mindset, there are high hopes for what Hausen and Iowa can accomplish this season, despite external skepticism regarding their potential.
