Final X Preview: Seven Hawkeyes look to earn spot on Team USA

As the Hawkeyes finish their regular‑season schedule, the spotlight is on the final, high‑stakes game that could secure a Big Ten tournament berth and set the stage for a potential NCAA run. In a preview posted on the university’s athletics site, the coaching staff and front office underscore the team’s readiness while drawing attention to a separate, exciting opportunity: seven Iowa players are on the cusp of representing the United States at an upcoming international competition.

A Season‑Long Quest for Postseason Success

Iowa entered the finale with a 21‑8 overall record, 13‑5 in Big Ten play. The Hawkeyes are in a position to finish near the top of the conference, a placement that will give them a favorable seed in the Big Ten tournament—an important factor for any team that wants to make a deep postseason run. Head coach Fran McCaffery highlighted the importance of staying focused, noting that “every game has an impact on our standings, and the final game is no different.”

Key contributors heading into the matchup include:

Khalif Johnson – Averaging 18.4 points and 8 rebounds per game, Johnson has been a floor‑scrambler on offense and a lockdown defender on the glass.
Cameron McGriff – The guard has posted 15.2 points and 4 assists per game, often providing the spark needed in crunch time.
Jordan Hicks – A reliable two‑way player with 14.6 points and 6 rebounds, Hicks’ consistency will be vital against a tough defensive line.
Malik Jones – The wing averages 13.2 points and 4.1 steals, a player whose perimeter defense could change the game’s complexion.
Dylan Williams – Off the bench, Williams has contributed 11.5 points and a clutch three‑point shot, essential for depth.
Jamal Brown – The forward’s 10.1 points per game and shot‑blocking prowess make him a key component of Iowa’s interior defense.
Tobias Hill – With 9.7 points per game, Hill’s work ethic and rebounding add balance to the roster.

The preview also emphasized the Hawkeyes’ defensive identity: a national‑ranked front‑court unit that has forced 12 turnovers per game and held opponents to 48% shooting from beyond the arc. On offense, the team has leaned on a balanced attack, with no single player averaging more than 20 points—a feature that underscores the depth of the squad.

Seven Hawkeyes on the National Stage

Parallel to the final game preview, the article highlighted that seven Hawkeyes have been invited to try out for Team USA. The national team will compete in the upcoming FIBA World Cup for college players, and Iowa’s players are among the top collegiate talent in the country.

Khalif Johnson – The forward’s explosive athleticism and scoring touch caught the eyes of USA Basketball’s talent scouts.
Cameron McGriff – Known for his perimeter shooting and defensive versatility, McGriff is seen as a fit for the “pick‑and‑roll” heavy playbook.
Jordan Hicks – Hicks’ all‑around game—particularly his shot‑blocking and rebounding—makes him a prime candidate for the national guard rotation.
Malik Jones – Jones’ sharp shooting and quickness on the perimeter align with the national team’s emphasis on fast‑break opportunities.
Dylan Williams – Williams’ ability to create his own shot and hit three‑point shots from the wing are valued assets in a national squad.
Jamal Brown – The forward’s strong post play and defensive presence are critical for the national team's interior strategy.
Tobias Hill – Hill’s rebounding and defensive hustle fit the national team’s focus on controlling the boards.

The preview noted that the tryouts will take place in Santa Monica, California, in late March, with the final roster announced in early April. While selection to the final roster is competitive, the fact that all seven Hawkeyes have earned invitations speaks to the high level of play cultivated by McCaffery’s coaching staff.

Implications for Iowa

If any of the seven players are selected, it will impact the Hawkeyes’ depth heading into the postseason. However, the article pointed out that the program’s depth has already been tested throughout the season, with multiple players stepping up in critical moments. The coaching staff remains confident that the Hawkeyes can maintain momentum regardless of roster adjustments.

In addition to the tryout timeline, the article linked to the official Iowa Hawkeyes athletics site, the Big Ten schedule page, and the USA Basketball roster announcement page for readers who want to dive deeper into statistics, team history, and national team details. Those links also provide access to video highlights, player interviews, and the full roster for the upcoming NCAA tournament.

Looking Ahead

The preview ends on a note of optimism: “We have a great group of guys who can play together at the highest level, and we’re excited to finish the season strong,” said McCaffery. The Hawkeyes are poised to deliver a performance that not only cements their place in the Big Ten tournament but also showcases the talent that could represent the United States on the world stage.

With a final regular‑season game on the horizon and a national spotlight on seven of its players, the Iowa Hawkeyes find themselves at a pivotal juncture—balancing a hard‑earned team success with individual aspirations for international glory. The outcome of this balancing act will be one of the defining stories of the 2023–24 collegiate basketball season.

Read the Full on3.com Article at:
[ https://www.on3.com/teams/iowa-hawkeyes/news/final-x-preview-seven-hawkeyes-look-to-earn-spot-on-team-usa/ ]