Florida vs Iowa: Gators Prep for Slow-Paced Hawkeyes in NCAA Tournament Round 2

TAMPA, Fla. – Hours before a crucial NCAA Tournament matchup, Florida Gators assistant coaches Carlin Hartman and Jonathan Safir were already scouting potential opponents, highlighting the intensive preparation demanded by the tournament’s single-elimination format.

Hartman, the associate head coach, focused on Clemson, the No. 8 seed in the Southeast Region, although Safir analyzed Iowa, the No. 9 seed. The winner of Friday’s games would advance to face the top-seeded Gators. “It’s a fine line, but you have to place in the same manpower even for a game that may never be played,” Safir said, underscoring the proactive nature of tournament preparation.

That preparation proved prescient. Florida (27-7) will face Iowa (22-12) Sunday night, with the victor earning a trip to the Sweet 16 in Houston. The Gators advanced with a dominant 114-55 victory over Prairie View A&M Friday, while Iowa edged Clemson 67-61 in a tightly contested game.

The Gators’ coaching staff began preliminary scouting immediately after the NCAA Tournament selection show, tasking video coordinator Nolan Crist with gathering footage of potential opponents. Director of basketball strategy Kevin Olsen developed offensive game plans, while assistant Dave Klatsky, serving as the defensive coordinator, focused on potential defensive strategies.

Saturday’s practice and media obligations followed a brief initial review, but the bulk of the Iowa-specific preparation occurred after midnight, as the UF staff dissected film and shared insights. The Hawkeyes’ style of play presents a unique challenge for Florida, differing significantly from any high-major opponent they’ve faced this season.

Iowa is coached by Ben McCollum, who arrived at Iowa after a successful stint at Drake, where he led the Bulldogs to a 31-4 record and an NCAA berth in 2024-25. McCollum previously built a dynasty at Northeast Missouri State, winning four national championships at the Division II level before making the jump to Division I. He brought five players with him from Drake, instilling a methodical, possession-focused system that prioritizes clock management.

“We understand they like to leisurely the game down, try and control the tempo,” said UF senior guard Xaivian Lee. “So, we’re going to try to impose our will and play how we do.”

Central to Iowa’s approach is point guard Bennett Stirtz, a 6-foot-4 playmaker who followed McCollum from Northeast Missouri State to Drake and then to Iowa. Stirtz, a first-team All-Big Ten selection, averages 19.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 37.5 minutes per game. “He’s just a great ball-screen point guard,” said Gators coach Todd Golden, comparing Stirtz to other ball-dominant guards Florida has faced in the SEC.

Safir added, “He’s a high-usage guy and the offense kind of orbits around him. He’s their first option, main option and late-clock option. But they have other good players, as well.”

Iowa ranks 361st nationally in pace of play, demonstrating a deliberate approach to offense. Despite the slow tempo, the Hawkeyes are 29th in offensive efficiency and excel at late-clock execution, shooting a high percentage in the final seconds of the shot clock. McCollum emphasized that the effectiveness of his scheme, regardless of pace, is the ultimate goal. “Whatever puts the ball in the basket more than they do,” he said Saturday, “If it’s slow or speedy is irrelevant.”

Florida, boasting the nation’s No. 6-rated defense and a strong rebounding frontcourt, will aim to limit Iowa’s possessions and secure defensive rebounds. Iowa’s 15 offensive rebounds against Clemson led to crucial second-chance points and controlled the game’s tempo.

“We’ve got to be able to win no matter what the pace looks like,” Golden said.

With no comparable opponent faced this season, the Gators are relying on the intensive preparation of their coaching staff. Sophomore point guard Boogie Fland expressed confidence in the team’s preparation. “Honestly, it feels like we’ve seen everything this season,” Fland said. “We’ve just got to stay on our P’s and Q’s and execute what they’re going to give us.”