Iowa basketball center Drew McKeever continues to sit out the 2026-27 season opener and second game due to persistent back spasms, delaying his highly anticipated debut for the Hawkeyes. The Saint Mary’s transfer was ruled out before the November 6 matchup against Eastern Illinois, marking the second consecutive game he has missed. While McKeever participated in pregame warmups prior to the Lipscomb contest, he did not appear in uniform or engage in warmups for the Eastern Illinois game, signaling a setback in his recovery timeline.
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Head coach Frank McCollum provided a candid assessment of McKeever’s status following Iowa’s 91-47 victory over Eastern Illinois, noting that the player was expected to suit up but experienced additional spasms the day before the game. “He’s progressing,” McCollum stated. “We did think he was going to play… He just kind of had some more spasms in his back a little bit yesterday. So, we’re hopeful that it turns, but I think backs are tricky. One day he can feel good, and the next day, it’s awful.” McCollum emphasized McKeever’s value, describing him as “really good” and noting that he has been “as dominant as we’ve had” in practice sessions.
Despite the absence of the 7-foot-3 McKeever, Iowa’s frontcourt has remained productive, with Trevin Jirak stepping into a larger role. Jirak flirted with a triple-double against Eastern Illinois, recording eight points, eight assists, and seven rebounds in the blowout win. The Hawkeyes will continue to monitor McKeever’s condition closely, aiming to return the transfer to the lineup soon to bolster their interior presence as the season progresses.
Source: Yahoo Sports
