The Iowa basketball program had a strong transfer portal period this past offseason. One of the biggest highlights (literally and figuratively) was landing former Saint Mary's center Andrew McKeever.
The 7-foot-3 big man committed to the Hawkeyes to help them on the glass and protect the rim. He also brings a blossoming offensive skill set that fits head coach Ben McCollum's style of play. All of that has earned McKeever national respect entering the season.
On Friday, he was named to the Naismith Starting 5 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Top 20 Preseason Watch List. The award, named after the NBA Hall of Famer, is given annually to the best center in Division I men's college basketball.
Nation on notice 👀 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Top 20 Preseason
Watch List ➡️ @A_McKeever45 pic.twitter.com/SmGEgOehMp
— Iowa Men's Basketball (@IowaHoops) October 30, 2026
Last season with Saint Mary's, McKeever appeared in 33 games, making ten starts. He averaged 8.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. The Livermore, California, native shot 50% from the field on 6.4 field-goal attempts per game. He'll bring some much-needed size to the Hawkeyes, who got dominated on the glass in the Elite Eight loss to Illinois last season.
McKeever and the Hawkeyes will officially tip off the 2026-27 season on Tuesday against Lipscomb. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CT inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Fans can watch the game on the Big Ten Network.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa's Andrew McKeever named to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List
