As the search for a new men’s basketball coach heats up at Indiana University, the name Ben McCollum from Drake University is generating a lot of buzz. McCollum, the head coach of the Drake Bulldogs, has made a significant mark with an impressive winning record, particularly during his current season at Drake. This has led many to wonder if he might be the right fit for Indiana as they look to revitalize their basketball program.
Who is Ben McCollum?
Ben McCollum is more than just a name in college basketball; he’s a proven winner. With three Division II national championships under his belt from his time at Northwest Missouri State, he has showcased his coaching prowess. In his first season with the Bulldogs, he has led the team to a remarkable 27-3 record, showing that he knows how to win games. This success story has caught the interest of many, especially the athletic director at Indiana, Scott Dolson, who successfully hired Curt Cignetti to coach the football team, showing he appreciates coaches with proven records over those with just high profiles.
What Makes McCollum an Attractive Candidate?
One of the aspects that makes McCollum an appealing choice for Indiana is his ability to get results, especially with a team built on transfers. This season, his squad at Drake features five players who transferred from Northwest Missouri State, emphasizing his knack for building a team that can compete at high levels even when starting from scratch. Moreover, McCollum’s winning percentage stands at 81.8%, which only adds to his credibility and makes him a solid option for a university looking to turn its program around.
Drake’s Strong Performance This Season
This past weekend, Drake showcased their skills by defeating Southern Illinois with a strong score of 70-53 in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament quarterfinals. Freshman Isaia Howard was a standout player, scoring a career-high 21 points and contributing significantly to the Bulldogs’ eighth straight win, which has propelled them to the semifinals of the tournament with an impressive 28-3 record. With their solid defense forcing 15 turnovers, Southern Illinois struggled offensively, marking just 53 points, which is a season-low for them.
Upcoming Challenges for Drake
Looking forward, Drake faces Belmont in the semifinals this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The team’s recent performance suggests they are on a roll and could be poised for even greater success as they aim for the conference title. With the valuable experience that McCollum brings, the Bulldogs have shown resilience on the court, and fans are hopeful that this winning momentum can carry them through the tournament.
| Drake vs. Southern Illinois | Score | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Drake Bulldogs | 70 | Isaia Howard scored 21 points |
| Southern Illinois | 53 | Season-low points |
Impact on Indiana’s Coaching Search
As Indiana continues its search to find the right coach, McCollum’s growing reputation as a successful, adaptable coach is certainly playing in his favor. You could say that his track record of creating winning teams from diverse backgrounds mirrors the qualities that Indiana is seeking. Ultimately, the decision will be crucial, but if Indiana does choose McCollum, it could mark a turning point that brings much-needed stability and success to their basketball program.