As Indiana University looks for a new men’s basketball coach, many are talking about Ben McCollum, the successful coach from Drake University. McCollum, known for his impressive winning record, has captured the attention of fans and experts alike as a strong candidate for the job. With his experience and achievements, many believe he’s the right choice to lead Indiana into a new chapter.
The Buzz Around McCollum
Indiana’s search for a new coach comes after a tough season, with the school keen on finding someone who can start winning right away. McCollum, who has an outstanding winning percentage of 81.8% across different divisions, stands out as a prime option. He previously enjoyed great success at Northwest Missouri State, securing three Division II national championships. His remarkable coaching abilities helped Drake achieve a 27-3 record in his first season, including clinching a regular-season conference title. These accomplishments have made him a hot topic as Indiana’s athletic director considers potential candidates.
What Makes McCollum a Great Choice?
One of the reasons people are excited about McCollum is his proven track record. Rather than focusing on big names or coaches from high-profile programs, Indiana’s athletic director seems to be zeroing in on coaches like McCollum who have demonstrated they can win. The recent hiring of football coach Curt Cignetti at Indiana, who also didn’t have a high-profile background yet achieved great success, is being drawn upon as a model for this basketball coaching search. It emphasizes the idea that winning matters more than a coach’s past experience at major schools.
Other Candidates in the Mix
While Ben McCollum is a standout choice, he is not the only name on the list. Other potential candidates include notable figures like Nate Oats from Alabama and Chris Beard from Mississippi. However, insiders suggest that these candidates are unlikely to jump ship to another program at this time, making McCollum a realistic target for Indiana.
A Bright Future Ahead for Indiana?
As discussions about Indiana’s next step continue, one thing is clear: fans are hopeful. They want a coach who can foster a culture of winning and bring success back to the basketball program. Many Indiana supporters believe that McCollum’s approach and his ability to cultivate talent may be just what the team needs.
McCollum’s Impact on Drake Basketball
Under McCollum’s guidance, the Drake Bulldogs have emerged as a competitive force in the Missouri Valley Conference. This season, they have reached impressive heights, including multiple victories and a strong playoff performance, which has built excitement around the team and its future. Fans look forward to seeing how the rest of the tournament unfolds and whether McCollum will continue leading Drake or take on a new challenge at Indiana.
No Signs of Slowing Down
As the MVC tournament approaches, McCollum’s strategic mindset will be put to the test yet again. With talented players like Isaia Howard showing up big, it’s clear that Drake has no intention of slowing down. They recently achieved a significant win over Southern Illinois, where Howard scored a career-high 21 points, proving that under McCollum’s leadership, the future is bright for the Bulldogs.
Looking Forward
Whether McCollum ends up at Indiana or continues to pave the way for Drake basketball, fans are excited about the possibilities. The conversation around college basketball coaching positions always leads to speculation, but it’s clear McCollum is well-respected and could bring greatness to any team he coaches. The coming weeks will be crucial, both for Indiana as they finalize their decision and for Drake as they aim for further success in the tournament.
