In a daring transfer to revitalize the Iowa males’s basketball program, the College of Iowa has formally employed Ben McCollum as its subsequent head coach. The Iowa native replaces longtime coach Fran McCaffery, who was let go after 15 seasons following back-to-back years with out an NCAA Match look.
Who’s Ben McCollum?
McCollum, 44, is not any stranger to success or the state of Iowa. Born in Iowa Metropolis and raised in Storm Lake, he returns dwelling after main Drake College to one in all its greatest seasons in latest historical past. In his debut yr at Drake, McCollum guided the Bulldogs to a 31-4 document, a Missouri Valley Convention title, and a No. 11 seed within the NCAA Match. Drake upset No. 6 Missouri within the first spherical earlier than falling to No. 3 Texas Tech within the second.
Previous to his quick however impactful stint at Drake, McCollum spent 15 seasons at Division II powerhouse Northwest Missouri State, his alma mater. Throughout that point, he led the Bearcats to 4 nationwide championships and earned 5 NABC Division II Coach of the Yr honors—cementing his popularity as a winner and program-builder.
“Returning to Iowa Metropolis as the pinnacle coach of the Hawkeyes is a dream come true for me and my household,” McCollum mentioned in a press release launched by the college.
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Why Iowa Moved On From Fran McCaffery
The choice to half methods with McCaffery got here after Iowa completed 17-16 and missed the NCAA Match for the second consecutive season. His tenure, which started in 2010, included a number of match appearances and Huge Ten wins, however latest struggles and an absence of postseason success prompted the change.
The ultimate blow got here through the Huge Ten Match, the place Iowa suffered a 106-94 loss to Illinois. McCaffery was ejected within the second half after receiving two technical fouls—a viral second that added to an already disappointing marketing campaign.
Whereas McCaffery’s departure sparked blended feelings amongst followers, it additionally led to a cryptic social media put up from his son, Connor McCaffery—at the moment an assistant coach at Butler and boyfriend of Iowa girls’s basketball star Caitlin Clark. The put up added a layer of drama to an already emotional transition.
What’s Subsequent for Iowa Basketball?
Athletic Director Beth Goetz emphasised that McCollum’s management, championship pedigree, and Iowa roots make him the best individual to steer the Hawkeyes into a brand new period.
“Ben brings a confirmed capacity to construct tradition, develop gamers, and win at a excessive degree. We’re assured he’ll restore Iowa basketball to nationwide prominence,” Goetz mentioned.
Because the Hawkeyes look to show the web page, fan pleasure is rising—not just for McCollum’s contemporary teaching imaginative and prescient but in addition for the upcoming season. With expertise on the roster and a brand new chief in place, expectations are already starting to rise in Iowa Metropolis.
What Is Subsequent For The Hawkeyes?
Ben McCollum’s arrival marks a turning level for the Iowa Hawkeyes. With a successful background, deep ties to the state, and the total help of the athletic division, the way forward for Iowa basketball appears promising. As Fran McCaffery exits with a fancy legacy, Ben McCollum steps into a possibility that followers hope will result in deep March runs and renewed Huge Ten dominance.
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