It makes a lot of sense and I'd guess that BM has a lot of connections with HS coaches there. The majority of guys that he's bringing from Drake are from Missouri
7 of his top 8 scorers at Drake last year were from Missouri. Mac's ability to recruit a larger area than a few Midwestern states is probably the biggest concern with regard to his ability to be very successful at Iowa. I have no doubt he will develop a much wider recruiting footprint than he's had in his career - but it takes time. Hiring Luke Barnwell has most certainly changed the dynamic in that regard - his reach and contacts are likely impressive. That was a home run hire.
Winning will help as well. Ben, from what I've read, is highly respected. That should get Iowa some looks from some great players.
The KC connection. NWMS always had a lot of KC players in both basketball ad football....
Unfortunately, the Iowa brand needs rehabilitated as well. It's gone down quite a bit over the past couple decades and is an afterthought now. I do believe Ben can get it done, though. And I don't think it's impossible to think Ben can make us a top 10-20 program over the next decade.
And the majority of their budget will be funneled into transfers. Why gamble millions on high school prospects who have yet to prove themselves at the college level when you can invest in experienced, mature, and battle-tested college players? Of course, there are exceptions. Phenoms like Cooper Flagg and a select few others are ready to contribute from day one, but they are the rare outliers. Most simply aren't there yet.
