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Why not Ben McCollum?

I could be wrong because I’m not sure what I’m seeing. I guess I’m used to not seeing this whatever it is. But it appears that Drake is doing something called “defense”?
 
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Been gritty. They usually don’t get worked on the boards like this. But have gotten a favorable whistle and Stirtz has taken over in spots.
 
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What I’ve seen this game is The Drake plays very calm in stressful end of game situations. And this game was stressful- get beat and you’re probably out of the NCAA tournament. That’s confidence from coaching at least in part, and that’s exactly what we need. Period. End of story. Case closed.

This didn’t look like Lickliter ball. I saw players taking it to the hoop after steals on multiple occasions almost every single time. And at least getting free throws. I didn’t see that much with Lick ball. When that happened, Lick had them reset the offense every single ****ing time. Even if no defenders by the hoop. Or they would sit. So **** this comparison to Lickliter bs. He didn’t know what he was doing, with an assistant coach making him look good during Butlers run in the NCAA tournament.

Make it happen Beth.
 
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What I’ve seen this game is The Drake plays very calm in stressful end of game situations. And this game was stressful- get beat and you’re probably out of the NCAA tournament. That’s confidence from coaching at least in part, and that’s exactly what we need. Period. End of story. Case closed.

This didn’t look like Lickliter ball. I saw players taking it to the hoop after steals on multiple occasions almost every single time. And at least getting free throws. I didn’t see that much with Lick ball. When that happened, Lick had them reset the offense every single ****ing time. Even if no defenders by the hoop. Or they would sit. So **** this comparison to Lickliter bs. He didn’t know what he was doing, with an assistant coach making him look good during Butlers run in the NCAA tournament.

Make it happen Beth.
Also, those that say McCollum plays “Lickliter Ball” haven’t researched the man. He has stated that he adjusts the style to fit his players.

And as you said….they don’t wilt under pressure.

He’s a winner.
 
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Yes

My fear in all of this comes back to Iowa slow rolling things like this with previous ADs (Stoops). I think he is Iowa's best bet and with the higher ceiling for what it will cost you currently for other coaches.
I don’t think slow rolled the football hire. As I recall KF could not sit for an appt before he did so that’s why we waited after the stoops inverview
 
As an aside, while McC and DeVries are my top 2, the Bradley coach would be someone to look at as well if those two don’t work out for whatever reason. Consistent winning athletic teams and pretty charismatic with players and fans.
 
Indiana media is all over McCullom. I don't see how he picks Iowa over Indiana.

Blue blood in B10.

Big NIL bank account, already paying a player over 1 million. Not promises of what might happen.

Great fan base that fills assembly hall.
As an Iowa guy maybe, just maybe he hates Indiana. Let Indiana get their favorite son, Stevie boy Alfraud. They deserve each other.

Steve Brule GIF
 
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I don’t think slow rolled the football hire. As I recall KF could not sit for an appt before he did so that’s why we waited after the stoops inverview
The issue is we did a slow, methodical process and Oklahoma picked one candidate and offered him. Stoops was ready to accept the Iowa job if offered and we fumbled it with process. That being said, we ended up with a great coach. But it wasn't what fans wanted at the time obviously. Stoops was the top head coach candidate in the country.
 
Yes, yes we do it the same way as we did it 25+ years ago just with different people. 😆 🤣 😂 😹
 
Also, those that say McCollum plays “Lickliter Ball” haven’t researched the man. He has stated that he adjusts the style to fit his players.

And as you said….they don’t wilt under pressure.

He’s a winner.
He said he starts his 5 best players. If that's all guards he starts them. Don't know how that would equate to the B10 with the monsters in the middle that most teams have.
 
Yes

My fear in all of this comes back to Iowa slow rolling things like this with previous ADs (Stoops). I think he is Iowa's best bet and with the higher ceiling for what it will cost you currently for other coaches.
Beth did not slow-roll the Jan Jensen hire, so we know things can happen very fast when they need to. I would wager she has her shortlist and contact has been made with agents.
 
As an aside, while McC and DeVries are my top 2, the Bradley coach would be someone to look at as well if those two don’t work out for whatever reason. Consistent winning athletic teams and pretty charismatic with players and fans.
No on Bradley coach. His teams always seem to fold in the big moments. Solid coach but he’s a step below Fran in my opinion.
 
No on Bradley coach. His teams always seem to fold in the big moments. Solid coach but he’s a step below Fran in my opinion.
I think if we buy out Fran Devries and McCollum seem like the only two realistic candidates for the position. Both have ties to Iowa and either I think would take the job in a heartbeat. Some younger up and comers around the country might make good candidates but Beth has to move quickly on this if it happens and I don't see an extended search in the cards. We have much work to do in mens basketball beyond just hiring a competitive coach who fits.
 
I want a guy who is a proven winner everywhere he's been, who teaches all aspects of the game of basketball (not just one end of the floor), and has shown an ability to adapt based on personnel. McCollum passes all 3 with flying colors. Add to that the fact that his buyout would be pretty low AND he's a native son who would look at the Iowa job as a destination job. Sign me up.
 
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What I’ve seen this game is The Drake plays very calm in stressful end of game situations. And this game was stressful- get beat and you’re probably out of the NCAA tournament. That’s confidence from coaching at least in part, and that’s exactly what we need. Period. End of story. Case closed.

This didn’t look like Lickliter ball. I saw players taking it to the hoop after steals on multiple occasions almost every single time. And at least getting free throws. I didn’t see that much with Lick ball. When that happened, Lick had them reset the offense every single ****ing time. Even if no defenders by the hoop. Or they would sit. So **** this comparison to Lickliter bs. He didn’t know what he was doing, with an assistant coach making him look good during Butlers run in the NCAA tournament.

Make it happen Beth.
The dude has been nails in tough situations going on a decade plus. D2 is not D1, but pressure basketball and coaching happens at every level and this guy and his teams seem to be at their best when the games matter most.
 
The dude has been nails in tough situations going on a decade plus. D2 is not D1, but pressure basketball and coaching happens at every level and this guy and his teams seem to be at their best when the games matter most.
5 overtime wins this year proves that.
 
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Anyone know where Ben's wife Michelle is from? Is she an Iowan? Also, are Ben's parents still in Iowa? Wondering if there is anything that would keep them tied to the state/area.
 
I am all for Iowa hiring Ben McCollum. It will be interesting to see if they want to move for the second year in a row. They just purchased a house in Clive, and they have three children, one of whom will be a senior in high school next year. Of course, the money at Iowa will be much better than at Drake, but his longevity at Northwest Missouri State indicates he is loyal.
 
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