HoosierTrav

I make my case for Ben McCollum as Indiana Head Coach: Why Indiana Basketball Should Give Strong Consideration to Ben McCollum When the Time Comes Indiana University basketball has long stood as one of the most storied programs in college basketball history. But decades of missteps, questionable hires, and missed opportunities have left the program chasing its past rather than setting the standard for the future. One such missed opportunity haunts IU fans to this day: failing to land Brad Stevens. There was a window—brief though it may have been—when Stevens, an Indiana native and basketball visionary, could have been persuaded to return home. That window closed, and Stevens went on to cement his legacy at Butler and in the NBA. Now, another golden opportunity is presenting itself, and Indiana cannot afford to miss it. Ben McCollum, the first-year head coach at Drake University, is proving that he is a transformative figure in college basketball. If Indiana wants to reclaim its seat among the blue bloods, McCollum should be at the top of the list when the time comes to make a change. McCollum’s Proven Track Record of Winning Ben McCollum is not a newcomer to success. Before arriving at Drake, he built Northwest Missouri State into a Division II powerhouse, winning four national championships. His teams were models of tactical brilliance, discipline, and unrelenting execution. Critics often question whether a coach can replicate that success at higher levels, but McCollum has already begun answering that question emphatically. In just his first season at Drake, McCollum has the Bulldogs off to a 6-0 start, including a dominant win over Miami and legendary coach Jim Larrañaga. That victory wasn’t just a fluke—it was a masterclass in preparation and tactical superiority. What makes it even more remarkable is that McCollum is achieving these results with a significant talent gap. Four of his five starters are Division II transfers, competing against Miami’s ACC-level roster. Yet, McCollum outthought and outmaneuvered one of the most respected coaches in college basketball, turning what should have been a mismatch into a statement win. Why McCollum Fits IU Basketball Perfectly 1. Tactical Genius in a Basketball Fishbowl Indiana’s fanbase is among the most knowledgeable and passionate in the sport. This isn’t a job where weaknesses can be hidden; poor in-game decisions or flawed systems will be dissected and magnified by fans and media alike. McCollum thrives under scrutiny. His ability to break down opponents, adapt on the fly, and elevate his players’ performance is exactly what IU needs. 2. Proven Ability to Maximize Resources At Northwest Missouri State, McCollum didn’t have the resources of Power 5 programs, yet he dominated. At Drake, he’s already proven capable of leveraging modest resources to achieve outsized results. Imagine what he could do with Indiana’s NIL opportunities, facilities, and recruiting pipelines. The upside is astronomical. 3. Championship Pedigree McCollum is not just a winner—he’s a championship-caliber leader. His track record shows that he knows how to build a program from the ground up and sustain success. That’s the type of coach who can restore Indiana basketball’s luster and bring banners back to Bloomington. 4. Ability to Develop Talent McCollum’s success with Division II transfers underscores his ability to maximize player potential. While other coaches rely on elite talent to win, McCollum wins by elevating his players through meticulous preparation, skill development, and team cohesion. This is exactly the kind of approach that wins championships in today’s college basketball landscape. Why the Time Is Now McCollum is not going to remain under the radar for long. He’s already proving his ability to succeed in Division I, and it’s only a matter of time before a top-10 program hires him. Once he’s in one of those jobs, the window for IU to land him will likely close forever, just as it did with Brad Stevens. The risk of waiting is too great. Programs like Kansas, Kentucky, and Duke didn’t ascend to the top by playing it safe or waiting too long to make bold moves. Indiana has the resources, history, and potential to reclaim its spot among the elites, but only if it acts decisively. Mitigating the Risk The only real question surrounding McCollum is his ability to recruit at an elite level. But that risk is easily mitigated. With Indiana’s NIL resources, top-tier facilities, and storied tradition, the program virtually recruits itself when paired with a capable leader. Moreover, McCollum’s track record of developing talent ensures that even if he doesn’t land the absolute best recruits, he’ll get the most out of the players he brings in. A Vision for the Future Indiana basketball is at a crossroads. The next coaching hire will either be the move that restores the program’s greatness or solidifies its slide into mediocrity. Ben McCollum represents everything IU needs: tactical brilliance, championship pedigree, and an unmatched ability to develop players. The window of opportunity is open now, but it won’t stay that way forever. McCollum’s ascent to the pinnacle of college basketball is inevitable. The only question is whether Indiana will be the program that gives him the resources to thrive—or the one left watching him win championships elsewhere. The time to act is coming, and Indiana cannot afford another missed opportunity. McCollum is a rare talent, and he is exactly the kind of leader who can bring the banners back to Bloomington. The decision is simple: hire McCollum and let the rest of the college basketball world try to catch up.

Someone get this to Dolson and the BoT!!! Haha. I make my case for Ben McCollum… Why Indiana Basketball Should Give Strong Consideration to Ben McCollum When the Time Comes Indiana University basketball has long stood as one of the most storied programs in college basketball history. But decades of missteps, questionable hires, and missed opportunities have left the program chasing its past rather than setting the standard for the future. One such missed opportunity haunts IU fans to this day: failing to land Brad Stevens. There was a window—brief though it may have been—when Stevens, an Indiana native and basketball visionary, could have been persuaded to return home. That window closed, and Stevens went on to cement his legacy at Butler and in the NBA. Now, another golden opportunity is presenting itself, and Indiana cannot afford to miss it. Ben McCollum, the first-year head coach at Drake University, is proving that he is a transformative figure in college basketball. If Indiana wants to reclaim its seat among the blue bloods, McCollum should be at the top of the list when the time comes to make a change. McCollum’s Proven Track Record of Winning Ben McCollum is not a newcomer to success. Before arriving at Drake, he built Northwest Missouri State into a Division II powerhouse, winning four national championships. His teams were models of tactical brilliance, discipline, and unrelenting execution. Critics often question whether a coach can replicate that success at higher levels, but McCollum has already begun answering that question emphatically. In just his first season at Drake, McCollum has the Bulldogs off to a 6-0 start, including a dominant win over Miami and legendary coach Jim Larrañaga. That victory wasn’t just a fluke—it was a masterclass in preparation and tactical superiority. What makes it even more remarkable is that McCollum is achieving these results with a significant talent gap. Four of his five starters are Division II transfers, competing against Miami’s ACC-level roster. Yet, McCollum outthought and outmaneuvered one of the most respected coaches in college basketball, turning what should have been a mismatch into a statement win. Why McCollum Fits IU Basketball Perfectly 1. Tactical Genius in a Basketball Fishbowl Indiana’s fanbase is among the most knowledgeable and passionate in the sport. This isn’t a job where weaknesses can be hidden; poor in-game decisions or flawed systems will be dissected and magnified by fans and media alike. McCollum thrives under scrutiny. His ability to break down opponents, adapt on the fly, and elevate his players’ performance is exactly what IU needs. 2. Proven Ability to Maximize Resources At Northwest Missouri State, McCollum didn’t have the resources of Power 5 programs, yet he dominated. At Drake, he’s already proven capable of leveraging modest resources to achieve outsized results. Imagine what he could do with Indiana’s NIL opportunities, facilities, and recruiting pipelines. The upside is astronomical. 3. Championship Pedigree McCollum is not just a winner—he’s a championship-caliber leader. His track record shows that he knows how to build a program from the ground up and sustain success. That’s the type of coach who can restore Indiana basketball’s luster and bring banners back to Bloomington. 4. Ability to Develop Talent McCollum’s success with Division II transfers underscores his ability to maximize player potential. While other coaches rely on elite talent to win, McCollum wins by elevating his players through meticulous preparation, skill development, and team cohesion. This is exactly the kind of approach that wins championships in today’s college basketball landscape. Why the Time Is Now McCollum is not going to remain under the radar for long. He’s already proving his ability to succeed in Division I, and it’s only a matter of time before a top-10 program hires him. Once he’s in one of those jobs, the window for IU to land him will likely close forever, just as it did with Brad Stevens. The risk of waiting is too great. Programs like Kansas, Kentucky, and Duke didn’t ascend to the top by playing it safe or waiting too long to make bold moves. Indiana has the resources, history, and potential to reclaim its spot among the elites, but only if it acts decisively. Mitigating the Risk The only real question surrounding McCollum is his ability to recruit at an elite level. But that risk is easily mitigated. With Indiana’s NIL resources, top-tier facilities, and storied tradition, the program virtually recruits itself when paired with a capable leader. Moreover, McCollum’s track record of developing talent ensures that even if he doesn’t land the absolute best recruits, he’ll get the most out of the players he brings in. A Vision for the Future Indiana basketball is at a crossroads. The next coaching hire will either be the move that restores the program’s greatness or solidifies its slide into mediocrity. Ben McCollum represents everything IU needs: tactical brilliance, championship pedigree, and an unmatched ability to develop players. The window of opportunity is open now, but it won’t stay that way forever. McCollum’s ascent to the pinnacle of college basketball is inevitable. The only question is whether Indiana will be the program that gives him the resources to thrive—or the one left watching him win championships elsewhere. The time to act is coming, and Indiana cannot afford another missed opportunity. McCollum is a rare talent, and he is exactly the kind of leader who can bring the banners back to Bloomington. The decision is simple: hire McCollum and let the rest of the college basketball world try to catch up.

Does it help if I mention that he beat Miami by 11 with 4 former D2 transfers starting?

Watch the full game highlights of Drake vs Miami on YouTube. Then watch some of his NW Missouri State games. You’ll forget all about that Gottlieb association.

Ben McCollum. He’s quite possibly the best tactician that I’ve dug into. I mentioned it in another thread. I came across the thread and started to dig in. He won 4 D2 national championships with an over .800 win percentage. The potential drawbacks were that he hadn’t coached at the D1 level. Drake hired him last offseason and he’s off to a 6-0 start, including dominating performances over Miami and Vanderbilt. He completely outclassed Jim Larranaga (a great coach). There was one stretch where he drew up 3 straight quick hitters that ended in a lob and dunk. Haha. So impressive. He’s not going to last more than 1-2 seasons at Drake. Major Brad Stevens vibes. Give him a P4 job and roster and he will take apart any coach you can name at the D1 level. Please take some time to watch his games. If Indiana hired this guy, he will win championships here.

*every few months…. Surely he won’t be too annoyed. If all else fails, we kidnap him and hold him against his will until Stockholm Syndrome kicks in. He’ll love us eventually.

I’m on board with it.

Stumbled upon this thread a couple days ago. Decided to browse the web and check this guy out. It turned into me watching 2 full games. I watched his last D2 national championship, followed by the Drake vs Miami game earlier this year. Honestly, I’m floored by this guy. He made absolute minced meat of Jim Larranaga and Miami. Seriously outclassed him with much less talent in the floor. To say I’m intrigued is a massive understatement.

At this point I’d be totally unfazed if IU just repurposed all of the basketball NIL to football. Build the monster. Football school.

I just finished listening to the latest Hoosier Hysterics podcast, and I have to say—it was pretty scathing. I’ve never been a huge fan of their style. To me, it always felt a bit corny and over-the-top, so I never paid them much attention. But this episode was a complete departure from what I expected. It wasn’t just speculation; it was a detailed, scathing breakdown of rumors and allegations that have been floating around the state for years. Here’s what really struck me: the immediate pushback from certain people trying to dismiss everything as conspiracy or conjecture. It reeks of damage control. How many times have we seen smoke only to find fire later? These aren’t new allegations, and the podcast gave them a clarity that’s hard to ignore. Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—Mike Woodson. From Cathy’s own admission, Scott Dolson didn’t even want to hire him. Instead, Quinn Buckner, who happens to be the Chair of the Board of Trustees and one of Woodson’s closest friend’s, allegedly forced the hire. Are there legs to the rumor that Buckner is preventing Woodson’s removal despite his poor performance? Particularly last season. Doesn’t this scream conflict of interest? This is a state university—taxpayer-funded and bound by ethical guidelines. How is cronyism like this allowed? IU has specific policies about conflicts of interest and personal relationships interfering with objective decision-making. If true, this situation violates the spirit of those rules at the very least. I’m genuinely curious—what are our options as fans, alumni, and taxpayers? Could this be investigated by the Indiana Attorney General or the State Board of Accounts? After all, these decisions involve public revenue, and the implications of cronyism at the top of a state-funded institution go beyond just bad optics. At the very least, shouldn’t we be pushing for: 1. An independent investigation into these allegations, either internally or by an external body like the Attorney General? 2. More transparency in decision-making for IU leadership, especially in hires that impact the program’s future. 3. A governance overhaul to ensure that personal friendships don’t dictate the program’s direction. I’d love to hear what others think about this. The Hoosier Hysterics podcast has clearly hit a nerve, and the timing of this damage control campaign only makes me more skeptical. Are we being gaslit into thinking this is just baseless speculation? Or is there a possibility for real accountability?

Your comment perfectly sums up how the fanbase is viewed by those in charge—dismissed, belittled, and written off as if we’re too dumb to see what’s happening. But deep down, you and the rest of the administration know the truth: you’ve been wrong, and the results prove it. If you all haven’t realized this then you’re arrogantly clueless. For decades, the decisions you defend have failed to deliver anything but mediocrity, and no amount of elitism or gaslighting changes that. The fanbase has been right more often than the administration, and the reality is clear: you’re ineffective at getting results. You can dismiss us all you want, but at the end of the day, you’ll have to live with the fact that your decisions have led IU basketball to this point—and you’ve shown no ability to fix it.

I appreciate you for engaging with the fanbase and offering insight into the administrative process at IU. I hope my response is received in the same spirit of respect and shared passion for Indiana basketball. That said, I feel compelled to address the disconnect between the decision-making among IU’s stakeholders and the results we continue to see on the court. It’s not just frustration—it’s exhaustion. The objective reality is that IU basketball has been mired in mediocrity, not because the fanbase lacks patience or understanding, but because the leadership’s approach to hiring head coaches has consistently failed. This isn’t a matter of opinion; it’s supported by decades of data, results, and a national reputation that has declined steadily since our glory days. Let’s address the most glaring example: Mike Woodson. After the Archie Miller debacle, the opportunity to course-correct was monumental. Instead, IU chose a coach in his 60s with zero collegiate head coaching experience. Whether this was a panic hire or a product of systemic nepotism, the result was the same—a decision that left fans questioning the judgment of those at the top. Despite being handed a roster bolstered by NIL resources and top-tier talent, the results under Coach Woodson have been underwhelming at best and disastrous at worst. If success is the metric, how can we rationally defend this hire? What exacerbates the frustration is the perception of elitism among the administration. The fanbase—who live and breathe this program—feels gaslighted, as if their concerns are dismissed as emotional or uninformed. Historically, however, those concerns have been vindicated. Every time the fanbase has voiced skepticism about a coach’s viability, it has been proven correct. The cycle is maddening: fans express concern, administration defends the status quo, the coach underperforms, and we’re back to square one. Coach Woodson’s tenure embodies this issue. A top-10 roster (on paper) performing well below expectations should sound alarms, not excuses. The fear that Woodson was hired because of his status as an alumnus—a seemingly un-fireable position due to optics—is not unfounded. That fear is now reinforced when stakeholders engage with fans but fail to address the root causes of the program’s stagnation: poor hires based on flawed processes. IU basketball isn’t just another program—it’s a cornerstone of college basketball history. To see it handled with anything less than the utmost competence and ambition is disheartening. For the sake of the program’s future, I urge those in decision-making roles to take an honest, ego-free look at what hasn’t worked and why. The same methods will not produce different results. If Scott Dolson’s process is as diligent as you claim, the time to prove it is now. Contingencies, evaluations, and processes only matter if they lead to decisions rooted in logic and aimed at winning. IU basketball deserves better. The fanbase deserves better. And it’s time for those in power to acknowledge that their current approach is not working. Let’s end the cycle and restore Indiana basketball to the powerhouse it should be.

Praying we host. I have 4 tickets preordered. Plan to sell two and take my son with me.

So Bruce Pearl and Auburn last year could have been us this year? Amazing that we had many fans here who scoffed at the idea of moving on from Woody for Pearl.

Coach Cig and the FB team has brought me so much joy as a fan. Can’t wait for the basketball program to reciprocate.

I am still smiling ear to ear from “the game”…. I cannot stand either team but I take great pleasure in seeing Ryan Day and OSU fail. They tried to buy a winner (like our basketball program) and still can’t overcome the inadequacies of their coach. Love it. Now all we need is a Penn State loss and a bucket game dub!

Mental gymnastics is just a phrase used to describe how some people will make unreasonable excuses/justifications to support their position. All to avoid admitting that they were wrong. As for the example…. I mentioned I was looking forward to see some. But one example from the past would be certain individuals who blamed our ability to recruit was due to the fans who say mean things about Mike Woodson on Twitter. Another would be that Mike Woodson hasn’t been able to play a more uptempo style of offense bc he hasn’t had the guards. There’s more than a handful of these examples. All arguments in favor of Mike Woodson being a good coach, are completely subjective. Objectively, Mike Woodson is not a winning coach.

I’m just saying that I don’t think it will help us to get the end result we want.

National media is turning on the guy. Going to be hard for those pro Woody people to control the narrative. Woodson is a coach who has been entirely propped up by Indiana’s robust resources. Not at all by merit. He’s been given more said resources and internal support than any of his predecessors….By far! There’s been absolutely nothing to show for it other than off court wins. I encourage everyone (myself included) to really try and leave out any personal attacks on Woody. It gets weaponized to discredit any reasonable frustrations we have. We have enough clear evidence to point to, that we don’t need any conjecture beyond the lack of on court results. Side note: VERY interested in seeing what mental gymnastics are used, to minimize this loss, by the pro Woody camp.

I’d love to see a reaction video of Cignetti being forced to sit and listen to a Woody postgame presser after a loss like this.

The day got away from me and I checked to see what time the game was. Realized I missed it and that we lost by nearly 30 to a Louisville team that doesn’t have near the talent on roster as us. Glad I missed it. For years we talked about apathy setting in. It’s set in. I truly have no passion for IUBB anymore. Hope they send Woody off after this season and FINALLY get the next hire right. The only difference is that it will take actual results to get me motivated to watch and buy tickets again. I’ll never have expectations without having proof, ever again.

I was talking with a friend Saturday about how I see Coach Cig as our version of Barry Alvarez. Until Alvarez, Wisky hadn’t accomplished much at all. They were really bad between 1963 and 1990 (when BA arrived). Awful actually. Alvarez changed the entire trajectory of that program. He won 3 B1G titles and won 3 Rose Bowl’s during his tenure. Most importantly, he established a winning culture that persisted long after he was gone. Thats what Cig can do here. And if he does……Build him a Big Bronze Bust and make sure everyone sees it every time they enter the Rock.

IU: 72 Louisville: 68 Hesitant to pick us as winner here. Think we get exposed in this tournament.

Agree. Take care of business against Purdue. The optics would be awful for them leaving out an 11-1 B1G team.

We gotta take care of business against Purdue. It’s going to be impossible for the CFP to leave an 11-1 B1G team out. Other than our game against O$U earlier, things are falling into place for us. Beat Purdue!