Ben McCollum

[LamarCheeks 18,579]

25 minutes ago, Unexpectedflash said:

I love TJ O but coaches don’t leave successful power 5 conferences like they used to. I think we have to shoot for an up and comer or someone like Dusty that is from IU.

No, no -- a thousand times no.

This is what got us in the predicament we're in now! 

 

[Unexpectedflash 1,046]

4 minutes ago, LamarCheeks said:

No, no -- a thousand times no.

This is what got us in the predicament we're in now! 

 

Lol i meant more only dusty because the only reason he’d leave is because he is from here

[HoosierTrav 7,838]

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. 

[Home Jersey 7,041]

1 minute ago, HoosierTrav said:

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. 

I would be incredibly excited if we could land him. Incredibly. 

It would be Cignetti like in a major way. 

[HoosierTrav 7,838]

1 minute ago, Home Jersey said:

I would be incredibly excited if we could land him. Incredibly. 

It would be Cignetti like in a major way. 

I’m on board with it. 

[sirhoosierlot 2,705]

He’s a dawg!!!

[LamarCheeks 18,579]

2 minutes ago, sirhoosierlot said:

He’s a dawg!!!

True dat ... 

[HoosierTrav 7,838]

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.

 

 

[Home Jersey 7,041]

5 minutes ago, HoosierTrav said:

I make my case for Ben McCollum as Indiana Head Coach:

Did you write this? I will read more closely when work is less busy. Just wondering if it’s posted/published anywhere else? Love to see these kinds of articles. Nice to see the McCollum fan club growing. 

[HoosierCoop 3,909]

All of this has rolled me into a huge ball of emotion.

• I am excited to know that there is an option out there for us that could be a huge uplift for this program.
• I am anxious because if we don't move on him this year, I fear that we will lose a huge opportunity.
• I am disheartened to know that we have to sit through another grinder season to get to this point.
• I am frustrated to see how the pre-season hype has panned out to a season full of apprehension.

Please somebody tell me how to feel!!! Lol!

[HoosierHoopster 6,890]

58 minutes ago, HoosierTrav said:

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.

 

 

I'm sold

[BA47591 340]

15 minutes ago, HoosierCoop said:

All of this has rolled me into a huge ball of emotion.

• I am excited to know that there is an option out there for us that could be a huge uplift for this program.
• I am anxious because if we don't move on him this year, I fear that we will lose a huge opportunity.
• I am disheartened to know that we have to sit through another grinder season to get to this point.
• I am frustrated to see how the pre-season hype has panned out to a season full of apprehension.

Please somebody tell how to feel!!! Lol!

I know some D2 coaching staffs from a previous life. One was recently runner-up for the championship and to a man they all say he's the GOAT. 

It's time to start sending letters and emails to Scott Dolson and Pete Yonkman. We need a break as a fan base. We've had a snowballing case of collective ptsd for a 1/4 century. I'm tired of looking at rosters, line-ups and game plans and knowing they won't work before the game starts. I know you are too. 

HoosierTrav if you wrote that post, that's the best forum post I've ever read. If you didn't please share the source so I van credit it. 

 

[Home Jersey 7,041]

We are not the only "blue blood" program taking a hard look at him. 

Have a buddy who went to Duke and he says there is a ton of chatter about him in alumni circles/on their boards. 

IU fans should root like hell for Scheyer to stick around.

I think Duke's admin right now is in a slightly similar position to IU after Knight with coach K being off the bench. 

Being loyal to one of his guys would mean missing out on a potentially awesome hire. 

But I think Coach K had such a long leash as a young coach, they will want to do the same for Scheyer. 

Let's hope that works to IU's benefit and our AD is not asleep at the wheel.  

[WayneFleekHoosier 48,171]

1 hour ago, Home Jersey said:

We are not the only "blue blood" program taking a hard look at him. 

Have a buddy who went to Duke and he says there is a ton of chatter about him in alumni circles/on their boards. 

IU fans should root like hell for Scheyer to stick around.

I think Duke's admin right now is in a slightly similar position to IU after Knight with coach K being off the bench. 

Being loyal to one of his guys would mean missing out on a potentially awesome hire. 

But I think Coach K had such a long leash as a young coach, they will want to do the same for Scheyer. 

Let's hope that works to IU's benefit and our AD is not asleep at the wheel.  

I wouldn't be surprised to see IOWA make the move this year.  

[Home Jersey 7,041]

12 minutes ago, WayneFleekHoosier said:

I wouldn't be surprised to see IOWA make the move this year.  

Wouldn’t totally surprise me. He waited very patiently for the right D1 opportunity. Had tons of options before Drake but chose them - probably because Iowa is home for him and the kids are young. I could see him staying at Drake until an opportunity that moves him comes along. Iowa definitely could be that, but IU (and Duke) should really make them earn it. Duke doesn’t seem like a natural fit to me. IU seems much closer to one, though that’s not a given at all. Now that Dolson has some real clout and fundraising chops I hope he finds a way to make it happen. 

[Stuhoo 80,165]

17 minutes ago, WayneFleekHoosier said:

I wouldn't be surprised to see IOWA make the move this year.  

Ben McCollum is Iowa’s Dusty May.

[Home Jersey 7,041]

5 minutes ago, Stuhoo said:

Ben McCollum is Iowa’s Dusty May.

I hope Indiana is to Ben what Michigan is to Dusty!

This would be the right time for Iowa to kick Fran to the curb for sure.