Ben McCollum led the Drake Bulldogs to an incredible first-place MVC finish in his debut season. Fans and analysts praised his impact, hailing him as a great winner.
Simply put, all McCollum does is win basketball games. In his 16-year coaching career in Division I and II, he is 419-94.
Definition of a Winner: Ben McCollum Leads Drake to Historic 1st-Place Finish
The Bulldogs have won the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) regular-season championship under McCollum, marking a historic accomplishment for the program.
Ben McCollum Conference Finishes:
— Northwest Missouri State
2014: T-1st
2015: 1st
2016: 1st
2017: 1st
2018: 1st
2019: 1st
2020: 1st
2021: 1st
2022: T-1st
2023: 1st
2024: 1st
— Drake
2025: 1stDefinition of a WINNER 🥇 pic.twitter.com/eBBiDYrP1s
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) February 24, 2025
This milestone has sparked an explosion of excitement among fans and observers, who praise McCollum’s revolutionary impact on the team.
The Bulldogs’ rise to the top of the MVC standings has been extremely impressive. Drake had a remarkable 25-3 overall record and a 15-3 conference record, showcasing perseverance and drive throughout the season. A 64-58 overtime victory over Northern Iowa clinched at least a share of the conference title.
McCollum’s arrival at Drake in April 2024 marked a new era for the Bulldogs. McCollum brings an amazing background from his time at Northwest Missouri State, where he won four Division II national titles, and has smoothly transitioned to Division I, fostering a winning attitude in his team.
His coaching abilities became apparent early in the season when Drake won the Charleston Classic, defeating challenging opponents including Miami, Florida Atlantic, and Vanderbilt.
The Drake community has gathered around McCollum and the Bulldogs, with fans expressing their support in an array of ways. Additionally, many have embraced McCollum’s game-day attire of shirts and ties, producing a professional atmosphere at home games.
McCollum’s influence has sparked significant praise on social media platforms. FOX Sports analyst John Fanta highlighted the team’s success, stating, “Ben McCollum is a coaching star. Drake Bulldogs – extraordinary!”
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As the Bulldogs gear up for the next MVC Tournament and potential NCAA Tournament berth, McCollum and his players have laid a solid foundation that sets them as strong challengers.
The collaboration between the coaching staff and the team has fostered an excellent culture, paving the way for an exciting future in Drake basketball.
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