Ben McCollum’s first season as head coach of the Drake Bulldogs has been exceptional. It has grabbed the attention of college basketball fans nationwide and sparked discussions among Indiana Hoosiers supporters about potential future leadership.
Drake’s Dominance Under Ben McCollum: A Blueprint for Indiana?
Before joining Drake, McCollum established an excellent record at Northwest Missouri State, winning four Division II national championships and compiling an outstanding 81.7% career-winning rate.
His transition to Division I basketball has gone well, with the Bulldogs posting a 23-2 record and topping the Missouri Valley Conference.
Ben McCollum, former D2 coach whose team has a bunch of former D2 players, just led Drake to the MVC regular season title in his first year on the job.
If you’re Indiana, you’ve gotta at least call him, right?
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) February 27, 2025
Drake’s success this season has included crucial wins over Power Four opponents, showcasing the team’s national competitiveness. A strong defense, currently ranked second nationally, has been an integral part of their success, allowing an average of 59.2 points per game.
Guard Bennett Stirtz is crucial to Drake’s offense, averaging 18.9 points per game with a shooting accuracy of over 50% and 6.2 assists. His leadership on the court has been pivotal to the Bulldogs’ outstanding run.
Hoosiers Fans Eye McCollum
The Hoosiers’ recent struggles have prompted supporters to speculate about prospective coaching changes, with McCollum emerging as a top candidate.
Discussions revolve around his winning record and inventive coaching approach as potential catalysts for rebuilding Indiana’s basketball program.
Analysts and spectators acknowledge McCollum’s quick rise through the coaching ranks. FOX Sports analyst John Fanta recently praised him as a “coaching star,” suggesting a growing recognition of his impact on the game.
Drake continues to be one of CBB’s best stories. The Bulldogs are 23-2 and have won 11 in a row. Bennett Stirtz is as good as any mid-major player in the country. Averaging 19/4/6 per game while shooting 50%. Ben McCollum is a coaching star. @DrakeBulldogsMB – extraordinary!
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) February 13, 2025
As the season unfolds, the potential of McCollum transferring to a program like Indiana becomes a subject of immense curiosity. His excellent record and immediate success at Drake make him a fascinating contender for leading a high-profile team searching for resurrection.
KEEP READING: ‘A Coaching Star’ — FOX Analyst Claims HC Ben McCollum’s Drake Season Is One of Season’s Best
McCollum’s outstanding debut season at Drake has raised the Bulldogs’ standing and stirred up discussions among Indiana fans looking for a comeback. Whether McCollum continues at Drake or explores new opportunities, his impact on collegiate basketball is evident and expanding.
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