Ben McCollum Introduced As Iowa Men's Basketball Coach

IOWA CITY, Iowa — A new chapter in Iowa men’s basketball began on March 25, 2025, as Ben McCollum was introduced as the 23rd head coach of the program during a lively news conference at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The 43-year-old former Drake coach, who has a storied history in college basketball, is determined to revitalize a program that has seen dwindling attendance and enthusiasm in recent years.

McCollum, a native of Iowa City, expressed his deep-rooted connection to the Hawkeyes, citing his admiration for past players like Chris Street, who tragically passed away in 1993. “How are our teams going to look?” McCollum asked, emphasizing the qualities he wants to instill in his players. “The intensity, the energy, the effort, the enthusiasm, the joy, the servant mentality, the toughness. Everything that Iowa stands for is what our team is going to look like.”

Street, who played for Iowa from 1990 to 1993, is remembered not only for his talent but also for embodying the spirit of the Midwest, as noted by former coach Tom Davis. McCollum aims to honor Street’s legacy by building a team that reflects those same values both on and off the court.

During his introduction, McCollum highlighted his vision for the program, stating, “My objective is to make better husbands, better fathers, better citizens, and that’s what I’ll do here at the University of Iowa through the game of basketball.” He wants his players to connect with the community and the student body, fostering a sense of pride and excitement around the program.

McCollum, who has won four Division II national championships, is aware of the challenges ahead. With seven players already in the transfer portal since the dismissal of former coach Fran McCaffery, he faces a significant roster overhaul. A 30-day window for players to enter the portal opened on March 21, 2025, and McCollum is eager to reshape his team.

“We’re going to connect,” he said. “Our players are going to connect with the students. I need to connect with the students, and our whole program does. It’s not just us uplifting this program; it’s the whole university and the community of Iowa City.”

Excitement was palpable as McCollum made his entrance to the arena, greeted by students and cheerleaders. His energy resonated with the crowd, and he quickly endeared himself to the fans. “Let’s go, guys,” he shouted as the Iowa Fight Song played, signaling a fresh start for the Hawkeyes.

McCollum’s coaching philosophy emphasizes toughness and efficiency, two qualities he believes are essential for success. He stated, “Positively first, tough kids win. Connected groups win. Groups that serve each other win. Kids that work with a level of humility win. And that hasn’t changed.”

He also shared insights about his style of play, indicating a preference for a faster pace while maintaining a strong defensive presence. “If I put the ball in the basket more times and you have to take it out of bounds, I can set my defense,” he explained. “But from an offensive perspective, yeah, I would prefer to play faster.”

McCollum’s knowledge of past players and his connection to Iowa basketball history were evident during his address. He recalled watching former Hawkeyes like B.J. Armstrong and Acie Earl growing up, illustrating his lifelong passion for the program. “That’s who I idolized,” he said, reinforcing his commitment to honoring the legacy of those who came before him.

The new coach is also focused on engaging with the community to build excitement around the program. He acknowledged the importance of grassroots networking, stating, “You gotta be out, man. It’s Iowa. Like you gotta shake hands. When you’re in the grocery store, and they come up to you, you gotta say ‘Hi.’ What do they say, Iowa nice? It’s God’s country, as we say.”

As McCollum embarks on this new journey, he recognizes the significance of reconnecting with the fan base. Iowa has struggled with attendance, finishing the season with the lowest paid attendance in 60 years, averaging just 5,176 fans per game. The disconnect between the program and its supporters has been a growing concern, prompting the need for a fresh approach.

Beth Goetz, the athletic director, is also eager to revitalize the program, proposing a $60 million renovation of Carver-Hawkeye Arena to enhance the fan experience. “The filling up of Carver, certainly from a business perspective, is really critically important,” she said. “But I think that’s an outcome of what happens when you build that connection, when your team’s excited to watch.”

McCollum’s hiring represents a pivotal step in addressing these challenges. His commitment to fostering a winning culture and engaging with the community could be the key to reigniting the passion for Iowa basketball. “We want somebody that wanted to do that, not that understood it was a part of the job but that was genuinely interested in being a part of that process,” Goetz added.

As McCollum begins to assemble his team and lay the groundwork for a successful future, the hopes of Hawkeye fans rest on his shoulders. With a focus on character, humility, and community engagement, he aims to restore Iowa basketball to its former glory. It’s a tall order, but for McCollum, it’s a dream come true.