Ben McCollum Introductory Press Conference, 3:30PM

[JoeyLabasForPresident]

Iowa Basketball Head Coach Ben McCollum Introductory Press Conference

Official video of University of Iowa Athletics.

www.youtube.com

 

[hawkrr]

Michigan's basketball coach Dusty May called McCollum one of the best teachers and coaches in America at any level.

Marquette’s Shaka Smart said via McCollum’s Northwest Missouri State bio that he “really, really understands culture and what goes into winning from a people standpoint.”

“Then he’s a great coach on both ends of the floor,” Smart said. “And like the way that they play, you can tell he teaches guys and helps guys grow in how to play as opposed to little parts of the offense or parts of the defense. He teaches them to understand how to put it all together.”
When Drake hired McCollum, Smart added via the Drake press release that he “possesses a rare combination of tremendous relational skills, extreme work ethic, an innate ability to evaluate and develop talent and a terrific basketball mind.”

Texas Tech’s Grant McCasland said via last year’s Drake release that McCollum is an “elite coach in every category I know of.”
“He knows the game as well as anyone, both on offense and defense,” McCasland said. “But what separates him is the relationships he builds. That allows him to hold guys accountable to the highest standard of winning, but he doesn't just win championships, he builds programs that can sustain championship capabilities.”

 

[Tippett]

It is on BTN at 5:00 or 5:30 today.

 

[Fryowa]

Here we go...

Might as well watch, these things only happen every decade or so at Iowa.

 

[Fryowa]

McCollum better have made it a condition that the blue hairs are getting the boot for a student section by the floor.

 

[JoeyLabasForPresident]

Doc Tom, Chris Street, press mentioned.

 

[Fryowa]

Vaguely hinting at making changes to the student section...

 

[JoeyLabasForPresident]

Coach has asked us to harass Pryce and Dix back onto the team. He promises a rockin' Carver and a team with fight.

 

[skinnykilmer17]

Yep Fry. Changes are coming I hope.
How long has it been since we have felt here is a coach who WANTS to be here?

 

[skinnykilmer17]

Mentioned Steve Krasfcisin as a mentor as well as others.

This guy is clearly flexible and and an X’s and O’s guy.

 

[Fryowa]

I like what he's saying about offensive efficiency and defense (slowing down, etc...), but no matter what he want's to do, in the B1G you need size and athleticism and those guys take $$$ to get here.

This thing is 100% going to hinge on how much moo-lah this guy is given to get players. Skinny 6'5" 190 pounders ain't gonna get it done.

 

[Hay Man]

I like a lot of what he's saying. Very thoughtful answers

 

[Fryowa]

Doesn't sound like he's in favor of scheduling better non-cons.

 

[Fryowa]

Hawkeye beat reporters are going to like interviewing McCollum better than Fran, no doubt.

 

[Fryowa]

Sticking with the shirt and tie. Lolz

 

[JoeyLabasForPresident]

Coach's pitch to players: Come here if you want to win.

IDK how well that will work, but badass.

 

[JoeyLabasForPresident]

Coach's objective: Win Championships. Fill Carver. Give the fans an enjoyable product. Be a national championship contender like NWMS was.

 

[JoeyLabasForPresident]

God's Country mentioned! That's what I always stay when I'm back in Iowa.

 

[JoeyLabasForPresident]

@Fryowa I just noticed it hit the market a week ago: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1100-N-Dubuque-St-Iowa-City-IA-52245/76765554_zpid/

 

[Fryowa]

180 degree difference from Fran talking about connecting with fans and students during the offseason.

"When they come up to you in the grocery store and people want to say hi you gotta shake their hands"

Fran's east coast personality I don't think I'd walk that guy's direction in the first place. lol.

Still love Fran, don't get me wrong.