New Iowa coach Ben McCollum is rallying fan support during the offseason, but the real test is yet to come. With a challenging season ahead, it's time for the players to step up and deliver. McCollum, who took over the program in March, has been working hard to engage the Iowa fan base and build excitement around his vision for the team.
The Hawkeyes had a disappointing season last year, finishing 17-16 and missing the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year. This led to a decline in attendance, with fans growing disengaged and the team's Big Ten record falling below .500 for the first time since 2017-18. The Hawkeyes' 7-13 record in the conference was a stark contrast to their previous success, and fans began to stay away.
To address this, McCollum has been making appearances at I-Club events across the state and engaging with students at home football games. He understands the importance of connecting with the fans and creating a sense of community around the program. By shaking hands and looking fans in the eye, McCollum aims to build a strong foundation for the team's success.
McCollum's coaching journey began at Northwest Missouri State, where he won four NCAA Division II national championships. He then moved to Drake, setting a single-season win record and leading the Bulldogs to the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season and tournament titles. Despite his success, the transition to Iowa required a complete rebuild of the roster, with only sophomore forward Cooper Koch remaining from the previous team.
The six players brought over from Drake, including conference player of the year Bennett Stirtz, will play a crucial role in selling McCollum's vision to their new teammates. McCollum emphasizes the importance of effort and toughness, challenging his players to coach more and lead by example.
However, McCollum and his staff were surprised by the lack of a significant disparity between the top Division II talent at Northwest Missouri and the players they faced in the Missouri Valley. The jump to the Big Ten will present a greater challenge, with larger and more talented opponents. McCollum acknowledges the increased competition, stating that the bigs and guards will be bigger, more talented, and more athletic.
Despite the challenges, McCollum remains confident in his team's ability to succeed. He grew up a Hawkeye fan and understands the program's significance to the fan base. His interactions with fans have left him with a strong belief that they are eager to support a winning basketball team. McCollum's message is clear: he wants fans to be an integral part of the team's success, not just spectators who show up when the team is already successful.
As the season progresses, fans will play a vital role in the team's performance. McCollum's efforts to engage and build support will be crucial in creating a positive and winning environment for the Hawkeyes. With the right combination of fan support and player performance, Iowa is poised to make a strong comeback in the Big Ten.
