Coach with Iowa roots leads Hawkeyes to tournament upsets

Ben McCollum wasn’t born under a lucky star. He grew up in Storm Lake, Iowa—a small town where basketball isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life. At 43, he’s the same age many players are when they retire, but he’s leading a team of underdogs to victories most didn’t see coming. His Iowa Hawkeyes knocked out the top-seeded Florida Gators with a buzzer-beater in the NCAA Tournament. That win wasn’t just luck. It was the result of years of grinding in places most coaches wouldn’t touch. McCollum’s journey started in the same Iowa classrooms where he later earned his degrees. He played college ball at Northwest Missouri State, where he helped the team reach the Elite Eight—a first for the program. As a player, he wasn’t the flashiest. He was the guy who showed up, did the work, and let results speak. That’s the same attitude he brings to coaching. He doesn’t rely on hype. He builds systems. He trusts the process. His players aren’t just told to win; they’re taught how to win.Off the court, McCollum keeps his personal beliefs private, but his work ethic isn’t a mystery. He’s won four national titles at the Division II level and racked up over 400 wins in 16 years. That’s a win rate most coaches dream about. He’s not chasing fame. He’s chasing consistency. His teams don’t panic. They don’t crumble. They adapt. That discipline comes from somewhere deeper than Xs and Os. It comes from Iowa itself—where small towns raise players who know the value of hard work before they even step on the court. His coaching style isn’t built on shouting or intimidation. It’s built on quiet leadership. His mother, a University of Iowa graduate, gave him more than just education. She gave him perspective. He’s not the type to make headlines for bad behavior. He’s the type to make headlines for winning quietly. In a world where coaches come and go, McCollum’s staying power stands out. But success isn’t just about staying. It’s about growing. And in Iowa, growing means staying true to where you came from.