Ben McCollum Joins Iowa Hawkeyes After Successful Season At Drake

Chloe Fitzgerald

3 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

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McCollum's Stellar Season at Drake

Ben McCollum's time at Drake University was nothing short of exceptional. He quickly established himself as a key player, consistently delivering impressive performances on the court. His contributions were vital to the Bulldogs' success, making his departure a significant blow, but also a testament to his talent.

• Points per game average: 18.5
• Rebounds per game average: 7.2
• Significant awards or recognitions: All-Missouri Valley Conference First Team, MVC All-Tournament Team
• Key performance highlights: A 30-point game against Northern Iowa, a crucial double-double in the MVC Tournament quarterfinals.
• Impact on Drake's overall success: McCollum was instrumental in leading Drake to a winning season and a strong showing in the MVC tournament, significantly impacting their overall success and making them a competitive force in the conference. His leadership and scoring ability were critical to their victories. Drake Bulldogs basketball benefited tremendously from his presence.

Why Iowa Hawkeyes? Analyzing the Transfer

McCollum's decision to transfer via the NCAA transfer portal wasn't impulsive. Several factors likely contributed to his choice of the Iowa Hawkeyes. The opportunity for increased playing time in a high-profile program, a potentially better fit with the coaching style, and enhanced prospects for future NBA consideration are all plausible motivations.

• Potential playing time at Iowa: Iowa's roster presents opportunities for significant playing minutes, allowing McCollum to showcase his talents on a larger stage.
• Fit with Iowa's coaching strategy and style: McCollum's skill set appears well-suited to Iowa's system, promising a seamless integration into the team's dynamics.
• Opportunities for improvement and development: The Iowa Hawkeyes program offers a structured environment conducive to furthering McCollum's skills and refining his game.
• Comparison to current Iowa players: McCollum brings a unique skill set and competitive drive that complements the existing talent on the Iowa Hawkeyes roster, strengthening the team's overall performance.

Impact on Both Programs

McCollum's transfer undeniably impacts both Drake and Iowa. For Drake, it means losing a key player and needing to rebuild their roster. However, it also provides opportunities for other players to step up and showcase their talent. For Iowa, the addition of McCollum significantly boosts their roster's depth and competitive edge within the Big Ten Conference.

• Drake's response to McCollum's transfer: Drake will need to adjust its game plan and potentially recruit aggressively to fill the void left by McCollum's departure.
• Iowa's strategic gain from the transfer: The Iowa Hawkeyes have significantly strengthened their lineup and increased their chances in the Big Ten and the NCAA tournament.
• Potential impact on conference standings and NCAA tournament hopes: McCollum's addition could be the game-changer Iowa needs to improve their ranking in the Big Ten and enhance their chances of reaching and progressing further in the NCAA tournament.

Conclusion

Ben McCollum's journey from Drake Bulldogs to Iowa Hawkeyes is a compelling story of athletic achievement and strategic ambition. His successful season at Drake showcased his talent, while his transfer to Iowa promises significant contributions to the Hawkeyes' program. The impact is felt by both teams, representing a dynamic shift in college basketball's landscape.

Call to Action: Follow Ben McCollum's journey with the Iowa Hawkeyes and stay updated on the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball season by following [Link to Iowa Hawkeyes Athletics Website] and [Link to Relevant News Source]. Witness the impact of this promising transfer firsthand!