A Hall-of-Fame coach just dropped a truth bomb about Ben McCollum's meteoric rise

When you impress a coaching legend, you know you've done something right.

Ben McCollum's historic rise has gotten the attention of fans, media, and fellow coaches, and it is well-deserved.

McCollum rose through the ranks from Division II to mid-major to Division I, and has taken Iowa to new heights that they never thought possible. In one year, McCollum is approaching legendary status, and one hall-of-fame head coach is impressed.

Mike Krzyzewski loves what McCollum is doing

Wherever McCollum goes, he wins, and that is a testament to the way he builds a program by finding the right people.

McCollum was asked about how his success would impact the perception of the program to recruits and transfers, and he stated simply that if you're a tough dude, you will do well at Iowa.

His no-nonsense, straightforward style has been called "old school", but one legendary coach loves what he is doing.

NBA and NCAA Basketball Hall-of-Fame member Mike Krzyzewski said he "loves" Ben McCollum and has been following his career.

Coach K especially loves the way he coaches and holds people accountable.

Coach K became a legend during his time with the Duke Blue Devils, winning five National Championships and earning nine gold medals with Team USA, and he gave McCollum extremely high praise on the Pat McAfee show.

McCollum has gotten his squad to click at the right time, moving past the early bumps in the road, including losing seven of ten games to close the regular season.

Iowa is on the verge of making more history, and Illinois stands between them and a rare Final Four appearance.