Ben McCollum just showed Fred Hoiberg whose the real Big Ten Coach of the Year

Fred Hoiberg had a nice season and Nebraska was a great story, but what are the Huskers doing now? They're packing and heading on the first flight from Chicago to Lincoln because Ben McCollum is quickly building a monster in Iowa City.

Hoiberg has some explaining to do as well. Four players on the floor during a crucial possession? What's the deal coach? Was the moment a little too big for you? Well it wasn't for McCollum because he's already got rings (four-time D2 national champion). 

But even in victory, does McCollum gloat? Nah, he instead gives his opponents respect for a good game.

"[Nebraska] completely turned everything around from the previous season, and they have absolutely nothing to hang their heads about or anything. I have the utmost respect for them, all their players, and especially Coach Hoiberg. Heck of a season. I know it's no consolation, but we still want to beat 'em every time, and they want to beat us every time," McCollum said.

Ben McCollum is the next great Iowa coach

The Hawkeyes have been lucky to have some great coaches over the years. Obviously, there's Hayden Fry and Kirk Ferentz in football, Dan Gable is probably the greatest wrestling coach ever and Lisa Bluder was a three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year.

I don't feel bad about putting McCollum in that group. He's a special coach, and he's home where he belongs and where he can lead Iowa to greatness for the next few decades. 

This was a trying season at times for the Hawkeyes. Things didn't always come together, but McCollum never let his player leave the fight. They continued to battle through some disappointing losses and worked to figure it out. The team has adopted the identity of the coach. They just don't give in.

"We were able to stay in the game long enough and then get enough stops and had some big possessions down the stretch. Really good program win for everybody, coaches, managers, everybody included," McCollum added.

Staying in the fight is the mark of a champion. And the Hawkeyes are one step closer to getting there.