It's been said a million times, but Ben McCollum was the perfect hire for the Iowa Men's Basketball program.
After spending one season with the Drake Bulldogs, McCollum moved two hours east to Iowa City for his dream job of coaching the Iowa Hawkeyes.
In one season with the Hawkeyes, McCollum guided the program to its first 20-win season since the 2021-2022 season, made the program's first Sweet 16 since 1999, and the program's first Elite 8 since 1987.
McCollum has constantly given Iowa fans something to cheer for this season, and even after the season is over, he is still proving why he is and will always be a Hawkeye.
McCollum won't cheer for anyone else to win the Natty if it isn't Iowa
McCollum has gained national attention for everything he accomplished this season, including praise from Hall-of-Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski.
The best part about McCollum is that not only is he a great coach, but he loves Iowa and only wants them to succeed.
"If it's not the Iowa Hawkeyes, I don't want anyone to win it!"
— BetMGM Tonight (@BetMGMTonight) April 4, 2026
Ben McCollum joins @NoisyHuevos and @PatBoyle44 to talk about whether or not he is rooting for a Big 10 team to win the title. pic.twitter.com/BZklfxuD6M
McCollum recently spoke with "BetMGM Tonight," and when asked whether he is rooting for a Big Ten team to win the National Championship, he gave a great response.
He told the guys on the show that if it isn't Iowa winning it all, he doesn't want anyone to win it. He followed that by saying he won't be cheering for anyone else, but if he has to pick a team, it would be Michigan or Illinois.
McCollum's statement proves he's an Iowa guy and always will be because he can't even cheer for another team when Iowa isn't in the mix.