Ben McCollum is quickly making a name for himself in the world of college basketball. After an impressive stint at Division II Northwest Missouri State, McCollum took his talents to the Drake Bulldogs for a season before moving to Iowa City. In a remarkably short time, he's led Iowa to the NCAA Tournament, notched two wins in the Big Dance, and propelled the Hawkeyes into the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999.
His rapid success is catching the eyes of many, raising the question: could McCollum be lured away from Iowa City for a larger program? While some analysts believe it's a possibility, McCollum is known for his loyalty.
The idea of him elevating Iowa to new heights only to leave doesn't seem to fit his character. Still, that won't stop top-tier programs from trying to entice him.
Recently, McCollum's name has surfaced in discussions about the vacant head coach position at UNC. ESPN's Pete Thamel reports that McCollum's achievements at Iowa have generated significant buzz, making him a potential candidate for the Tar Heels. With UNC parting ways with head coach Hubert Davis, they're likely looking beyond their current staff for a fresh leader.
While there's no concrete evidence that McCollum will receive an offer from North Carolina, his track record ensures he's on the radar of major basketball programs. As he continues to shine, the interest from bigger schools is only expected to grow.