In this episode, Coach Brendan Suhr is joined by Ben McCollum, head coach of Drake University men's basketball. McCollum, known for his unprecedented success at Northwest Missouri State with four national championships, shares insights into his transition to Drake, where he has led the Bulldogs to an impressive 26-3 start in his first season at the helm. He discusses the challenges of building a program quickly, the impact of bringing both his assistant coaches and key players from Division II, the importance of recruiting high-character athletes, the power of adaptability, as well as how his team's style of play has evolved based on personnel while maintaining a focus on efficiency, toughness, and attention to detail.
Coach McCollum also dives into his philosophy on 'the process,' drawing from coaching legends like Nick Saban and Bill Belichick by stressing championship-level effort every day rather than fixating on wins and losses. He offers practical advice for young coaches on navigating the job market, handling rejection, and staying true to their coaching identity. McCollum's reflections on leadership, culture, and the value of finding the right fit make this episode a must-listen for coaches at every level.
All that and more on Episode 289 of the Coaching U Podcast, presented by Noah Basketball.
Noah Basketball is trusted by 28 NBA teams, over 200 NCAA programs, and over 1,000 high school programs to capture and analyze key shooting metrics to help your players perfect their shot and reach their max potential.
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