
Big Ten Basketball’s Coaching Elite: Who Leads the Pack?
A look at the top five Big Ten basketball coaches shaping the conference after Dusty May's exit.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Ben McCollum across Basketball.

A look at the top five Big Ten basketball coaches shaping the conference after Dusty May's exit.

The Hawkeyes blend experienced veterans with highly touted newcomers under second‑year coach Ben McCollum, hoping to translate early promise into a deep NCAA Tournament run.

After a standout junior season at Iowa and a transfer to Creighton, Josh Dix inked a two‑way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, continuing a pipeline of former Hawkeyes making the leap to the league.

The 2026 NBA Draft saw former Missouri Valley Conference standouts Bennett Stirtz, Ryan Conwell and Ja’Kobi Gillespie selected in the opening two rounds, marking a historic milestone for the league.

The NCAA's recent decision to allow athletes five years of eligibility reshapes the future for Iowa's basketball program, giving key players additional time to contribute.
Bennett Stirtz was selected 16th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft and promptly traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a move highlighted by coach Ben McCollum as a perfect fit for the Iowa forward.

Ben McCollum’s debut season at Iowa featured an Elite Eight run and high‑profile non‑conference games that boosted the program’s national profile.

The Hawkeyes will meet the Hokies in Sioux City on Nov. 10, marking their first game in the venue and the fifth meeting since 2017. Coach Ben McCollum emphasizes the strategic value of the neutral‑site contest, while ticket sales begin June 26.

The Iowa Hawkeyes will meet Virginia Tech on Nov. 10 in Sioux City, marking the team's inaugural appearance at the Tyson Events Center and the fifth meeting in a series that Virginia Tech leads 4‑0. Coach Ben McCollum expressed enthusiasm for bringing the game to western Iowa, while ticket sales and broadcast details are slated for release soon.

Bennett Stirtz was selected in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder, becoming the first player from the University of Iowa to be drafted during Ben McCollum’s era. The article explores the significance of his achievement and the potential NBA path for current Hawkeyes.

Bennett Stirtz was drafted in the first round by the Memphis Grizzlies and traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, becoming the most recent Hawkeye selected in the opening round and the first draft pick for Coach Ben McCollum.
The 2026 NBA Draft saw Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz selected 16th overall, traded to the Thunder, marking the Hawkeyes’ first draft pick since 2023 and capping a career that blended early‑college raw talent with Big Ten dominance.
Bennett Stirtz’s selection in the 2026 NBA Draft marks a pivotal moment for Iowa basketball, linking his collegiate achievements with a new chapter in Oklahoma City

A standout senior season has Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz drawing first‑round interest, with multiple mock drafts linking him to the Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies.

The Hawkeyes will test themselves against top‑tier opponents, including a Tuesday night clash with the Virginia Tech Hokies at the Tyson Events Center, as part of a broader strategy to earn a strong NCAA Tournament résumé.

Virginia Tech will meet Iowa on November 10, 2026, at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa, marking the fifth overall meeting and the second in Iowa, as the Hokies look to add another win to their flawless record against the Hawkeyes.

Virginia Tech will meet Iowa on November 10, 2026 in Sioux City, adding a historic neutral‑site game to a loaded schedule that also features the Charleston Classic and a full ACC slate.

The Hawkeyes and the Hokies will square off at the Tyson Events Center on Nov. 10, 2026, with tickets going on sale June 26, 2026, at 10 a.m. on TysonCenter.com.

Iowa’s men’s basketball team will face Virginia Tech in Sioux City on November 10, marking the program’s first game in the city and part of a three‑game neutral‑site series against Power Conference opponents.
Iowa will face Virginia Tech on Nov. 10 at Sioux City’s Tyson Events Center as part of a 21‑game plan that includes matchups with Creighton, Alabama and Iowa State, aiming to boost NCAA Tournament readiness.
Iowa will host Virginia Tech at the Tyson Events Center on Nov. 10, adding to a schedule that emphasizes in‑state games, marquee non‑conference opponents and preparation for the 2027 NCAA Tournament.

The Hawkeyes will meet the Hokies at the Tyson Events Center on Nov. 10, with tickets on sale June 26.

Bennett Stirtz is projected to be selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder after a standout college season that showcased his playmaking and shooting.

Dusty May left Michigan for the Dallas Mavericks, prompting the Wolverines to consider interim coach Mike Boynton, Billy Donovan, Josh Schertz, Ben McCollum and John Beilein as potential replacements.