Ben McCollum found himself at a career crossroads last spring. He had received a job offer from Drake University and was on the brink of accepting when he paused to reflect. Waking up at 3 a.m., he realized his ambition: “Man, I want to make the NCAA Tournament. They’re Division I.” With that clarity, he took the coaching opportunity with Drake, setting the stage for what could be a Cinderella story in March Madness.
Drake University, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is no stranger to NCAA Tournament appearances, with this being their eighth. Their most recent journeys to the tournament were under the guidance of Darian DeVries, who has since moved on to West Virginia. McCollum, an Iowa native himself, had already built a reputable coaching portfolio, winning four Division II national titles in 15 years at Northwest Missouri State. Transitioning to Division I, he didn’t skip a beat, bringing with him four starters from his previous team who shared his drive and vision.
Bennett Stirtz, a standout playmaker, has become the face of the Bulldogs. Last year, he didn’t even make the all-conference first team in Division II, yet has now ascended to Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and Tournament MVP. Drake, initially pegged as underdogs and predicted to finish fifth in their conference, defied expectations by claiming the regular-season championship and then the tournament title, setting a school record with 30 wins.
The Bulldogs are now riding a seven-game winning streak as they prepare to face Missouri in Wichita, Kansas, on Thursday. Mitch Mascari, who reconsidered a career in finance to play another year under McCollum, emphasized that the team’s doubters have been a constant motivator. “No one believed in us,” said Stirtz, reflecting on their journey from Division II to the heights of Division I competition.
McCollum’s strategy is methodical and systematic, earning Drake the slowest tempo in the nation. The team excels in offensive rebounds and defensive pressure, allowing a national-low of just 58.4 points per game. This slow-and-steady approach has given them crucial victories over teams like Miami, Vanderbilt, and Kansas State.
A pivotal moment for the team came when Stirtz hit a game-winning three-pointer against Kansas State. This victory not only boosted morale but also signaled to the team that they could compete with the top-tier college basketball programs. They continued to impress, winning eleven consecutive conference games after a couple of mid-season losses. Their only other defeat was avenged in the Valley tournament, solidifying their reputation as a team that consistently meets challenges head-on.
Stirtz’s impressive stats—over 600 points, 180 assists, and 70 steals—have positioned him alongside legends like Larry Bird in Valley history. He attributes his growth to gained experience and confidence, allowing him to lead the team both statistically and inspirationally. Echoing this sentiment, his fellow transfers from Northwest Missouri, like Mascari, Isaiah Jackson, and Daniel Abreu, have all thrived in the Division I environment.
Abreu reflected on the team’s journey, acknowledging that, from the beginning, they believed in their ability to compete at this higher level. With McCollum’s coaching philosophy and the team’s relentless work ethic, Drake is poised to potentially create a memorable chapter in March Madness history.
