Sports roundup: Hawkeyes, Huskers, hoops
A look at a variety of basketball and other news and views
Does it seem like the college sports scene is busier than usual, or is it just me?
Part of that is due to all the success of the Iowa women’s basketball program, which will play in Sunday’s NCAA championship. But there have been hirings, player transfers and other news happening.
I’m here to wrap up a few of the notable items involving Iowa and Iowans. And away we go…
Former Northwest Missouri State coach Ben McCollum (on left) has been named Drake’s new men’s basketball coach. (Photo courtesy Northwest Missouri State Athletics.)
*Drake men’s basketball. In a rapid series of events, Bulldog coach Darian DeVries (an Aplington native) left for West Virginia. Ben McCollum (born in Iowa City, grew up in Storm Lake) was hired as his replacement.
DeVries coached Drake for six seasons and had tremendous success. Three NCAA tournament appearances and a 150-55 record. West Virginia pursued his talent.
McCollum, the coach at Northwest Missouri State, was ready for a step up from Division II basketball.
The new boss has a 394-91 record in 15 seasons. He won four national championships for the Bearcats.
It’s hard to see DeVries — who I covered when he was in high school — but I understand it’s a great opportunity.
But McCollum is an exceptional hire and can continue Drake’s success.
Note: At least five players have entered the transfer portal from the Bulldogs’ 2023-24 squad, although it’s possible some may return. The team’s top scorer, Tucker DeVries, will follow his dad to West Virginia.
Iowa native Troy Dannen has been hired as Nebraska’s new Director of Athletics. (Photo courtesy University of Nebraska Athletics.)
*Nebraska makes a change at the top. One Iowan left, another arrived.
Trev Alberts is out, Troy Dannen is in. Nebraska recently made changes in its Director of Athletics.
Alberts, who left for Texas A&M, was a multi-sports star at Cedar Falls Northern University High School. He played football at Nebraska, where he was an All-American linebacker.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to My Life, in Color to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.