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Ben McCollum took the reins as head coach at Drake University in April 2024, and so far has wasted no time making a significant impact. His approach, built on years of proven success, drives the program forward in remarkable ways. 

In his first NCAA Division I tournament appearance, Ben McCollum led his team to a thrilling upset, taking the Bulldogs to the second round, the 1st time the program has advanced in the tournament since 1971.

Previously he led a remarkable 15-year tenure at Northwest Missouri State and helped bring them to four national championships (2017, 2019, 2021, 2022) and compiled a 394-91 record, earning five NABC Division II Coach of the Year awards. 

His coaching philosophy emphasizes player-driven decision-making, creating a dynamic offense built on improvisation and high-level execution. This approach has been key to his sustained success, including his recent upset against Missouri. 

Here are two key elements that showcase how Ben McCollum crafts a dynamic, player-driven offense: his approach to overall offensive design and his strategic use of ball screens. Both emphasize decision-making, creativity, and empowering players to take control while maintaining a disciplined and efficient system.

OFFENSIVE DESIGN

Offensive Design

Ben McCollum takes the stage with a clear and focused mindset, not just discussing his offense but conveying the underlying principles that have led to sustained success. "I'm going to jump to offense," he starts, making the shift with confidence, before acknowledging the culture and foundation that guide their approach.

This is a system built on consistency, and McCollum's results speak for themselves. He doesn’t get lost in the minutiae but emphasizes the big picture: they have five shooters on the floor at all times, creating an offense that is dangerous from every angle.

The most meaningful compliment his offense receives, he shares, is that they "won’t blow you away with their schemes." This isn’t about trickery or complexity; it's about teaching. "What we try to do is teacher versus teacher, not coach versus coach," he explains. 

For McCollum, it's not about complex plays or rigid systems—it's about the freedom for players to take ownership of their actions, to think for themselves, and to execute with confidence. The result is an offense that is fluid, effective, and sustainable over time.

BALL SCREENS

Ball Screens

"Why ball screens?" McCollum asks, because "You always have a shot." This creates a constant opportunity for offense, allowing players the freedom to attack. 

However, the flip side is just as crucial—"the worst part is you always have a shot." This creates a delicate balance where decisions must be sharp and timely.

As you see in the video, McCollum emphasizes the control ball screens provide over offensive flow. "You can control where the ball goes, which is great for an offense that wants freedom but still needs to direct the ball to certain players." 

His offense isn't about restricting creativity, but about empowering players to operate within a framework that maximizes their potential.

His emphasis on ball screens allows his team to exploit mismatches while keeping the game dynamic and player-driven. 

With a philosophy that blends strategic understanding, player freedom, and disciplined execution, McCollum has established a proven model that continues to achieve excellence year after year. Thank You Coach and ArBCA for sharing these clips from the clinic Offensive Philosophy

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