After getting rid of Hubert Davis, North Carolina is going through a coaching search and looking to find the right guy to lead its basketball program. Among the options, Iowa’s Ben McCollum checks more boxes than people might expect for North Carolina. While it might seem unlikely, Logan Lazarczyk thinks he could be an option.
While McCollum has a nice gig at Iowa, this is North Carolina we’re talking about.
“As evidence shows, McCollum has proven that his system transfers wherever he goes. North Carolina seeks a long-term head coach, and while hiring an established coach nearing the end of his career is the preferred move, McCollum offers the potential for immediate success and long-term sustainability.
“Over the last five years with Davis at the helm, the Tar Heels have either missed the tournament entirely or been eliminated in the first round in three of those seasons. McCollum has proven to excel even when he has not been provided with elite resources. North Carolina can provide financial resources in abundance, and with the incoming talent next season, the Tar Heels could compete for a National Championship with McCollum at the helm,” he wrote.
McCollum isn’t as big of a name as some of the other candidates, yet, and it remains uncertain if he’s even a candidate at this point or a pipe dream for fans. When speaking about his future at Iowa, the Hawkeyes AD had a lot to say, and none of it made it seem like McCollum wouldn’t be back next season.
"I couldn't be more thrilled with what our program has accomplished and the leadership of Coach McCollum. We are excited about Ben's future here at Iowa and will work in partnership with him toward continued success."
However, money talks, and McCollum would have a ton more resources at UNC than he does at Iowa.
North Carolina isn’t asking a coach to build something from scratch, as the resources are there, the talent pipeline is there, and everything in between. Iowa has a lot of good, too, but it isn’t at the same level as North Carolina.