HOUSTON – The most random connection between Iowa head coach Ben McCollum and Illinois head coach Brad Underwood is one that couldn’t have been predicted. Trevor Hudgins is one of the best players, if not the best player, McCollum coached during his 15-year tenure with Northwest Missouri State. The two-time NABC Division II Player of the Year grew up in Manhattan, Kansas, and was taught by Underwood’s wife in the third grade.
It was a crazy correlation that came up during Illinois’ presser on March 27 ahead of the Elite Eight matchup with Iowa. Underwood had learned of this years ago while studying Northwest Missouri State’s film – one of several Division I coaches enamored with McCollum’s successful tenure and elite offensive efficiency with the Bearcats. And now, they meet deep into the NCAA Tournament.
“He’s obviously very intelligent. He brought guys with him, and [it] helps when Bennett [Stirtz] is one of them,” Underwood said of McCollum’s first-year success with Iowa. “He knows how to coach, he knows how to win, and he’s established that culture in a very quick amount of time and found a lot of success.”
The last few years have been a whirlwind for McCollum. Three years, three different jobs, three different homes, three different schools, three different levels of hoops. Surely, three years ago, he couldn’t have imagined to be in the position he’s in right now – one possible win away from a Final Four appearance.
One thing about the Iowa head coach is that he’s not a mid-season reflector whatsoever. He leaves that part for when the season’s said-and-done. But at Iowa’s presser on March 27, he gave in to the reflection for a brief moment.
“From the outside looking in, it probably seems like the dream, and it is a little bit,” McCollum said. “But it’s probably a lot harder than you think, just because you miss so much from a family perspective… But from a basketball perspective, it’s been awesome. It’s been been fun. It’s been challenging. My comfort zone had my butt kicked a few times this year. It hadn’t happened in a while.”
These are the moments that both Underwood and McCollum have worked hard for basketball-wise. Outside of that, they love to enhance the people behind their players. Turning kids into young men. And on top of that, the two coaches learn how to better themselves, too.
“[McCollum] just pushes you past your limit. I think he shoots it straight, never lies to you,” Stirtz said. “Sometimes it sucks because the discipline and everything sucks in the moment, but it makes you stronger mentally, physically, emotionally, just makes you stronger person. It makes you think that you can just accomplish anything.”
The rivalry continues
The century-long history between Iowa and Illinois started on February 14, 1908, when the Hawkeyes took the 46-36 win in the first-ever matchup between the two schools. Since then, the Fighting Illini have the upper-hand with a 95-77 all-time record in the rivalry.
Illinois currently holds a 9-1 record through the last 10 matchup and an active five-game winning streak on Iowa, including the 75-69 victory in their lone matchup this season on Jan. 11. The last time the Illini fell to the Hawkeyes was on Feb. 4, 2023, in an 81-79 finish in Iowa City – the second-closest finish in the rivalry’s history.
Now, one of two things will happen Saturday night. Either Illinois extends that streak to six and advances to its first Final Four appearance since 2005, or Iowa can break the winning streak and secure its first Final Four appearance since 1980.
Considering this is the first-ever matchup between the two schools in the NCAA Tournament and what’s on the line for the victors, it can be said this is the most important game in the matchup’s history.
“We’re excited to compete, to be able to get to a Final Four,” McCollum said.
Tipoff is set for 5:09 CT Saturday, March 28, at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The game can be streamed on TBS and TruTV.
