OurQuadCities (WHBF) — After Ben McCollum’s introductory press conference as Iowa’s head men’s basketball coach, he answered a few questions from Hawkeye Headquarters reporter Blake Hornstein.

Q: There have been a lot of people who come out and said things about you that you’re a basketball mastermind. Some from the power realm have even said they go to you when they need advice on x’s and o’s. Could you share anything about that? Are you a resource to other coaches and have you heard what’s been said about you?

Ben McCollum: I haven’t seen much that’s been said about me. I try not to pay attention too much. My wife keeps me humble in that regard. We share information at Division II. You don’t share information with high major coaches or NBA coaches or anything like that. I think people really liked our offense and really liked what we did offensively, so they would call on occasion, but I would get information from them as well.

Q: Some people see you as the American dream in a sense. You spent a lot of time honing your craft. You spent a lot of time winning and then these opportunities came along. What would your message be to a coach that’s grinding, trying to get to a job like you have now?

Ben McCollum: I never thought I’d make it to this job, I’d be lying if I said I did. I just tried to care about people and try to win as many games as you can and take care of the kids. The results should take care of themselves, and that’s what happened.

Q: As far as the dress shirt and tie goes, would you consider yourself a trendsetter in the fashion realm?

Ben McCollum: No, yes, maybe? No, I don’t really pay attention – that’s just what I wore and then all of the sudden it became a fashion statement. I guess it’s a pretty cool fashion statement, at least they look good.