Drake “Bearcats” 2024-2025

[Alfred33]

Mac and 4/5th of last year’s NW team at 12-0 is crazy. And the 3 players that are rotating thru Wes’s spot aren’t as good as he was. Drake fans are really loving this team. There were numerous fans of all ages wearing black slacks, long sleeve white shirt and blue ties in homage to Mac’s ‘uniform’😎

They’re different than Wes… they don’t give you the pick and pop action, but they give you the roll and more athleticism. Wes was a good defender for his size, used his body and positioning, but these guys provide more shot blocking and rim protection. They pick up some silly fouls though.

I saw a group wearing the shirt and ties all sitting together… assumed it was part of the student section if they’re any students still around.

[NWFanatic]

https://www.maryvilleforum.com/multi...e3028e2.html#1

[ZubCat81]

I saw a group wearing the shirt and ties all sitting together… assumed it was part of the student section if they’re any students still around.

The Drake game yesterday vs Belmont was a 'White-Out' game. Didn't get to watch the game, but listened to the game on the radio. They mentioned the great turnout at the Knapp Center and the good response with all the white in the crowd.

[NWFanatic]

I think the white dress shirt/blue tie is about Mac’s ‘uniform’ and not yesterday’s white out

[Alfred33]

I think the white dress shirt/blue tie is about Mac’s ‘uniform’ and not yesterday’s white out

Agree… I think that’s going to be a standard issue thing from now on, like the Antlers at Mizzou or whatever we call the group that wears the Bearcat Blazers at NW games. I liked it… clever and classy. ;)

[ZubCat81]

I think the white dress shirt/blue tie is about Mac’s ‘uniform’ and not yesterday’s white out

Oh, I realize that. No different than when Mac was wearing his white dress shirt and that puzzling "Lime" Green tie at NW. I could have sent him a Bearcat Green tie, but as it turned out, he considered that tie as his "lucky tie". Anyway, I may have misunderstood your comments regarding all the white shirts (and blue ties) and the other white being worn the day of the game. I assumed maybe you didn't realize it was a Drake "White Out" game. Maybe you already realized that and I just misunderstood your post. It's all good. Loved knowing that Drake pulled in over 5,000 fans considering the Drake students are still off on break. Can't wait for a rowdy Drake student section to explode with future home games. Crucial games coming up.

[NWFanatic]

No problem Zub. It was a great crowd and Drake fans are really excited about this team.
I highly recommend making a trip to the Knapp for a game. I wear a Drake hat and a NW shirt and it’s cool the way Drake fans stop and talk to us.

[NWFanatic]

https://www.maryvilleforum.com/sport...263acfa8c.html

[ZubCat81]

McCollum and his Drake Bulldogs are already turning heads. I already can't wait to see what kind of talent he can bring to the program next season. Sorely in need of some 6'10''+ to offer relief for Manyawu. Stunning how successful this team has been able to compete for Offensive Rebounds! This has been crucial to their success at this point.

[Stanger86]

McCollum and his Drake Bulldogs are already turning heads. I already can't wait to see what kind of talent he can bring to the program next season.

I'm not convinced he's still in Des Moines next year. I'd actually put it at only like a 30-40% chance max.

It might depend on the openings, but I think a lot of ADs will be telling themselves not to overlook him anymore.

[NWFanatic]

Drake is now #2 in the nation in scoring defense. If Bennett stays Mac will stay at least another year. But if Coleman Hawkins is worth 2 mil a year Bennett should be worth a mil. Can Drake afford to keep him and Mac?

[Alfred33]

I'm not convinced he's still in Des Moines next year. I'd actually put it at only like a 30-40% chance max.

It might depend on the openings, but I think a lot of ADs will be telling themselves not to overlook him anymore.

I know money talks so anything is possible, but I also know going home was important to him. It really was like he was waiting for this job. They’re building a house… Would he want to uproot the kids again? If Iowa or Iowa State came calling, that would probably be more appealing than just chasing dollar signs alone. If this year continues the way it’s going, I’m sure he’ll be on a lot of search committee's’ short lists.

[Stanger86]

I know money talks so anything is possible, but I also know going home was important to him. It really was like he was waiting for this job. They’re building a house… Would he want to uproot the kids again? If Iowa or Iowa State came calling, that would probably be more appealing than just chasing dollar signs alone. If this year continues the way it’s going, I’m sure he’ll be on a lot of search committee's’ short lists.

Iowa, Iowa State, Creighton, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Kansas State, Wichita State

These all would represent a clear step up the coaching ladder (in varying degrees), more dollar signs, and the ability to keep your recruiting base nearby where you absolutely can dominate.

I will say, I don't know how soon one of these will come calling, but I think the delay in leaving Northwest had more to do with the previous schools not pulling the trigger more than it did a hesitance to move because he was waiting for the Drake job. With the money he'd likely be making, he can keep a family home in Des Moines just fine.

[Alfred33]

Iowa, Iowa State, Creighton, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Kansas State, Wichita State

These all would represent a clear step up the coaching ladder (in varying degrees), more dollar signs, and the ability to keep your recruiting base nearby where you absolutely can dominate.

I will say, I don't know how soon one of these will come calling, but I think the delay in leaving Northwest had more to do with the previous schools not pulling the trigger more than it did a hesitance to move because he was waiting for the Drake job. With the money he'd likely be making, he can keep a family home in Des Moines just fine.

We’ll see I guess. At 30-40%, you’re betting he’s gone next year. I’m betting on the other side of 50% that he’s still at Drake. I’ve been wrong before. 🤷🏻♂️

[ZubCat81]

I know money talks so anything is possible, but I also know going home was important to him. It really was like he was waiting for this job. They’re building a house… Would he want to uproot the kids again? If Iowa or Iowa State came calling, that would probably be more appealing than just chasing dollar signs alone. If this year continues the way it’s going, I’m sure he’ll be on a lot of search committee's’ short lists.

Totally agree. Mac and family is just too big a part of his life and he was chasing the strong possibilities of Drake opening up certainly at least the year prior. He had already been in contact with them. DeVries was destined to move on. Maybe considering the possibilities of Iowa or Iowa State opening up down the road, Mac could easily find that appealing. But right now, I think he certainly feels a strong connection to the Drake program ... no question, with the A.D. who led the charge to bring McCollum to Drake. I love him at Drake. I'd like to think what Kryzewski built at Duke, Mac could easily find himself determined to build the same at Drake. Mac is a unique coach with a personality that connects with players. Des Moines is a beautiful city. Anxious to see them embrace Drake basketball just like they did when Maury John was coaching them into the NCAA Tournament and pushed John Wooden's UCLA Bruins and Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) in the semi-finals in 1969. Lost 85-82 ... with more than a little help from refs. Back in those days the NCAA played for third place and Drake demolished North Carolina 104-84. I think Drake finished 26-5 that season. Maury John took Drake to the following two NCAA Tournaments and ran deep both times. Maury John hired by Iowa State after the 1971 season after over 12 or 13 seasons at Drake. I believe he died after his first season at Iowa State.

Again, Mac is a strong home and family guy ... I don't see him moving across state lines. Definitely, NOT Nebraska. Please, not that.