Former Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball coach Ben McCollum’s move to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, has sparked a migration of talent from Maryville to the Division I level. Guards Bennett Stirtz and Isaiah Jackson, along with forward Daniel Abreu, have all announced their transfers to Drake, following McCollum’s footsteps.
Stirtz, who made a significant impact during his two seasons at Northwest, garnered recognition as the MIAA freshman of the year two seasons ago. He consistently impressed, earning Second-Team All-MIAA selections in both seasons. Last season, as a sophomore, Stirtz emerged as a pivotal scorer for the Bearcats, averaging 15.2 points per game. His versatility was evident, contributing 3.5 assists per game and leading the team in steals with 47.
Jackson, a four-year player for the Bearcats, boasts an impressive resume, having competed in two NCAA DII championships. Last season, he earned Honorable Mention All-MIAA honors and was named to the MIAA All-Defensive team. Jackson’s adept playmaking skills were evident as he led the team with 146 assists and ranked fourth in the MIAA with 4.6 assists per game. Additionally, he contributed significantly on the boards, ranking second on the team with 172 rebounds.
Abreu, another four-year player in Maryville, showcased his talent by earning the MIAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player accolade. A consistent scorer, he averaged 17.3 points per game during the tournament, leading the Bearcats to the title. Abreu’s scoring prowess was evident as he scored in double figures in the final 12 games of the season, finishing third on the team in scoring with an average of 10.6 points per game.
