Ben Jacobson
Ben Jacobson
================
Full Name and Common Aliases
---------------------------------
Ben Jacobson is a renowned American college basketball coach and current head coach at the University of Northern Iowa.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Born: February 11, 1967
Nationality and Profession(s)
-------------------------------
Nationality: American
Profession: College Basketball Coach
Early Life and Background
-----------------------------
Ben Jacobson was born on February 11, 1967. He grew up in Iowa and developed a passion for basketball from an early age. Jacobson played college basketball at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he earned All-American honors.
After graduating with a degree in physical education, Jacobson began his coaching career as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He later became the head coach at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in 2006 and has since led the Panthers to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.
Major Accomplishments
-------------------------
Under Jacobson's leadership, the UNI men's basketball team won three regular season Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) championships. He was named MVC Coach of the Year twice during his tenure and has been recognized for his innovative approach to coaching and player development.
Jacobson's teams have consistently ranked among the top programs in the country in terms of academic performance, earning multiple 4.0 grade-point averages and Academic Progress Rate (APR) awards.
Notable Works or Actions
---------------------------
In addition to his on-court success, Jacobson is known for his commitment to community service and player development. He has been recognized for his efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion within the sport of basketball, as well as his work with local organizations to promote youth sports and education initiatives.
Impact and Legacy
---------------------
Jacobson's impact on the world of college basketball extends beyond his own program at UNI. His innovative approach to coaching and player development has inspired numerous colleagues and peers, who have adopted similar strategies to improve their teams' performance.
As a respected voice in the coaching community, Jacobson frequently speaks at conferences and clinics about topics such as team culture, player development, and leadership. His commitment to excellence on and off the court serves as a model for coaches and athletes alike.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
--------------------------------------------
Ben Jacobson is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful commentary on the game of basketball, as well as his dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within the sport. His commitment to player development and community service has earned him a reputation as one of the most respected coaches in college basketball.
Jacobson's emphasis on building strong relationships with players, staff, and fans has created a culture of excellence at UNI that extends far beyond the playing court. As a result, he is often sought out for his expertise and perspective on various aspects of college athletics.
Quotes by Ben Jacobson
For that little stretch there we really needed to be in the attack mode. That was our opportunity to distance ourselves and get a commanding lead.
I appreciate (athletic director) Rick Hartzell coming to me and not wanting to look anywhere else. He felt I was the right guy to meet the challenge, and I feel I'm ready to do that.
I don't see my philosophy in terms of the way our team plays changing much. I really don't. I don't like change with anything I do. I especially don't like it when things are going well.
I feel like I've worked hard but I've also been very fortunate. I have skipped a couple of steps in terms of climbing the ladder.
In the second half I kind of got it going a little bit. Coach put the ball in my hands and ran some plays for me, and I was able to hit some shots.
I not going to change things just to change them, because I need to get away from Mac's shadow. I won't do that.
Iowa guys have done tremendous things in our program. To be able to get another Iowa high school player, let alone one from our backyard, is a huge boost for our program.
I'm going to feel like I have something to prove when I get there, much like when I came to UNI. It's going to be the top 64 players in the country, and I have an opportunity to compete against the best.
Any time you get a loss, it's a wakeup call. This is a game we really wanted to get. We got what we deserved with the ranking. We had a chance to be one of the first teams in the country to get to 20 wins.