Fierce Pickleball Match Sealed Tate Sage: Tate Sage, a 6-foot-7 basketball recruit from Weatherford, Oklahoma, decided to follow coach Ben McCollum to Iowa after a pickleball match during a recruiting visit helped him feel a connection to the coach’s competitive spirit and personality.
While visiting Drake University, Sage and his twin brother, Ethan, played a doubles pickleball game against then-coach Ben McCollum and assistant Bryston Williams. That simple activity became a key moment in Sage’s decision-making process.
Pickleball Game Showed Coach’s Competitive Side
Sage said the way McCollum played left a lasting impression. “My favorite thing, probably about the whole visit, was he didn’t take it lightly,” Sage said of McCollum.
“Me and him competed. After seeing that and seeing him and coach Bryston compete against me and my brother, I was like, yeah, I want to be around these guys — competitive winners. This is what I want to do.” – (Sage)
That game of pickleball went beyond fun. It reflected McCollum’s serious approach to competition and helped build a bond between the coaches and Sage.
Connection Built Through Play and Personality
Sage also highlighted how the activity brought out values he admires in a coach. He said he felt drawn to their energy and attitude on and off the court. Sage’s choice to switch his commitment from Drake to Iowa came after McCollum accepted the head coaching job with the Hawkeyes.
Williams also joined the staff at Iowa. Although the pickleball match was a small part of the visit, it stood out as a moment of genuine connection.
News in Brief: Fierce Pickleball Match Sealed Tate Sage
During a recruiting visit to Drake, Tate Sage played a competitive pickleball match against coaches Ben McCollum and Bryston Williams. The game left a strong impression, helping Sage decide to follow McCollum to Iowa. He said it showed their winning attitude, which matched what he was looking for.
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