### IU Indianapolis Welcomes Ben Howlett: A New Era for Men's Basketball - IU Indianapolis has appointed Ben Howlett as the new head coach for its men's basketball program, transitioning from his successful tenure at Division II West Liberty University. Howlett's hiring marks a significant step for the university as it seeks to enhance its basketball program's competitiveness and success on the court. His impressive track record includes a remarkable 217-37 record over eight seasons, showcasing his ability to lead teams to victory and consistent performance in the NCAA tournaments. This move is seen as a strategic effort to build a strong foundation for the future of IU Indianapolis basketball, aiming to replicate Howlett's previous successes at West Liberty [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/iu-indianapolis-hires-ben-howlett-162037683.html]. ### Structure of the Coaching Transition 1. **Background of Ben Howlett** - Howlett's previous role at West Liberty included leading the team to eight consecutive Mountain East Conference (MEC) regular-season titles and NCAA Tournament appearances, establishing him as a formidable coach in college basketball [https://www.nbcsports.com/mens-college-basketball/news/iu-indianapolis-hires-ben-howlett-as-coach-following-dominant-run-at-division-ii-west-liberty]. 2. **Expectations at IU Indianapolis** - The university aims to leverage Howlett's experience and winning mentality to elevate its men's basketball program, focusing on building a competitive team that can contend in the NCAA landscape [https://www.espn.co.uk/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/45345472/iu-indy-hires-howlett-led-west-liberty-perennial-success]. 3. **Impact on the Program** - Howlett's hiring is expected to bring a new energy and strategic vision to IU Indianapolis, potentially attracting new talent and enhancing the overall performance of the basketball program [https://www.wthr.com/article/sports/ncaa/ncaab/iu-indianapolis-new-mens-basketball-coach-ben-howlett-west-liberty-university/531-33561a8a-c4e8-4ec2-ad55-38b353afd38f]. ### Evidence of Success - **Coaching Record at West Liberty** - **Overall Record**: 217 wins, 37 losses - **Conference Titles**: 8 consecutive MEC regular-season titles - **NCAA Tournament Appearances**: 8 consecutive years This data underscores Howlett's capability to lead a successful program, which IU Indianapolis hopes to replicate under his guidance [https://www.wishtv.com/sports/college-basketball/howlett-joins-iu-indy-mens-basketball]. ### Conclusion: A Promising Future for IU Indianapolis Basketball 1. **Strategic Hiring**: The appointment of Ben Howlett is a calculated move by IU Indianapolis to enhance its men's basketball program. 2. **Proven Track Record**: Howlett's impressive coaching history at West Liberty provides a strong foundation for future success. 3. **Goals for the Program**: The university aims to build a competitive team that can achieve similar accolades as Howlett's previous teams. In summary, the hiring of Ben Howlett signifies a new chapter for IU Indianapolis basketball, with high hopes for success driven by his proven leadership and winning strategies [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/iu-indianapolis-hires-ben-howlett-162037683.html].