Well, now that is has been a few hours.....I love this hire!!!
Please add a comment with your thoughts....I want to get the pulse of our little IU community on this hire.
With the current circumstances at IU, there were certain things that were required for this hire -- no baggage, represent the university in a positive fashion, do things the right way, and can coach and recruit. Tom Crean definitely fits the bill.
These were some of the reasons I outlined for having Tony Bennett at the top of my list. I had Crean down in Tier 2, but I think that was mainly because we weren't hearing anything about him being a serious candidate. I had been hearing here in Milwaukee that Crean was not interested in IU two years ago. So I think I was just kind of writing him off this go around.
Ever since Sampson was let go, Bennett was the sexy pick. But now that Crean has been named, you could argue he has all the positives that Bennett has plus he has 7 more years of head coaching experience and has been to a Final Four. In addition, I think Hoosier fans will enjoy the style of play, especially if he can bring in the right players. I really think his teams are fun to watch.
Crean will be great as a PR guy for IU. He is well spoken, he's great with the media, and he's very involved in the community. He was a guest speaker at my company about 5 years ago and I was very impressed. It was easy to see why he is considered to be a great motivator. And it was very clear that he is a smart guy.
Another great thing is that I get the feeling that he is up for the challenge and is in it for the long haul. He was at Marquette for 9 years and has had many opportunities to leave (quite possibly including the IU job 2 years ago). And by many opportunities, I do mean many. Every year since they went to the Final Four, Marquette fans at work are sweating this time of year with a fear that Crean will be leaving. The interesting thing is that they weren't as worried this year because there had been so many rumors in the past years that didn't pan out. Then, all of the sudden, BAM -- they get an email from good ole Jeff Dart saying WE GOT YOUR COACH. I think I will bring donuts into the office tomorrow for the occasion. Look who the assclowns are now.
Where was I? Oh, I know, I was talking about why this is a great hire and why I think Crean is up for the challenge and is in it for the long haul. It is believed that Crean was indirectly contacted 2 years ago to gauge interest in the IU job. Here in Milwaukee, there are differing stories as to what happened 2 years ago. One story on local sports radio was that there was some mutual interest 2 years ago, but they couldn't settle on the details -- either money or control/influence in the athletic department....who knows for sure. Anyway, just 2 years later, the landscape is certainly different and maybe IU was willing to offer enough to lure Crean away.
Regardless, with the fact that Crean has had plenty of previous opportunities, you have to think that he really gave this opportunity a great deal of thought. With coaches, they want to have a realistic chance to win a national title and I think Crean sees IU as a place where he would have a much better chance to do that. I hope that's what he is thinking and I hope he's right.
So, I don't think he's too worried about possible NCAA sanctions or possibly not having a single starter returning. I think he has a longer-term view and knows that a couple good recruiting classes can quickly turn into something special.
Here in Milwaukee, people are devastated. After being great in the 70s under McGuire, Marquette was down and out until Crean arrived. Four years later, they were in the Final Four and people love him.
I really think if he can do what he has done at Marquette, he could do great things at IU. Keep in mind the following things about Marquette:
* Jesuit school
* Used to be in Conference USA
* Now in the Big East, but people don't even think about them because they are the westernmost school in the Big East. Do you really think of the state of Wisconsin when you are talking Big East basketball. Generally, players in the East think about playing in the Big East, but not at a school in Wisconsin.
* Generally, players in the Midwest think about playing in the Big Ten. So, again, Marquette is kind of odd man out. These are broad generalizations, but it does make recruiting more difficult.
* Marquette is in the city. It's not much of a campus. And parts of it border some pretty rough areas of Milwaukee.
Overall, I think it can be tough to land recruits at Marquette when you are going up against other big schools, but he has done a pretty damn good job. Crean is also credited with much of recruiting that eventually led to Michigan State's national title in 2000.
I do hear some criticism of Crean's record in the Big Dance outside of the Final Four run. I never really understand this line of thinking -- let's just pretend like that year doesn't exist. Anyway, it is true that he hasn't had much postseason success outside of that year. However, I still think they had a pretty nice team this year and ended up losing in overtime to Standford in this year's second round. That was a tough loss.
And the fact remains that he did take Marquette to the Final Four. And Chris already made the point that Crean and his staff were the ones that landed Dwayne Wade, so I really don't understand Brad's line of thinking on that one. In fact, I rarely understands Brad's line of thinking. He posted another comment anonymously, but he's not hard to spot. Unfortunately, his ignorance of being a Bears fan carries over into his IU world. Hey Brad, take a lesson from Tom. And Brad, I hope you like the new picture....you have any problem with cutting down nets?
Taking a look at a couple online polls:
Hoosier Scoop -- 545 out of 585 voters give the Crean hire a thumbs up
Inside the Hall -- 475 out of 515 voters like the hire
By the way, I believe ESPNews will be covering tomorrow's (Wednesday's) 11am ET press conference. I've got my Tivo set.
I think I will stop here. We already have several great comments, so be sure to read through those.
Of course, there is still plenty more to come:
* Status of Bassett and Ellis
* Status and thoughts of other current players
* Status of Ebanks (probably still gone) and Holloway (like the chances)
* Status of Gordon (expected to announce going to NBA on Monday)
* Status of Dakich -- get rid of him. This needs to be 100% Crean's show.
* Crean's assistants (he has one key assistant that is a great recruiter that better come with him)
* NCAA hearing and ruling
I feel great. The next couple of years will probably be rough, but I like the long-term outlook for the program.
Go Hoosiers!
Posts
67 comments:
Comments from email:
BRAD:
I don't think i like it at all. what's he done. just one final four with one of the superstars of the nba on his team.
Not my first choice, or even tenth. better than davis and dakich though and maybe once we get a clean rep again
we can fire him and get someone i like better.
CHRIS:
Hey, he fits in my 8-10 years of experience hurdle.
Here is what I like:
He’s recruited Indiana really well.
Recruiting: Knows the Midwest. Might be able to save some of the lost recruits. Who knows…
He was assistant to Tom Izzo, which is solid experience.
He’s coached 9 years, which means he’s sustained a program through a couple recruiting cycles.
Up tempo offense and crashed the boards…a new style in Bloomington.
Has been popular in Milwaukee with the MU alumni and fans.
He’s ready for the next step.
He’ll have the respect of the coaching community and the media.
Stability: He could coach another 10-15 years, which is realistic in today’s college basketball.
Never been in trouble.
That’s it. I have no reason to be negative. There’s enough negativity around the program.
I’m turning the corner. I don’t care about the NCAA sanctions. They’ve done enough.
THIS BETTER NOT BE AN APRIL FOOLS JOKE.
RYUN:
without a doubt we have to be thrilled with this! the way things look for us right now, i think he's crazy to leave marquette. crean would be a great hire.
CHRIS:
Brad, are you kidding?
First of all, he found an NBA star and got him to come to Marquette…which was in Conference USA at the time.
Second, at IU he’s going to have a far more fertile recruiting ground and much more TV exposure. If he can get to the Final Four at Marquette, he can win the thing at IU.
He’s got solid x and o experience. His teams tend to play smart basketball.
He’s ready for this level. It’s a tough job. You have to be full of confidence to do it.
I was just thinking today…after Jeff killed me with the Lon Kruger story…that I couldn’t believe there wasn’t an experienced coach out there with the balls to take this job.
I mean, how many new coaching jobs open up that are a walk in the park? Usually a coaching change is born of necessity…poor performance, retirement, or NCAA heat.
IU’s situation is sticky and ugly, but it’s a challenge and one that has a huge upside. I was having the hardest time thinking that there wasn’t a coach out there with the EGO to go for it.
If Crean turns IU around, all this stuff will fade away forever. When he starts winning the Big Ten, you will see the basketball machine back in motion at IU.
They’ll be back on CBS duking it out with Kentucky and Kansas. And since Dickie V and the old coaches on ESPN like Tom Crean, they’ll hype him up.
They’ll want him to succeed.
Before you know it, we’re building a new basketball arena in Bloomington.
More from email:
BEN:
At first I wasn't sure if I liked the choice, but the more I think about Crean, the more I like him.
This is a natural move for him. I thnk he realized that it will be tough for Marquette to compete year-in and year-out in the Big East. In the Big Ten, he can legitimately be in the mix each year at school like IU.
In addition to Harrells list, here are the reasons I like Crean:
Has knowledge & established relationships in Midwest and East in regards to recruiting.
Current Marquette team: (3) NY players, (1) NJ player, (5) IL, (3) WI, (1) IN - Dominic James, (1) MN
Current Marquette "Recruit List" could come in handy...if your considering Marquette, why not IU!
I REALLY think he has a chance to talk some of the recruits into staying...can convince them they could be the next Dwayne Wade, Dominic James, etc...Plus they can come in right away and start since IU will have ZERO returning starters next year.
Used to coaching at a University that has no football team! (Marquette literally has no football team.)
Happy Days are Here Again!
Ben wrote:
Did some quick research in regards to the Rivals 150 List...here's some interesting info...at least I didn't know.
1. Crean & Marquette signed 2 Rivals 150 players for 2008 (#101 & #145)...Crean has definitely been able to land top recruits during his tenure at Marquette, imagine what he can do at IU!!
2. Terrell Holloway had Marquette listed as one of his top schools under IU...hopefully this is a good sign that Crean already has a relationship and can land Holloway in Bloomington!
3. FYI...Latavious Williams is a 6-7 195 lb forward that has IU on his list for 2009...currently ranked 119...for whatever that is worse.
4. On a negatie note, Minnesota has at least 5 players on the Rivals 150 committed for the 2008/2009 season...they are going to be tough!
**All of this information was last updated in November 2007.
Ben wrote:
FYI...typo in #3 above. Should have read: FYI...Latavious Williams is a 6-7 195 lb forward that has IU on his list for 2009...currently ranked 119...for whatever that is worth.
I about "Creaned" in my pants when I heard the news. I am really pumped right now. I have always liked Crean. Sean and I were talking this afternoon that Crean was the hottest coach around a couple of years ago before he got that extension. This is a huge win for IU. I am more excited than when they hired Sampson.
I wish this could have happened before Bassett and Ellis were kicked off the team. I cannot see either of those guys playing at IU again. Does this allow the two of them to play next year at another school (without having to sit out a year as a transfer)? If so, this is the best case scenario for the two of them.
I am now ready to put this behind us and start the Tom Crean Era.
ryun:
great news for us! let the slow healing process begin. still believe we'll be one of the worst D1 teams around, but not for as long as it could have been with a bad hire! let's hope tommy can recruit and quick!!!
Chris Wrote:
"We will fight for the Crean and Crimson...."
Tom, you cracked me up with the Crean your pants. HI-Larious.
Chris wrote:
Has Crean shown the ability to recruit big men? Anyone know?
Dude, we need to get some size at IU.
-Chris
Two years ago if the Crean had gotten the IU job instead of Sampson we would have been ecstatic. So minus the NCAA sanctions, university embarrasment, nearly complete trashing of our once proud program, we're right where we wanted to be with coach we wanted all along.
Obviously there is some sarcasm there, but I'm very excited about the hire. Maybe it was the Lon Kruger scare that made this info so exciting, but short of Pitino it's hard to imagine IU doing much better. He sort of sits in between what many of us listed in terms of established power coach vs. young up and comer. This days definitely ends much better than it began. Lots of work still to be done, but I think I'll sleep better tonight with the belief the program is once again in good hands.
Will they be announcing Greenspan's dismissal at the press conference tomorrow or will they do that in a separate release?
I'm working on my post, but a couple quick notes.
To follow-up on some of Ben's quality research....on March 24th, Holloway listed 8 schools after de-committing from IU and he included both Marquette and IU in his schools.
Chris - to answer your thought on Crean recruiting big men....I was going to list that as a possible negative....Marquette's best players have always been guards and their one big man was still a 3-point specialist in Steve Novak.
Here is a link to MU's current recruits. Three have signed LOIs, but one 6'10" / 240 out of TX.
http://marquette.scout.com/a.z?s=415&p=9&cfg=bb&c=8&yr=2008
Interesting to look at current MU prospects for 2009 and beyond. Hopefully these players all add IU to their list.
A Milwaukee name for 2010: Flavien Davis from Wisconsin Lutheran HS. 6'5" / 180 / SF currently lists MU and IU.
Also a 6'11" kids from Eau Claire North HS.
Not quite as much for 2009 yet, but there is a 5-star recruit from Racine that has almost all Big Ten schools listed but IU. Hopefully he adds Indiana tomorrow.
Roth, Pritchard, and Elston have all been reached and all said they were excited about the Crean hire. Roth and Pritchard said they remain 100% committed and look forward to being a Hoosier. Roth seemed especially excited because of the way Crean has coached sharp-shooters (like Novak).
No comments from Bassett and Ellis. Although Ellis' JuCo coach said that Jamarcus plans to stay in school and hopes to have an opportunity to talk to the new coach (I think this story was earlier today before Crean was named).
Holman already had plans to go home this weekend, so he said he would discuss with his family, but said he would give anybody a chance.
And top IU correspondent A.J. Ratliff didn't know jack-shit about anything, even though he was playing basketball with half the team at the HPER today.
Good article from DeCourcy:
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=394423
Great. now that this crap is settled i don't have anything to look forward too for a couple of years besides a bears superbowl and a cubs world series pennant.
on a side note, i still don't think i like it, so.. take that x-topher.
i mean come on look at jeffrey picture. it looks like he's trying to fire himself up for a giant dook.
Jamarcus speaks:
http://www.idsnews.com/basketblog/?p=440
Great first impression:
http://blogs.heraldtimesonline.com/iusp/?p=1878
Is it just more or is the NCAA committee really screwing iu. why do we have to wait until this summer to find out our fate. that's ridiculous and just screws us and the kids who want to come here.
to me this is punishment enough. maybe there is something to this karma crap. we steal gordon, now we're screwed for the next 2 years.
my prediction next year
iu approximately 23-8 and sweet 16 with finkeldink averaging 26 a game
I do have concerns about the level of JUCO guys we were getting. Ellis can flat out play, but I wonder if a guy who makes comments like this deserve to be at IU:
“I never left the team, I quit,” he added. “So there really wasn’t that we got kicked off, we quit. I’m looking forward to still being a Hoosier. I never had intentions on leaving – that wasn’t even an option.”
Then again IU took me too, so who am I to say anything.
ryun:
i love crean more and more. i love all the quotes from coaches and analysts about him and iu. i am concerned about bassett and ellis. on one hand they would be our best 2 players from a talent standpoint and by all accounts should be rock bottom without them, but the fact that ellis comes out and sets his "demands" for coming back is a huge red falg to me. how dumb! like crean would keep dakich on anyway? or like dakich would want to stay? ellis should keep his mouth shut and say he wants nothing more than to come back. i'm just not sure what the right answer is. i hope crean is!
I agree Ryun.
not brad wrote
I still don't know about this guy. he's only won what one ncaa tournament game in the last 4 or 5 years. granted i don't know much about him, but i was hoping for someone with a little better track record.
however, izzo says he's going to be good and izzo seems to know a thing or two about basketball.
on the up side, i do like tough nosed defense a la tom coverdale and i do like a running team so we'll see. hopefully he can get a big man as that seems to be one of the big probs at marquette and iu lately ( i love DJ but he's only 6-9, not a true big man and don't even get me started on Dre).
On a negative note, Skip Bayless said he loves this move and I don't think i've ever agreed with skip on anything so hopefully this is a first.
my prediction (it's negative but i just got this feeling): 5 years of middle of the pack in the big 10 with two tournament appearances. then, as we're hoosiers and we will not put up with mediocrity, we'll fire him and bring in a BIG name.
Next year:
1. purdue
2. michigan state
3. minnesota
4. wisconsin
5.hoosiers
Screw that! move purdue down to last
I think Crean will sit these guys down and explain how things are going to be under his regime. I'm guessing it will be a lot of you need to be ready to work hard, do what I say, be a team player, not screw up off the court, etc.
At that point, he'll probably tell them if they are ready to do all that, he'll give them a second chance. If not, that's their choice.
Benny P:
Not Brad...you are a negative yank-sack! (I hope Pearce wrote that!) Crean is a PERFECT fit for this position.
With that said, I have to give the "Pink Ribbon Committee" their props, despite Bennett turning down the job, they went out and got the right guy to Bloomington!
ryun:
so i need a link to a bigger picture of crean holding up that shirt.
also, more thoughts on are we better off with or without basset and ellis? i think i agree with what jeff said. crean will probably give them a "no tolerance" condition. sound familiar?
by the way, i resigned as girls basketball coach at my high school today.
ryun:
okay, so i got that picture. how about a big one of him at the press conference behind the microphone?
I love this! He was mu #1 guy I wanted coming in! The Outlaw was done with IU Basketball (until it starts again) But not anymore!!
I love this! He was mu #1 guy I wanted coming in! The Outlaw was done with IU Basketball (until it starts again) But not anymore!!
Chris Wrote:
I'm not sure where I fall on the Bassett and Ellis thing. They seem like idiots.
They must have really screwed up for Dakich to dismiss them.
I wonder if Dakich was told to be the hatchet man?
I'm not sure where I stand on the Bassett and Ellis situation either.
At the very least, they need to smacked upside the head.
Even though the timing was bizarre, I don't think Dakich was acting in a self-serving way or trying to make the coaching job less desirable. And Greenspan had his back.
I like that Greenspan has now left this up to Crean to handle however he sees fit.
I think I will support Crean's decision either way.
If he decides to not let them back on the team, then it is full-fledged rebuilding but at least Crean will be able to build it his way and with mostly his guys. And if that's the case, I won't feel bad for Bassett and Ellis because they made their bed and now they will have to sleep in it.
If Crean allows them back, I think it will only be after a good talkin' to and only after Crean had laid down some serious ground rules. In fact, according to Crawford and Holman, Crean already did that with the rest of the team. They said he was energetic and positive, but also very straight forward about how things would be done. So, if Bassett and Ellis are allowed back, I think they will have a very clear understanding of what is expected of them.
Brad p says
Damn it Tom. I've been racking my brain for 2 days trying to come up with something better than "I almost creaned my pants" but i got nothin. Nicely done.
I looked up this roth kid yesterday. he sounds like a stud 3-point shooter and would fit in nicely and for 4-years.
Here's my thoughts on basset and j ellis. I don't really care one way or the other. it sounds like roth will be a better shooter than bassett and as long as crawford stays and develops he'll be better than bassett any way.
Ellis's rebounds would be a big loss but we can get over that. this is crean's specialty stupposedly
I hope that:
1. Crean can land a big guy: maybe the 7' ripped black dude he has on his list that was planning on harvard. someone that can get physical and keep the inside taken care of on defense. i don't care if they can score
2. somehow get another big name like ebanks or evans
If we did just these 2 things I think we'd be solid because i don't think anyone is really going to transfer and sit out a year
3. if gordon somehow decided to stay.. that would be ideal, but i don't see it and i was kind of getting down on him anyway
Chris Wrote:
Wasn't that big man's last name "Ben-ezee"?
I know what jersey Bennie P's gonna buy.
"I'm going to look for people who understand why we wear the candy-striped pants and why we wear Indiana on our jerseys," - MeanCrean
ryun:
i agree with jeff on bassett and ellis. we'll be really bad talent wise without them, but we won't be all that good with them, so we either really start from scratch, or they'll make us a little more fun to watch. i guess kind of win-win if you look at it that way? i just wonder what kind of quality crean can bring in the next 1-2 years? i looked at the recruits that had iu on their list for the 2009 class and we'd be in good shape if a couple will still come. holloway will be a factor too. is holman ever going to be good at all? how about the sanctions? do we have any idea what a best case/worst case scenario is?
I think Holman could be a good player, but probably not next year. He still needs to develop in a lot of areas. I think his injury this year really set back his development, so he will still be entering next year like a freshman. I would think he would be eligible for a medical redshirt, but it's my understanding that you don't even apply for the medical redshirt until you have used up all other eligibility. Anyway, I think with some work, he could be a decent shot-blocker and rebounder fairly soon, but I think his offense is very raw.
Not really sure about the sanctions. In my own mind, I see a one-year postseason ban as worst-case scenario. At this point, who cares about that because we probably won't even make the NIT next year. I suppose they could take away another scholarship and further limit on-site visits and recruiting trips, etc. However, IU's self-imposed sanctions are already pretty stilff in those areas. I think IU's self-imposed sanctions fit the crime, but that's just me and it's up to the NCAA, so I'm still worried.
Best case scenario is that they say IU did it's job by self-reporting and firing Sampson and they don't do anything more. It is expected that they will put a "show cause" order on Sampson so that any college team would have to go before the NCAA to explain why they are tyring to hire this jerk-face.
Again, on these NCAA sanctions, I have no clue, but those are just the way I have it sorted out in my mind. If they do anything worse than that, they will probably hear from me personally and I will probably do some jail time.
Brad
Jeffrey, do you have a rundown on possible recruits that are still interested in iu/marquette/crean
ryun:
how about rivals #119 Latavious Williams? any chance he'll still consider IU?
why is #5 for 2009 going to UAB? i don't care if he's from AL!
#4, #9, #21, #39, #47, #52, #76, #79, and #93 from rivals 2009 recruits have IU on their list.
#33, #63, #85, #87, and #88 have marquette on their list.
even if crean could land like 3 or 4 of those guys, we'd be mending quickly.
elston will still come right?
Brad,
I don't have a good handle on the recruiting situation.
See Ryun's recent comment for which recruits have IU or Marquette on their list.
The one thing I heard was that Marquette's top recruit was thinking of asking out of his LOI. However, it sounded like he would re-open his recruitment and did not mention following Crean to IU.
As for all these other guys, I haven't seen anything where any of them have spoken publicly about Crean's move to IU.
Ryun - Elston sounds like he is still coming. Roth and Pritchard seemed on board for sure.
Also, it sure looks like we have a good shot at still landing Holloway.
I read that Peegs is planning some recruiting stories for next week, so maybe we will get some info then.
Marquette's top recruit (ranked #101), Tyshawn Taylor, has asked out of his LOI with Marquette. According to IDS, Marquette is expected to grant the release, but with a stipulation that he cannot sign with another Big East school or IU.
I guess I can see why you don't want your recruit ending up at a conference rival, but restricting the kid from following his coach to a school in another conference just seems like sour grapes. However, it didn't sound like Taylor was wanting to follow Crean to IU anyway, I still think that's pretty weak on Marquette's part. I'm heading down Wisconsin Ave right now to go have some words with some Warrion, I mean Hilltopper, I mean Golden Nugget people.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BKC_INDIANA_RECRUITING_INOL-?SITE=ININS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2008-04-04-17-45-49
ryun:
A look at 2009 recruits:
Rivals #4-Lance Stephenson-6’5’’-Guard-has IU along with 6 others listed as medium interest.
Rivals #9-John Wall-6’3’’-Guard-Has IU along with 18 other schools listed as medium interest.
Rivals #21-Nolan Dennis-6’5’’-Guard-Has IU and 4 others as high interest.
Rivals #33-Jamil Wilson-6’7’’-Forward-Has Marquette and Wisconsin listed as high interest.
Rivals #39-Jon Hood-6’6’’-Guard-Has IU listed as low interest.
Rivals #47-Christian Watford-6’7’’-Forward-Has IU and Marquette both listed as Medium interest.
Rivals #52-Stephan Van Treese-6’9’’-Forward-Has IU and 6 others listed as Medium interest.
Rivals #63-Maurice Cheek-6’4’’-Guard-Has Marquette and 2 others listed as high interest
Rivals #76-Shawn Williams-6’7’’-Forward-Has IU listed as low interest.
Rivals #79-Tevin Baskin-6’6’’-Forward-Has IU and 19 others listed as Medium.
Rivals #85-Donte Hill-6’4’’-Guard-Marquette listed as Medium along with 7 others.
Rivals #87-Michael Dixon-6’0’’-Guard-Marquette listed as Medium with many others.
Rivals #88-Johnny Lacy-5’10’’-Guard-Marquette is the only one listed as High Interest
Rivals #93-Jordan Prosser-6’8’’-Forward-IU listed as low interest
Rivals #96-Derek Elston-6’8’’-Forward-COMMITTED TO IU
Seems like we could atleast be optimistic about 5 of those guys along with Elston. If Crean could just land 3 of those 5 and Elston, this healing process may not be so bad! Van Treese is and Indiana boy and Crean has been talking with him already. I’d be surprised if Dennis were really interested any more. Sounds like Wilson had it narrowed down to Marquette and Wisconsin, so he must really think a lot of Crean, but it would seem logical to go with Wisconsin now. Atleast Watford had both IU and Marquette on his list. He’s obviously okay with Crean and the thought of playing at IU. Cheek and Lacy both had Marquette on a short list, so let’s hope it had a lot to do with Crean!
ryun:
what info. do we have on possible transfers for the 2008-2009 season?
ryun:
just found this. i guess some of this had already been mentioned:
JUCO Transfer Josh Harrellson-6’9’’-Center averaged 14 ppg 8 rpg as a freshman. Now has interest from Missouri, St.Louis, Kentucky, Iowa, Iowa St, Ohio St., and Washington St.
Center Maurice Sutton-Has an offer from Kentucky, but really likes Tom Crean
Frank Ben Eze-6’10’’ Center who had committed to Harvard, but had an admissions mess up.
Great stuff, Ryun. Thanks.
ryun:
interesting article. i wonder if we'd be well served to keep bassett and not ellis? but i wonder if bassett, ellis, crawford, holman, and thomas are all in academic trouble? i never thought i could dislike an iu coach more than davis, and sampson comes along!
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080405/COLUMNISTS01/80405015/1002/SPORTS
ryun:
i also like the sound of this Capobianca kid. not sure how likely it is he'll come to IU?
That was a good article. It will be interesting to see what he does with Bassett and Ellis. It sounds like there is a good chance they won't be back.
I had also heard that the team will be in trouble for their 2nd semester academic performance.
I'm with you, Ryun -- the Mike Davis era doesn't look nearly as bad when you stack it up to the mess that Sampson has left behind.
brad
cmon jeffrey. we need more info. maybe take a scouting trip. i need to know who's coming in
This is my offseason. Also, I don't think there is a lot of solid information to pass along.
I will be scouting Florida next week. Papa D still has some eligibility, but I think Donovan has been trying to keep him close to home.
Also, the NCAA has identified a concerning calling pattern where I have consistently been making phone calls to Papa D every Sunday during football season.
ryun:
interesting link:
http://indiana.scout.com/a.z?s=170&p=2&c=744080&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2findiana.scout.com%2f2%2f744080.html
and it sounds like capobianca is really giving us a good look!
I couldn't read the full article on scout.com (don't have access), but peegs had an article on Crean offering a scholarship to this same kid.
Ryun - do you have a subscription to scout.com?
Here is that article from peegs:
A number of programs are intrigued with hardworking forward Roger Franklin of perennial national power Duncanville (Texas) High School. And a recent college coaching change has landed Franklin a Big Ten scholarship offer.
"Two days after Coach Crean took the job at Indiana, he called my uncle and told him it was a job he couldn't turn down," said Franklin, 6-foot-6, 217-pounds. "A day later I talked to him, and he said I was the first guy he was looking at as the Indiana head coach.
"I've known Coach Crean and like him a lot. He had been recruiting me at Marquette. And with the great basketball tradition at Indiana, it puts them at the top of my list."
Keeping his options open, Franklin doesn't plan on trimming his list until the end of the summer. Along with Indiana, Marquette, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Baylor, Utah, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Stephen F. Austin, TCU, Texas Arlington and Texas are the schools Franklin listed. All but Texas, who just began recruiting Franklin, have offered according to Franklin.
Rivals.com will catch Franklin in action this weekend at the Boo Williams Invitational as he plays with Team Texas.
A top notch rebounder and inside scorer for his position, Franklin is making strides in his perimeter game.
ryun:
all right JD, we need the report on Peegs that we can't read about the hot board update for 08. who's realistic for us to still get and what's their lowdown? big blow by losing holloway, but maybe this other unsigned guard from illinois will help?
ryun:
all right JD, we need the article about Verdell Jones, the hotboard for 09 and the odds of us getting harrellson.
ryun:
still waiting for those responses JD, and what's the story about this Moore kid? are they saying he might walk on at IU? is that really something to get excited about?
ryun:
all right, i'm about to stop paying my fees for this blog if i don't get answers! now i want the prospects of us landing nick williams, verdell jones, and josh harrellson. sounds like we're top 2 or 3 for all of them? if we could get 2 of the 3 that would be huge. also, when will we hear about bassett and ellis?
heard we landed Bobby Capobianco for 2009. Looks like a Hoosiers. #88 in the country.
ryun:
where did you see #88? sounds like it was a great commit for us, but i didn't see him ranked? now i just want to see about harrellson, williams, jones, bassett, and ellis! also this jamil wilson for 2009?
p.s.
is jeff dead?
I'm on vacation. This is the first time I have been on the internet in a week.
I'll be getting caught up next week and will send some updates. So, Ryun, please keep sending the monthly check.
ryun:
all right, but i want this month pro-rated. $50 a month seems stiff to me anyway, but you cut me a deal because we went to jr. through college together right?
i want the scoop on holman, crawford,bassett, ellis, thomas, and mcgee.
do barnett or moore even have suhr or whatever his name was potential?
do roth or pritchard have much potential?
sounds like nick williams is realistic for us and may be pretty good? jones is leaning away at this point? harrellson is looking kentucky or minnesota more strongly than us? bouchie is talking indiana st.? ben eze has ruled us out? who is tyshaun taylor?
elston and capobianca start a nice recruiting class. if this jamil wilson commits too, we're going to recover quite quickly!
ryun:
would like to read the article on today's peegs about franklin and the "big men from arkansas?"
also, sounds like we do have a reasonable chance at verdell jones?
lastly, if bassett and ellis aren't with us, i'm betting my bro we won't win more than 10 games this year. comments?
i'll take that bet. you remember the last time we bet? Two words. Larry Richardson. I think Jeff and I are still waiting for that night worth of drinks. Maybe you can pay up when we are in Athens.
ryun:
definitely looking forward to athens. seriously, do we think we can win 10 games? 15? what's realistic without bassett and ellis? i think it will be the worst iu season since a 7 win season in the early 70's, then the next year will be an unbelievable turn around?
ryun:
obviously that 10-win prediction is all subject to our roster. it's eating me up to hear if we get harrellson, williams, jones, bouchie, or taylor. 2 or 3 of those guys could make a huge difference. obviously the state of bassett, ellis, holman, and crawford too!
also, you never told me where you saw bobby c. ranked 88th?
ryun:
now we have devon dumes. we need jeff's comments! his mubers were great in JC. does this mean not to expect ellis or basset back? does this mean jones and/or williams are unlikely?
ryun:
now there's this 6'10'' edgar garibay that has major offers and they say crean has offered and he plans to visit. what order is our wish list?
Jones
Williams
Garibay
Harrellson
Bouchie
Taylor?
please let us get 2 or 3 of those guys!!!!
ryun:
we got nick williams!
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