The second most troubling thing was that the Hoosiers led this game for the first 32 minutes and then it turned into a complete laugher and they lose by 15 points! If this season wasn't the second season of our worst nightmare and if we weren't so used to complete collapses at the end of games, I would be devastated right now. Actually, I am devastated right now, but not as much about this single game, it's more related to how far we've fallen and how much of a long struggle it is to return the glory to old IU.
I can't say I was ever too confident in this game even though IU got out to that hot 8-0 start. That opening 8 point lead was their largest lead of the game. Even though Northwestern never led in the first 32 minutes, they were staying close even while they were shooting horribly from 3-point range. I believe they were 2-22 at one point. So, in my mind, I knew that if they starting hitting from downtown, this game would turn in a hurry. It's almost like I can see the future.
The Hoosiers also looked very shaky against NW's half-court 1-3-1 and the turnovers proved to be costly. After NW's 1-3-1 helped them come back and get the regular season finale into overtime, IU knew they would see plenty of it in this game. Therefore, you know they worked on it extensively in practice. Unfortunately, the best weapon against those types of defenses is experience. Experience or supreme talent. The Hoosiers have neither.
I have to tell ya that I like Verdell Jones at the point. Verdell was only responsible for 1 of today's turnovers and he had 6 assists. In fact, in the last two games at the point guard position, Verdell put up 38 points, 12 assists, and 5 turnovers. VJ III may have some turnovers, but I think his productivity at the point far outweighs any turnovers.
Also, if playing 3 guards, I think Rivers is actually better at the 3-spot and flashing to the middle. From there he has the ability to get some layups or quickly feed another player as he did a couple times today.
If only playing 2 guards, then Christian Watford needs to be at the 3-spot. I think Watford is far more effective at the 3 than he is at the 4. Far more.
I'll have much more on these types of things before we call it an offseason. Still to come before the blog takes a break:
- Outlook for next year and beyond
- How good is Maurice Creek?
- BAWA
- The rumor mill
- Any updates on recruiting or the new assistant coach
Posts
6 comments:
i want to start by re-posting what i did yesterday to see if i can get some comments:
a few things: #1 have you heard the word that Rivers was IU bashing? #2 How about the rumor that Fife will be the replacement? do we believe it and is there someone we'd rather have? #3 article says Creek has improved his bench from barely getting 185 once to doing reps of 6 at 205. it also said he hit 31 straight 3's in a competition with seltzer. #4 any more thoughts on who is going to transfer?
i have to admit jones can play now. you know i wasn't a fan early on. i'm okay with him playing PG, but i think we need hulls to develop and take it with VJ at the 2. creek, watford, and elston will be a nice trio. who's in the middle? we'll be better, but not too much. i'm really concerned about crean's ability to coach on the defensive end. our D sickens me.
#1 Outside of Rivers body language, I did not hear he was IU bashing. I do think his jump shot could be considered a form of IU bashing, I guess.
#2 No, I don't believe the Fife rumor. I'd be happy if he was the guy, but it sounds like he has attended IU practices on several other occassions and the timing of his recent visit is probably what fueled those rumors. The question for him would be if he believes being the bottom assistant at IU would be a better move for his coaching career than being a head coach at IUFW. I happen to think he would want to stay a head coach.
#3 I cannot wait to see Mo Creek suiting up again.
#4 Don't know on the possibility of transfers. I honestly hope it is nobody. I want these guys to stay together and dominate as juniors and seniors. I still think the Nick Williams and Malik Story transfers really hurt the team this year. However, Crean is not attempting to put the transfer rumors to rest. In yesterday's postgame, he talked about the scholarships being way to heavy in the current freshmen class (especially now that you add Roth as a medical redshit) and he does not want to have to go through another re-build. The only way that changes is if some guys leave the program, so it will probably be another interesting offseason.
rumor has it that rivers was heard being asked if austin was coming to iu and he said, "F-No! I may go with him where he goes!" definitely could be rumor though. very excited about mo as well. would love fife as well. would like to hear who it's going to be and the real lowdown on the ro firing. lastly, someone will transfer. i too wish that wasn't the case though. i'm predicting pritch based on jobe starting over him and capo getting in before him. if crean knows who's leaving, why would he play them big minutes? that leaves me hopeful that the nucleus of hulls, creek, jones, watford, elston, and capo will be back.
Chris Writes:
Part of me wants the whole group to stay together for the sake of consistency and stability in the program. If there is a transfer, I think we'd be ok if Pritch left. I don't have an axe to grind with him, but we need help in the post. If Pritch leaves we could have a scholarship to give to a JUCO big man or perhaps find a skilled freshman in the next class. We'd have some flexibility.
To comment on the coache's thoughts:
Rivers: I read that story about him saying F-no. I don't think Rivers will transfer. He doesn't have enough eligibility remaining to waste more time sitting out. Who would take him? Laslty, his Dad is probably going to tell him that he needs to face his weaknesses instead of running away. Crean's offense is made for him, but he's got to get under control, develop a move or shot, and assume a role on the team. The opportunity is in front of him. He's got to develop and accept coaching.
Fife: Fife could bring defensive knowledge that they badly need, but can he recruit? Fife is smart, experienced, and has been living basketball his whole life. I think being asst at IU is a better job than being head coach at IPFW from an exposure standpoint. Fife would be a good hire.
Lastly, I'm optimistic that we'll improve next season. These guys learned a lot this year. They took their lumps, but I think Crean will focus them on things they can control: strength training and individual goals. Hopefully the guys will finish the semester strong, have some fun this summer,and enjoy life in Bloomington.
Chris Writes:
Looks like Moses Abraham, the 6-9 Center out of DC is going to visit IU next week. This could be a good thing people.
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