Everything negative that has come Tom Crean's way since taking the Indiana job was what he signed up for: being somewhat handcuffed on several recruiting fronts, dealing with the entire old team -- save for two guys who originally joined the Hoosier basketball team as walk-ons -- fleeing the scene, and throwing together the scrap-heap squad that includes an outfielder from the baseball team. He knew the task would start out this difficultly after the mess Kelvin Sampson left behind.
So far, on the court, everything has gone just fine by Crean. Sure, they barely escaped with a three-point victory over IUPUI -- a team who is reloading themselves after losing George Hill to graduation -- but they have won four games. Two were exhibition, and two were against well below average opponents at home. None of the games have been especially pretty, but they got the job done. Crean himself even grabbed the microphone after the IUPUI victory to thank the Assembly Hall fans for their support.
There's gonna be a lot more politicking going on this season from Crean, because the on-court product is going to be awful. This is going to be the worst team Indiana basketball has ever seen.
Hoosier fans -- myself included -- will still love this bunch of scrappers by the end of the season much more than last year's group of selfish prima donnas (definitely excluding D.J. White, who is the absolute embodiment of what every college basketball player should be). Let's hope the positivity from the legions of Hoosiers stays intact, because Monday, when "Crean and Crimson" square off against Notre Dame in the Maui Invitational, we are going to get a glimpse of the beatings our beloved candy-striped hoopsters are going to receive this season.
While some of my fellow alums remind me that games aren't won or lost on paper, I just can't see the "paper" in question being so unbelievably inaccurate. There are four walk-ons, a baseball player, Kyle Taber, and seven new scholarship players -- who are either freshman or JuCo transfers.
It's going to be a long couple of seasons under Crean, but he's going to get the ship righted. I just hope the Hoosier faithful are patient enough to stay behind the group of kids who are going to be overmatched for the majority of their games. At least this season, it's going to be the kind of year where the coaches and players celebrate with the fans after beating IUPUI by three points.
That's fine with me. I'd much prefer this to where we were headed as a fanbase under Sampson.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kentucky doing what they are doing only helps Indiana, at least in my mind. Gillespie isn't dealing with half the stuff Crean is and they are still average at best. If people get whiny, point them towards Lexington.
WTF does Kentucky have to do with IU and Crean. Anytime a new coach takes over, regardless off the circumstances it's rough. Gillespie will get Kentucky back on track, Uk fans do whine and complain, and sometimes we are outright irrational. When you lose to a team like VMI, we deserve a meltdown. But in a couple years we will be fine. IU is going to be fine as well. Crean is a great coach. Much like Gillespie and UK, Crean will excell with the resources and facilities at IU. IMO, I'm looking forward to it. It's about time UK and IU were back at top, where we belong. But don't get high and mighty, IU fans will whine and complain. Because they're fans. Regardless of the circumstance no true fan wants to see their team lose.
I agree with you 100%. This team is more fun to watch than last year's. These kids are playing with their hearts. I do think they will surprise some people (especially against a team without a low-post scoring threat and Matt Roth hitting 3's). If Tom Pritchard can start making the bunnies, Verdell grows up a bit and starts playing more unselfish and Jobe stays out of foul trouble and begins using that body to his advantage, IU will win some games.
But Hoosier Nation, don't jump ship. Stick with these kids now and you will be rewarded in the near future. Crean knows what he's doing and should already be considered for Big Ten Coach of the Year.
Win or lose you have to respect what Crean has accomplished already this year. Sure we will take quite a few trips to the wood shed but not because of lack of effort. As I watched the IUPUI game I seen a group of men thst gave their coach 110% for a full 40 minutes. We my not have the size or talent but we certainly have the tennacity and fortitued that anyone who loves the game can appreciate. I would also like to add that Crean pulled off a major coup with next years recruits. Some sources have them as high as the fifth best recruiting class of 2009. So to all you Hoosier fans out there don't throw in the towel just yet better times are not that far off and as Billy Joel once said "the good old days weren't always good and tommorow aint as bad as it seems". As for myself I know I will be watching every game this year good or bad, why? because I am an IU backer 4 ever. Let the new era begin!