"Midnight Madness" events are a bit old school these days, but regardless of what time a major college basketball program tips off its first "practice," it is always a big draw for top recruits and potential targets. Take last year, for example, as Derrick Rose opted to attend Memphis' event instead of Hoosier Hysteria. He then committed to Memphis. Last weekend, Kentucky picked up a verbal from five-star recruit Daniel Orton following Big Blue Madness.
While Tom Crean has six (and counting?) recruits set on joining the Hoosiers next year, it doesn't mean the Hoosiers won't be hosting recruits this weekend. In fact, John Decker of HoosierNation.com has said there may be 50-60 recruits at tomorrow's event.
IU commits Jordan Hulls, Bobby Capobianco, Derek Elston, Christian Watford and Maurice Creek are expected to be in town, while underclassmen will make up the remaining group of prospects. 2010 talent expected will include Aaron Cosby and Brandon Mobley for sure, while another high school junior (and Alabama prospect) that could be on campus is Ralston Turner.
2011 commit Matt Carlino is reportedly in town already, all the way from Arizona (fall break). Other 2011 talent that may set foot in Assembly Hall includes a five-star sophomore, Mike Shaw, and possibly Washington High School's Cody Zeller, brother of Luke (ND) and Tyler (UNC). Bloomington South's Spencer Turner told me last week he will make the short drive to IU, while Muncie Central's Jeremiah Davis also said he planned on attending Hoosier Hysteria (Davis received a scholarship offer in May from Crean, just after a UK offer, and now in addition to Ball State, Purdue, and Tennessee that have followed).
Look for many eigth and ninth graders as well to be taking in the festivities.
UPDATE (10:06 p.m.): Mike Shaw just told me he doesn't know if he will be coming and another standout Chicago prep star, Sam Thompson, said he knows he cannot make the trip. Neither were definites to come in the first place, but both were possible big name recruits that were thought to be considering making it to Hoosier Hysteria.
