Over five years and four head coaches, Kyle Taber still doesn't have a lot to say.
Just one day before delivering his farewell speech during senior night, Taber said he hasn't written a word.
"I haven't," the senior forward said Monday. "Tijan (Jobe) has been joking with me and said he's going to write it for me."
The former walk-on from Evansville, Ind. has seen lot since stepping foot on campus. The Mike Davis Era, the Kelvin Sampson debacle, the Dan Dakich period and now Tom Crean's first year. The senior is excited and sad to play his final home game inside Assembly Hall.
"Its my fifth year here, so I knew it was coming sooner or later."
With nearly 50 family and friends coming to Bloomington for his final home game, Taber said he's "ready" for Tuesday night.
As for his speech, he's hoping to learn from his teammate's successes and mistakes. Forced to pick one, Taber chose Adam Ahlfeld's speech last year as his favorite. When asked which one was the worst, Taber hesitantly selected quiet former IU forward Mike White.
"I learned what not to do," he said with a laugh. "He did good. They all helped me with remembering who has helped us along the way."
Originally a walk-on, Taber has been a scholarship player the last two seasons. IU coach Tom Crean said they've asked a tremendous amount from the fifth-year senior this year, who had scored just 36 points his entire career headed into the season.
"He could probably write a book today, he's seen so much," Crean said. "I'd buy it, as long as he doesn't treat me wrong."
After graduating, Taber said he plans to finish up his masters in sports administration and maybe work as a graduate assistant for a college team.
Asked if he's reflected on his five years as a Hoosier yet, Taber said he hasn't had time.
"After the season, I think I'll see how crazy it really was"
