126 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(12/09/13 3:05am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>There’s no remedy like home cooking. That’s exactly what IU needed following a humbling 69-52 loss at Syracuse last Tuesday evening, and it arrived in the form of an 89-68 victory against North Florida on Saturday at Assembly Hall. Make no mistake about it: a plethora of corrections were necessary after the Hoosiers unraveled in embarrassing fashion during the second half of their matchup with the Orange at the Carrier Dome. IU Coach Tom Crean’s squad played extremely out of character, as it was grotesquely sloppy with the basketball and maddeningly inefficient on the offensive end. But worst of all was the lack of leadership that Crean fumed about following the 17-point loss. “Our leadership took a step back tonight,” Crean said after the Syracuse game. “And I don’t know if it’s the inexperience of the team, I don’t know if it’s the fact that we have a senior like Will (Sheehey) that’s in a different role right now. But there’s no excuse for it.” While gaining consistency in those aspects is an ongoing — and at times frustrating — process, the Hoosiers’ win against North Florida was something to take solace in. The opening segment of the first half was a direct testament to that notion. The Ospreys opened up in a 2-3 zone defense, which the Hoosiers easily penetrated en route to a 10-7 lead prior to the game’s first media timeout. It was an offensive rebirth of sorts, with an unexpected leader of the effort emerging. Graduate student guard Evan Gordon led the Hoosiers in scoring with 15 points, doing so in an impressively efficient manner. The 6-foot, 192-pound Arizona State transfer converted 7-of-9 field goal attempts. It was, undoubtedly, Gordon’s best performance of the season, though not an expected one. “He’s always been comfortable,” redshirt sophomore forward Austin Etherington said of Gordon’s outing against North Florida. “It just happened to be tonight where he got the points that he got.“You know, he works as hard like anyone else, and he deserves what he got tonight. Everyone’s happy for him.” If the Hoosier offense is to experience success against the likes of its competition within the Big Ten Conference, it will need consistent performances from a player of Gordon’s experience. Crean certainly recognizes that, and he addressed it during his postgame press conference. “We saw a lot left in the tank that he could get better at,” Crean said. “We didn’t just see a guy that had played four years of college basketball that was coming in for his fifth year. We wouldn’t have done it.“We saw a guy that could have a bigger role. We saw a guy that could really, really be a stellar defender.” Aside from Gordon’s stellar performance, there was much left to be desired. The Hoosiers shot just 33.3 percent from the 3-point line and missed nine free throw attempts. For a team that relies on generating offense by attacking the rim, those are alarming figures. Corrections and consistency must arrive — and quickly — because only four games remain before IU begins its quest through the Big Ten gauntlet. — ckillore@indiana.eduFollow columnist Connor Killoren on Twitter @Connor_Killoren.
(12/06/13 1:55am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>In a season that won’t live up to the standard expectations of such a storied, tradition-rich program such as IU, it’s imperative to maintain a proper perspective. During and after the Hoosiers’ humbling 69-52 loss at Syracuse, the youth and inexperience of IU Coach Tom Crean’s team that has been discussed ad nauseam for the better part of the past few months reared its ugly head, leading some to believe that the 2013-14 season will be a long, slow, unenjoyable grind.But buying into that notion at such an early juncture would be asinine. Yes, this season’s team certainly isn’t anywhere near the caliber of last season’s group that spent the better part of its journey to the Sweet 16 as the nation’s No. 1-ranked team. Yes, this team lacks the veteran poise and experience necessary to win consistently against quality competition. However, there exists legitimate hope for sophomore point guard Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell and Co. to reach unexpected heights despite their perceived shortcomings and weaknesses.The most pressing issue facing IU is its lack of shooters, an area that doomed its offense against Syracuse’s pesky 2-3 zone defense; the Hoosiers converted just four of 14 3-point field goal attempts, each of which were drained by Ferrell. While a plethora of fans have dreamt of current IU commit and lethal shooter James Blackmon Jr. being present on the roster, no such dream will become reality. Crean offered a few comments following his team’s loss to Syracuse that should quell any and all worries about IU’s perimeter shooting. “We’ll get better shooting the ball,” Crean said. “I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. Our teams always do. A year ago at this time, Victor Oladipo was shooting 29 percent from three and ended up shooting 44 percent on the year. We're gonna get better."The difficultly surrounding the situation is identifying which player will experience a similar meteoric rise in shooting percentage as Oladipo did. For now, Ferrell is IU’s lone consistent 3-point threat. The most likely candidate to join him is senior wing Will Sheehey, who is in the midst of an uncharacteristic shooting slump, shooting an abysmal 22 percent from beyond the arc this season. The Stuart, Fla., native is a career 33 percent shooter from three, though steady improvement in that department is inevitable, as Crean explained.Fixing the tangible aspects such as shooting is a quantifiable task, but the same can’t be said for IU’s other ultra-concerning issue: leadership. The Hoosiers, whose most common starting five includes four underclassmen, are sorely lacking the type of commanding presence(s) they possessed last season, whether it was Jordan Hulls, Christian Watford or Oladipo."We were too quite," Crean said following the loss to Syracuse. "Our leadership took a step back tonight. I don't know if it's the inexperience of a team...but there's no excuse for it."Whether the leadership Crean expects will materialize remains to be seen, though if it appears in a timely fashion along with consistent perimeter shooting, the best will be yet to come. — ckillore@indiana.eduFollow columnist Connor Killoren on Twitter @IDS_CGKilloren.
(12/04/13 5:01am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Living concurrently in both the past and present is a feeling all too eerie. On Tuesday evening at the Carrier Dome, the lines of the 2013 calendar were blurred as IU’s 69-52 loss to Syracuse simply felt like a continuation of the teams’ meeting in last season’s NCAA Tournament. During that contest last March 28, the Orange baffled IU with its lethal 2-3 zone defense, and the Hoosiers failed to properly adjust offensively. Consistent ball movement was lacking, as was avoiding passing the ball into the short corner. In a nightmare that bled over into reality, IU Coach Tom Crean and Co. fell into the same trap time and time again en route to a 17-point defeat, equaling the program’s worst loss since dropping an 80-63 decision at Ohio State on Jan. 15, 2012.The state of affairs wasn’t always a vision of gloom for the Hoosiers, though. After falling behind 10-0 at the game’s first under-15 television timeout, IU battled back to make things interesting at the half, down just four heading to the locker room.During that minor resurgence, the Hoosiers accomplished the necessary tasks of cracking Syracuse’s 2-3 zone — or any 2-3 zone, for that matter.IU reversed the ball effectively and had extremely active and purposeful off-ball movement. It was a rather surprising turn of events, as IU trailed 34-22 entering halftime of its meeting with the Orange in March.But when the second half began, it was as if ESPN cut the live broadcast and, instead, played tape of the teams’ previous meeting at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. During a 17-1 Syracuse run spanning approximately seven minutes — IU managed just one converted free throw from freshman center Noah Vonleh — the Hoosiers were abhorrently sloppy with the basketball, turning it over seven times.However, that was just the beginning of the horror show of a second half for Crean and Co. Aside from a Jeff Howard layup in mop-up duty, the Hoosiers managed just four field goals during the entirety of the second half. While it’s fair to assert that such a scenario should be expected with such a young group, the failure to adjust against the Orange’s maddening zone defense has to come into question. Too often did it seem as if the team’s core philosophy — getting out and scoring in transition — was forced, despite being rendered wholly ineffective consistently from start to finish. The macro view of the end result is an illustration of one of the very few negative aspects of Crean’s tenure in Bloomington — his teams’ failure to adjust against “systems” such as Wisconsin’s slow-paced half-court offense and Syracuse’s zone. And that should be a worrisome point for IU supporters. When the Hoosiers reach the postseason, whether it be the NCAA Tournament or lower-tier tournament, they’re one poor matchup from being bounced earlier than expected. As soon as they’re prevented from getting up and down in transition, unfavorable results will follow. Until that condition is corrected, nightmarish endings will ensue against teams that take IU out of its comfort zone. — ckillore@indiana.eduFollow columnist Connor Killoren on Twitter @IDS_CGKilloren.
(12/03/13 5:05am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>How fitting it is to be awarded an opportunity to avenge a ghost, a haunting memory still shackled to the current subconscious. Such an attitude and circumstance exists for IU as it travels to the Carrier Dome to battle No. 4 Syracuse as part of the annual ACC-Big Ten Challenge.The timing of the Orange’s transition to the ACC from the old Big East couldn’t have come at a more fortuitous time than 2013, as it has allowed IU Coach Tom Crean and his Hoosiers a shot at redemption for last season’s forgettable loss to coach Jim Boeheim’s program in the Sweet 16. That 61-50 decision in Washington, D.C., represented more than an early, unexpected exit from the NCAA Tournament. Truthfully, the loss marked an abrupt halt to the Hoosiers’ quest for a sixth championship. The 2012-13 season was a true alignment of the stars, both literally and figuratively, as former Hoosiers Cody Zeller, Victor Oladipo, Christian Watford and Jordan Hulls headlined what was originally thought of as a team of destiny. But as is common during postseason play for teams around the country, one unfavorable matchup during the NCAA Tournament often spells doom; Syracuse’s vaunted 2-3 zone defense proved fatal for IU that fateful March day. While many were quick to fault Crean for his team’s inability to crack the code that is Syracuse’s maddening zone, he and his staff had just four days to prepare their team while also traveling from Dayton, Ohio, to the nation’s capital (fans often also forget that not a single team in the Big Ten consistently ran a good 2-3 zone). Fair or not, the blame for IU’s struggles lies solely with Crean and his ability as an in-game tactician, particularly against systems such as Wisconsin’s half-court offense and Syracuse’s zone. However, working in IU’s favor is the amount of time it has had to prepare for this evening’s tilt at Syracuse; the pairings were announced roughly two weeks after the conclusion of the last spring semester. With the coaching staff having learned of the Hoosiers’ contest against the Orange at such an early point of the offseason, at least a portion of the following six months was devoted to preparing for a chance at revenge, though the staff wouldn’t publicly admit that, and for good reason. There exists a tinge — maybe a hue — of concern regarding this matchup, though. The experienced bunch consisting of Zeller, Oladipo, Watford and Hulls — a seasoned group brimming with experience — appeared wholly flummoxed and discombobulated offensively against Syracuse in March. Will this season’s young, relatively inexperienced team experience a similar fate as that of last season’s team? Will it shock and surprise? The answers to those questions will come down to outside shooting. Crean’s 2012-13 squad boasted a plethora of capable shooters, while this season’s young team is desperate for perimeter shooting outside of sophomore point guard Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell. But with the time Crean and Co. have had to prepare, the possibility exists for them to unhinge the shackles of the past. — ckillore@indiana.eduFollow columnist Connor Killoren on Twitter @IDS_CGKilloren.
(11/22/13 4:54am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>As the common phrase goes, “Preparation is key.” Those few words of wisdom ring especially true for this season’s IU basketball squad, which, by all accounts, is one of the youngest in the nation, save for that team down in Kentucky. The Hoosiers’ early season slate has been marked by four lesser-known opponents — Chicago State, LIU Brooklyn, Samford and Stony Brook — prior to their trip to New York City as participants in the 2K Sports Classic.While appearing on the surface as a reasonable baptism for IU Coach Tom Crean’s relatively inexperienced team, the non-conference portion of the schedule may be a curse hidden beneath a deceiving vale. Sure, the common school of thought concerning the development of a young team is to make life easy for that bunch, allowing it to gel and develop the necessary confidence to compete at the highest level following the New Year. Thus, it’s understandable why Crean and Co. didn’t make it a priority to include a “high profile” non-conference matchup outside of their obligations — the Big Ten-ACC Challenge, Crossroads Classic and the previously mentioned 2K Sports Classic. I don’t blame the program’s brain trust for doing so. While any coach will forget more about basketball than I’ll ever know, not even I would have attempted to schedule a “test” game for these young Hoosiers. But the question begging to be asked is whether the non-conference portion of the schedule will truly prepare IU for the gauntlet that is the Big Ten Conference. At the time of publication, the Big Ten had five teams within the top 25 of the Sagarin ratings — No. 3 Michigan State, No. 5 Ohio State, No. 8 Michigan, No. 11 Wisconsin and No. 25 IU.Considering the experience of those teams, it’s difficult to envision the Hoosiers going toe to toe with the cream of the crop of the conference. The Spartans boast seniors Adreian Payne and Keith Appling, along with sophomore and Fishers, Ind., native Gary Harris; Ohio State possesses the services of nine upperclassmen and Wisconsin will, once again, be a smart, experienced squad with eight upperclassmen at its disposal.Though the conference is obviously deeper than those three teams, it’s clear IU will struggle to return to the “elite” tier of the Big Ten, where it sat for the duration of last season’s conference play.But when this season’s outfit begins conference play at Illinois on New Year’s Eve, will it be prepared for the rigors of a Big Ten road environment? The answer remains to be seen, though anyone who closely follows the program should be hopeful about this group of Hoosiers. What this season’s team currently lacks in basketball smarts, it more than makes up for in an almost immeasurable amount of athleticism. For now, the team’s length combined with that athleticism will often mask mental errors.But when the Hoosiers’ understanding of the game matches their tremendous collective talent, positive results will follow. This season won’t end with IU earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but when the fusion occurs, these Hoosiers will be dangerous. — ckillore@indiana.eduFollow columnist Connor Killoren on Twitter @IDS_CGKilloren
(11/21/13 4:59am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The difference one year can make is astronomical. And that may not even be a sufficient description of the circumstances facing IU Coach Tom Crean and his undefeated Hoosiers as they travel to New York City for the 2K Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden. One year ago at this time, then-No. 1 IU ventured to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., for the Progressive Legends Classic searching for validation as the nation’s top-ranked team. It was the first appearance on the national stage for the eventual Big Ten regular season champions. But this time around, a youthful, inexperienced team leaves the comforts of Assembly Hall for the first time, headed to the “Mecca of Basketball” wishing to prove itself as a legitimate top 25 team in front of a national audience. That task begins with a showdown against Washington tonight at 9 p.m. The Huskies (2-1), led by Coach Lorenzo Romar, are off to a blazing start in a literal sense, averaging 84 points per game during their first three games of the regular season. Such a fast pace, while typically what Crean desires, may be a worrisome aspect for the Hoosiers defensively. “It’s all about transition defense,” Crean said. “It’s going to be a tournament of depth because every team has numerous players, but the depth is only as good as the consistency. ... Whenever you go in, you have to understand that the number one premise is that we have to get back.” It’s a fundamental aspect that young teams often struggle with, as the Hoosiers have during their first four regular season games, all victories. After being burned in transition against Chicago State, sophomore forward Jeremy Hollowell was quick to address the concern. “We’re really athletic, but we have to do a better job of getting back on defense,” Hollowell said Nov. 8. “The biggest thing coming from this game is that we have to get back on defense.”Because the Huskies have made their desire to push tempo no secret, the Hoosiers could end up playing a game in which their athleticism allows them to play to their core offensive philosophy. Regardless of the game’s dynamics, IU understands that the trip isn’t just fun and games. It’s a business trip, one the Hoosiers are set on returning with their undefeated record intact. “Yeah, especially as an away game, I’m always looking at it as a business trip,” sophomore point guard Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell said. “We’re gonna have our fun and whatever, but when we get out there, we have to do everything we can to win.”— ckillore@indiana.edu
(11/18/13 4:18am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>As with a young team, IU faced a crossroads just two games into the regular season. During a 73-72 survival of LIU Brooklyn at Assembly Hall last week, IU Coach Tom Crean’s squad was anything but efficient offensively, converting only 27 of its 71 total field goal attempts. Shooting 38 percent from the field nearly cost the Hoosiers dearly, as they haven’t lost a nonconference home game since a 71-67 loss to Boston University on Nov. 20, 2009. While worrisome in the moment, IU experienced an offensive rejuvenation during the course of the weekend, earning victories against Samford (105-59) and Stony Brook (90-74). In total, the Hoosiers were a combined 63-of-117 from the field, which translates to 54 percent shooting. In a comparative view, it was a night and day difference from the team’s abysmal offensive outing against the Blackbirds of LIU Brooklyn. So, what exactly was the remedy? “This game, we tried to get an inside presence early,” sophomore point guard Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell said following IU’s victory against Samford. “We were looking more inside-out.”It was a welcome change after the Hoosiers were consistently content settling for three-point jumpers against LIU Brooklyn. They knocked in just seven of their 26 attempts from beyond the arc. Attacking the rim continues to be a cornerstone of Crean’s offensive philosophy, which, with these Hoosiers, means quick entry passes to freshman center Noah Vonleh on the block. The approach allows Vonleh and his cohorts to earn trips to the foul line, an aspect of the game that Stony Brook coach Steve Pikiell wasn’t exactly enthused about. “Our key to the game was to not get beat on the foul line, and obviously that didn’t happen,” Pikiell said. “We did not do a good job of keeping them off the foul line. They were averaging 37 free-throw attempts coming in, which I believe is leading the country after three games, and tonight we helped them with 49 trips to the foul line.”While getting to the charity stripe that often is an overwhelming positive for Crean and Co., a massive concern exists with efficiently maximizing those opportunities. The Hoosiers shot a combined 63 percent from the free throw line against Samford and Stony Brook. Failing to convert on a grander stage — say against Washington at Madison Square Garden on Thursday evening — will eventually nip the Hoosiers in the rear. “I’d be far more concerned if we weren’t getting the attempts,” the sixth-year head coach said. “Forty-nine attempts? We’ll take those. It’s every foul you get, you’re making it a little bit harder for that team, and you’re climbing into the depth.”However, Crean understands that with time, his team will improve at the line. “The bottom line is we’re better than that,” Crean said. “We’ll be better than that. And we’ll continue to work on it the way we have.”Should the dismal performance at the foul line prove to be a hiccup rather than an ongoing problem, the Hoosiers’ trip to New York City may be enjoyable, though a persistence of misses will doom them. Only time will tell. — ckillore@indiana.eduFollow men's basketball columnist Connor Killoren on Twitter @IDS_CGKilloren.
(11/15/13 2:48am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The 19th annual 2K Sports Classic — formerly known as the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic — will serve as the first litmus test for what is largely a young, inexperienced IU squad.Prior to traveling to Madison Square Garden to participate in the championship bracket, the Hoosiers will play both LIU-Brooklyn and Stony Brook in Bloomington as part of the preliminary round.Nov. 12 vs. LIU-Brooklyn (W, 2-0)Nov. 17 vs. Stony Brook (W, 4-0)Nov. 21 vs. Washington (W, 5-0)After playing a total of six games at Assembly Hall to begin the season — remember the Hoosiers played two exhibition games — IU will face the bright lights of the Mecca of Basketball: Madison Square Garden.Though the consensus is that IU Coach Tom Crean’s young squad will falter, it’s not out of the question for the Hoosiers to earn a victory against a Washington team that has failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament in each of the past two seasons.Regardless of if the Hoosiers knock off the Huskies, IU will be matched up with either Connecticut or Boston College.Either team will hand Crean and Co. their first loss of the 2013-14 season — on a national stage to boot.ACC-Big Ten ChallengeDec. 3 at Syracuse (L, 6-2)IU has a chance to avenge its early exit from last season’s NCAA Tournament when it travels to the Carrier Dome to take on an No. 8-ranked Syracuse team that flummoxed the Hoosiers with its maddening 2-3 zone defense during a 61-50 victory in the Sweet 16.Not even the quartet of Victor Oladipo, Cody Zeller, Christian Watford and Jordan Hulls could consistently convert buckets against Syracuse’s stifling zone, effectively making the odds of this season’s Hoosiers avenging the loss drastically low.Crossroads ClassicDec. 14 vs. Notre Dame (L, 8-3)Though the Hoosiers will likely enjoy a home atmosphere at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis against preseason No. 21 Notre Dame, the Irish, featuring former McDonald’s All-America point guard Demetrius Jackson, will hand IU its third loss of the non-conference slate.The loss would be the Hoosiers’ second in as many years at the Crossroads Classic, with then-No. 1 IU having been upset by Butler in an overtime thriller last season.Start of Conference PlayDec. 31 at Illinois (W, 11-3)Having lost both D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul to graduation, Illinois will be experiencing a youth movement comparable to that of IU.Richardson and Paul played a key role in the Illini’s upset of then-No. 1 IU in Champaign, Ill., last season, combining for 44 of the team’s 74 total points.Replacing that amount of scoring is a burdensome task, leading to the Hoosiers entering the new year 1-0 in conference play.Jan. 4 vs. Michigan State (L, 11-4)IU’s stellar freshman class will receive its first taste of the Big Ten when it faces the Spartans, who were tabbed as the nation’s second-ranked team in the preseason.Forward Adreian Payne and guards Keith Appling and Garry Harris will provide a culture shock in an embarrassing home loss.Jan. 11 at Penn State (W, 12-4)Jan. 14 vs. Wisconsin (L, 12-5)The one Big Ten team that has hounded Crean during his tenure at IU has been Wisconsin, which has defeated the Hoosiers in 10 consecutive meetings dating back to the 2008-09 season.The Badgers’ desire to slow tempo and force opponents to play a half court game has been IU’s kryptonite during the Crean era.With the Hoosier offense still in the process of gelling, Wisconsin will earn its second victory at Assembly in as many years.Jan. 18 vs. Northwestern (W, 13-5)Jan. 21 at Michigan State (L, 13-6)Jan. 26 vs. Illinois (W, 14-6)Jan. 30 at Nebraska (W, 15-6)Feb. 2 vs. Michigan (L, 15-7)IU’s most memorable home victory last season was against the Wolverines, who lost Tim Hardaway Jr. and Trey Burke to the NBA.However, Michigan returns forwards Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III, a pair that will give IU fits one year to the day of last season’s meeting between the two schools at Assembly Hall.Feb. 8 at Minnesota (W, 16-7)Feb. 12 vs. Penn State (W, 17-7)Feb. 15 at Purdue (W, 18-7)In the lone matchup with its intrastate rival, IU will seek to extend its four-game winning streak against the Boilermakers.With perhaps the most dominating big man in the conference in A.J. Hammons, the Hoosiers will be tested around the rim, though they’ll escape with a close, hard-fought game at Mackey Arena.Feb. 18 vs. Iowa (W, 19-7)Iowa boasts what may be the best post tandem in the nation with forward Aaron White and center Adam Woodbury manning the blocks.Combined with one of the best scorers in the conference in Roy Devyn Marble, the Hawkeyes possess the firepower necessary to knock off the Hoosiers in Bloomington, though the Hawkeyes lack the athleticism to compete with the Hoosiers in transition.Feb. 22 at Northwestern (W, 20-8)Feb. 25 at Wisconsin (L, 20-9)Mar. 2 vs. Ohio State (W, 21-9)Though not a popular upset pick, the Hoosiers match up favorably against Ohio State Coach Thad Matta’s Buckeyes.Last season’s loss to the Buckeyes on senior day will be avenged, as the Hoosiers match up favorably with the Buckeyes’ rather small but lengthy rotation.Mar. 5 vs. Nebraska (W, 22-9)Mar. 8 at Michigan (L, 22-10)— ckillore@indiana.eduFollow columnist Connor Killoren on Twitter @IDS_CGKilloren.
(11/13/13 4:59am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The ball left Jason Brickman’s fingertips, a three-point attempt carrying the weight of a potentially transcendent result with it. When the final field goal attempt of the game fell short of the rim, IU and its fans jubilantly celebrated the Hoosiers’ 73-72 victory against Brickman’s LIU Brooklyn squad as if it was a critical Big Ten Conference matchup. But, no, this was a regional matchup of the 2K Sports Classic, a contest designed to be a tune up for the major programs slated to travel to New York City for the finals of the annual non-conference tournament at Madison Square Garden. But as the old saying goes, “Not everything goes as planned,” particularly with such a raw, inexperienced team. IU isn’t supposed to struggle to put away a team such as LIU Brooklyn in the second game of the regular season. This type of game should serve as a comfortable opportunity for a team to gel before facing the type of elite competition the Hoosiers will see at the Mecca of Basketball next week. As unnerving as it is, this is where the Hoosiers are thus far. The youth of IU Coach Tom Crean’s squad was evident during the first ten minutes of its season-opening contest against Chicago State, and reared its ugly head once again against the Blackbirds; the Hoosiers shot just 28 percent from the floor, including one made three on 16 attempts during the first half. While those grotesque figures are a direct result of the Hoosiers’ current lack of effective jump shooters, it also represented their maddening habit of quick shots, particularly early in the shot clock, as sophomore point guard Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell noted immediately following the game. “They (LIU Brooklyn) were playing a really compact defense in the first half, “ Ferrell said. “So we were taking a lot of shots we may have thought were open, but weren’t really open.” As will doom the Hoosiers should the trend continue, they were supported by a single individual performance in each half. Freshman center Noah Vonleh chipped in 11 points and four rebounds during the game’s first 30 minutes, while senior forward Will Sheehey ultimately saved the day by pouring in 15 of his game-high 19 points during the decisive second half. “I think he was a big, big part of the reason they won,” LIU Brooklyn head coach Jack Perri said. “He hit one three after a pump-fake, and that one was a tough one to swallow.” However, there exists a silver lining within what was a rather disheartening final result: the Hoosiers can only go in one direction on the ladder of potential, and that’s up. While the opponent wasn’t of the marquee variety, the manner in which the team finished the game speaks volumes about its massive amounts of potential. “It’s invaluable to have a game where guys can get this kind of experience in their college life this early,” Crean said. “Down the road, to have that happen in their second game, it’ll absolutely be paramount to their future to get that.”— ckillore@indiana.eduFollow Connor Killoren on Twitter @IDS_CGKilloren.
(11/11/13 5:08am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>There couldn’t have been a more blatant discrepancy between IU’s final exhibition win against Hillsdale and the Hoosiers’ 100-72 season-opening victory against Chicago State Friday evening at Assembly Hall.Against the Hillsdale Chargers, IU Coach Tom Crean’s squad played a rather conservative game offensively, finding itself in a 13-2 hole near the midway point of the first half.But against the Cougars, IU was aggressive offensively from the tip, racing to a 47-28 halftime lead.The Hoosiers’ tendency to attack the basket was a clear display of the result of college basketball’s new foul policies. IU set a school record with 45 made free throws on 55 attempts.“I want them to attack the rim,” Crean said. “I want them to get to the foul line. I want them to really challenge the basket.”While Crean will continue to preach that mentality — as he should — those 45 made free throws should be viewed in context. Against less athletic teams such as Chicago State, fouls will be called in droves.The same conditions won’t be present during Big Ten Conference play, making execution in the half court one of a myriad of necessary areas of improvement for this season’s Hoosiers.“There’s probably a five-page laundry list of things we have to be better at,” Crean said. “That’s kind of where we’re at in the season.”If you’re expecting those improvements to be made quickly, you’ll be sorely disappointed.Crean possesses a roster replete with talent but thin on experience.Essentially, IU’s young players simply don’t know what they don’t know.“I think we might have had one back cut layup tonight, and that’s not enough,” Crean said. “Now, that is a sign we just don’t understand it yet. We don’t understand as well how to move without the ball.”Perhaps most evident of that collective youth and inexperience was the Hoosiers’ failure to rotate defensively on Chicago State’s 3-point shot attempts, of which the Cougars had 36 but only converted eight.More often than not those were open looks that, had they gone in, would have been potentially disastrous for IU.“We got a young team,” sophomore forward Jeremy Hollowell said following an impressive outing where he tallied 16 points, four blocks and four rebounds. “We’ve got a lot to learn.”The present circumstances, while bleak on the surface, set up a season in which Crean’s Hoosiers will improve progressively with the hope to be as close to a “finished product” as there can be in college basketball.November, December and even January may not provide the amount of aesthetically pleasing basketball IU fans were accustomed to last season.However, down the stretch IU will be a dangerous team capable of grabbing headlines come postseason play.“There are things to build on and a lot of games,” Crean said. “I think this game started a span of seven games in 20 days, so we’re going to learn a lot in a short period of time. We’ve gotta keep making sure that they understand.“And the No. 1 focus above all else is are they getting better? Are they improving? And you wanna improve inside of the games, and, certainly, in the days leading up to the games.”— ckillore@indiana.eduFollow men’s basketball columnist Connor Killoren on Twitter @IDS_CGKilloren.
(11/08/13 5:38am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>IU begins its regular season Friday night against Chicago State, a deep, experienced team. While it should be an easy victory for the Hoosiers, the Cougars’ press should be a good test for IU. Returning leading scorerIn his first season with Chicago State after transferring from Missouri State West Plains Community College, Quinton Pippen burst on to the scene at Chicago State. The Hamburg, Ark., native averaged 10.4 points per game in 29 starts, while ranking second in the Great West Conference in steals per game with 1.9. And, yes, Pippen is the nephew of NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen. Returning leading rebounderA senior leader of a veteran Chicago State squad, 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward Matt Ross is the Cougars’ most potent threat on the glass, after averaging 6.3 boards per game last season. The Dixon, Ill., native will test IU on the block, particularly against freshman center Noah Vonleh and sophomore forward Hanner Mosquera-Perea.What they do wellChicago State is a deep, experienced team, boasting a total of nine seniors. While they’re not a legitimate contender for an NCAA Tournament berth, the Cougars are a feisty group hungry to prove itself in its first season in the Western Athletic Conference. It’s a dangerous combination for a group that, essentially, doesn’t have anything to lose playing on the home court of a team that began last season as the nation’s No. 1 team. What needs workWhile Chicago State does boast a plethora of experience, how well it meshes remains to be seen. The Cougars feature four upperclassmen in their first seasons at the school after transferring: Joshua Ramsey, Rahjan Muhammad, Jared Dimakos and Eddie Denard. Chicago State Coach Tracy Dildy will be tasked with striking a harmony between last season’s core and these new members. My takeThe doubts surrounding this season’s IU squad are qualified; the Hoosiers lost 67 percent of their scoring from last season, and enter 2013-14 as a young, largely inexperienced team. This evening’s contest is the Hoosiers’ first opportunity to silence the critics and prove that youth won’t be a crippling element. However, a healthy amount of work needs to be done, particularly on the defensive end, where IU Coach Tom Crean’s team was suspect during the first half of a 79-39 exhibition victory against Hillsdale on Monday. Hillsdale Coach John Tharp emphatically told his team that IU “doesn’t know when to switch.” PredictionIU will beat Chicago State 75-59.— ckillore@indiana.edu
(11/05/13 5:21am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Potential. That’s the one reoccurring word that can be appropriately associated with this season’s IU squad, which defeated Hillsdale College, 79-39, Monday evening at Assembly Hall. The Hoosiers sported a starting lineup of freshman point guard Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell, senior wing Will Sheehey, freshman forward Troy Williams, sophomore forward Jeremy Hollowell and freshman center Noah Vonleh, a bunch dripping with talent and oozing potential. But until those two aspects mesh, words such as “stagnant” and “inconsistent” will continue to be labels associated with what is a youthful team. The raw nature of the aforementioned starting five was on display early, as the Hoosiers found themselves having converted just one bucket — a Noah Vonleh lay-up — near the midway mark of the first half. Though a slow start would typically be a point of concern, it shouldn’t be considered in such a severe manner. Why? IU Coach Tom Crean’s main rotation includes at least three freshmen and three sophomores, a group that was critical in sparking IU’s 77-26 run to finish the game after trailing 13-2 with nearly 10 minutes of regulation having elapsed. Doom and gloom was the outlook at that point, with a plethora of tweets and other utterances being of the attitude that the upcoming regular season will be painful to watch, but such a quick judgment would be foolish to make after just two exhibition games that are, essentially, glorified scrimmages (no offense to Southern Indiana and Hillsdale). The second half of the Hoosiers’ second exhibition victory in as many contests was a direct illustration of exactly what Crean’s team is capable of. “We started the second half switching everything, and two years ago we wouldn’t have done that,” Crean said. “We probably scored 14 points on things we put in today, and probably another six on things we just drew up in timeouts.”After a hot start on the offensive end for Hillsdale, the Chargers were limited to 24 percent shooting, including a miserable 6-of-27 from the three-point line. Though piecing together a consistent half-court offense will require time and patience for these Hoosiers, they’re more than capable of creating offense through consistent play at the defensive end, particularly when defensive rebounds and turnovers are converted to scoring opportunities in transition. And I understand the argument that it was just an exhibition against Hillsdale, but with the tremendous length and breathtaking athleticism inherent within the roster, stingy performances against quality competition are likely to be plentiful.Defense alone won’t get the job done, as a slew of technicalities requiring improvement, the summation of which is the formation of an identity, which is a never-ending task. “There is no such thing as ‘garbage time’ at Indiana,” Crean said.— ckillore@indiana.eduFollow columnist Connor Killoren on Twitter @ConnorKilloren_IDS
(10/31/13 3:54am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Coaches and players don’t often buy into the concept of preseason superlatives.However, the dissemination of such awards prior to meaningful basketball having been played has become a cornerstone of the beginning of each season.Coaches will downplay the significance and meaning of these awards, but they’re a stark recognition of the conference’s preeminent players. The majority of these players will come from a select few teams within the Big Ten Conference this season.The annual Big Ten Media Day, taking place today in Chicago, marks the annual presentation of these superlatives. Whether any individual Hoosier brings any form of recognition back to Bloomington remains to be seen.Thus, IU’s own collection of preseason superlatives are in order, beginning with the most celebrated award of them all.Here’s my list of preseason awards for this season’s IU team.Preseason Most Valuable Player: Kevin “Yogi” FerrellFerrell, in his second season as the Hoosiers’ starting point guard, will be leaned upon to be a vocal and emotional leader.Along with being the catalyst of the Hoosier offense, the 6-foot, 178-pound sophomore will be tasked with an increased scoring load given the absence of more than half of last season’s scoring total. Ferrell’s improvements on the offensive end were apparent during IU’s 83-68 victory against Southern Indiana Saturday evening.The Indianapolis native led all scorers with 20 points including 6-of-10 from 3-point range. “He’s made big jumps,” IU Coach Tom Crean said of Ferrell during the postgame press conference. “I think you can all see that. And he’ll continue to make those jumps.“This past week of practice was his best overall week he’s had since he’s been here, so I think that really gives us something to build on.” Preseason Freshman of the Year: Noah VonlehGiven the almost immeasurable amount of accolades he collected as a high school phenom at New Hampton Prep, Vonleh has been considered the consensus Freshman of the Year since he committed to IU last November. Nothing has changed since the Haverhill, Mass., native arrived on campus, either.Vonleh earned a spot in the starting five at center against Southern Indiana but will be played at a variety of positions given his versatility, Crean noted following the exhibition victory against the Screaming Eagles. With an NBA-ready body and the ability to play all five positions on the floor, one would be hard pressed to argue the claim that the 6-foot-10, 240-pound Vonleh is the best member of IU’s freshman class. Preseason Most Improved Player: Jeremy HollowellA former four-star recruit per rivals.com, Hollowell struggled through a slow transition to the college game last season. After averaging a whopping 23.9 points per game as a senior at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis, Hollowell scored just 93 points a year ago.Consistently breaking into a rotation that included Victor Oladipo, Cody Zeller, Christian Watford and Jordan Hulls was a formidable task. But with a new season comes fresh opportunities, plenty of which will be presented to the sophomore forward.Crean said during his annual State of Hoosier Nation address Hollowell had been the Hoosiers’ leading scorer through the early portion of preseason practices.— ckillore@indiana.eduFollow columnist Connor Killoren on Twitter @IDS_CGKilloren.
(10/28/13 3:20am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A bizarre feeling distinguished IU’s 83-68 win against Southern Indiana in Assembly Hall on Saturday. The absence of the usual suspects of IU’s so-called resurrection on Branch McCracken Court — Jordan Hulls, Victor Oladipo, Cody Zeller and Christian Watford — was an atypical scene. Each member of that legendary quartet has moved on to the professional ranks, resulting in IU Coach Tom Crean leading what should be considered a youth movement of concerning proportions. Though the typical response to losing a plethora of scoring and rebounding would be to drastically mitigate expectations, such a response doesn’t fit this specific season and this specific group. Crean’s positivity during his first postgame press conference of the season reflected that attitude. “I thought the first game under the lights, the first game in front of the fans — I thought our guys played with tremendous energy,” Crean said. “I thought we got better as the game went on.“I think these guys understood that at some point in time, if you just stick with it, stick with your energy, you keep pushing the ball, keep attacking, good things are going to happen.” There is one pressing caveat associated with positive vibes. Every ounce of talent within Crean’s roster must be efficiently maximized, specifically that of two freshmen who earned starting nods against Southern Indiana: forwards Troy Williams and Noah Vonleh.Williams recorded his first career double-double, pouring in 10 points and snatching 10 rebounds, an effort that didn’t go unnoticed by sophomore point guard Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell. “I felt like he played with energy,” Ferrell said. “I felt like he is very explosive. The thing that I really like that he does is attack the offensive rim. We got 21 offensive rebounds tonight, a lot on his end. “I felt like we are definitely going to need that because we are going to need to get second chance points for our team.” Williams wasn’t the only one cleaning the glass with ferocity, though. Vonleh, who started in the frontcourt, proved his value on the boards, corralling 12 total rebounds, including six on the offensive end. IU needs the 6-foot-10-inch, 240-pound forward to be more than a physical post presence, which will require Vonleh to expand upon his game that earned him a five-star ranking from rivals.com. “Noah, we’re moving him around all the time,” Crean said. “We’re not letting him have any comfort level on getting one position because that’s not what he is. He’s a guy who can do numerous things. “When he gets more of an understanding and does less thinking, he’ll be fantastic.” With Vonleh, as with this group of Hoosiers in a general sense, there appears to be an oozing of potential.For that potential to manifest itself in positive results, IU must tighten up in specific areas, most notably at the charity stripe, where IU shot 58.1 percent on Saturday.But with time, improvements will be made, and this season’s team will forge its own identity. “To me, that’s what the growth of this team will come down to,” Crean said. “I think the growth is there. I think the desire is there.” — ckillore@indiana.edu
(10/10/13 3:51am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>College basketball hit a low point last season. When the NCAA concluded its statistical report from the 2012-13 season, it was revealed that the sport had labored through its lowest scoring season since 1952, as teams combined to average a pedestrian 67.5 points per game.But one program that certainly didn’t contribute to the lack of buckets was IU’s.Per the IU men’s basketball Twitter account, IU Coach Tom Crean’s program has led all major conference schools with a 48.7 field-goal percentage, a 41.6 3-point field-goal percentage and 1,327 free throws made in the last two years.IU also finished third in scoring during that span, averaging 78 points per game. Unfortunately for this season’s squad, about 66 percent of that scoring has gone to the professional ranks. Former Hoosiers Jordan Hulls (348 points), Christian Watford (443 points), Victor Oladipo (491 points) and Cody Zeller (594 points) accounted for 1,876 of IU’s 2,831 total points last season. In their absence, not much experience is left.But the outlook in terms of scoring isn’t exactly bright, as Crean mentioned via his Twitter account on Monday. Crean revealed that the two areas the Hoosiers excelled in during a two-year run are currently problems for this year’s team.“Our 3-point shooting and free-throw shooting are early concerns here,” Crean tweeted. “We shoot at least 30 min. A day in practice so it will get better.” The good news for IU is the return of both senior forward Will Sheehey and sophomore point guard Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell, who combined to pour in 615 points last season. But those two can’t carry the offense alone.This makes the early emergence of newcomers crucial in order for IU to experience success.The early favorite to take on an expanded scoring role is sophomore forward Jeremy Hollowell.During Crean’s “State of Hoosier Nation” address last week, the sixth-year coach spoke highly of Hollowell.He said Hollowell was IU’s leading scorer through the first five scrimmages of preseason practice but was experiencing continued bouts of inconsistency and efficiency. But, if you’re looking for more than just raw possibilities, look no further than Arizona State transfer Evan Gordon, a fifth-year graduate student who averaged 10.1 points per game with the Sun Devils last season. For now, the 2013-14 Hoosiers are largely relying upon potential to carry them offensively, which isn’t the most promising proposition.— ckillore@indiana.edu
(10/07/13 4:17am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>There’s an unfortunate byproduct of any team’s success, whether it be at the high school, college or professional level. As victories pile up and winning becomes the norm, fan bases tend to develop a rather disgusting sense of entitlement, which often rears its ugly head at inappropriate times.I never thought the IU basketball fans, known collectively as Hoosier Nation, would replicate that type of unfortunate and, frankly, childish behavior. But it happened.While at Assembly Hall covering Hoosier Hysteria last Friday evening, the Hoosiers unveiled a new banner, this one honoring last season’s squad that won the 2013 Big Ten regular season championship. The banner is the second of its kind, with a sole banner recognizing the 1983 team for the same accomplishment. One would think the IU fan base would comprehend the meaning behind this new banner, too, but I’m not certain it does. After tweeting about the unveiling of the new banner, that individual tweet was overblown with negative replies.Also, my Twitter timeline was full of vitriol toward the program for its decision to hang this new banner alongside the legendary NCAA Tournament Championship banners.Has the complete overhaul and renovation of the program by IU Coach Tom Crean and his staff been completely forgotten by Hoosier fans? It seems as if IU having begun last season as the nation’s No. 1 team pumped an overwhelming amount of ego into Hoosier Nation.That’s not to say those fans shouldn’t have pride in the IU program — they should.But going out of your way to bash the new banner isn’t a good look. I’ve been told that winning the Big Ten regular season championship should be expected on an annual basis.While that’s a legitimate aspiration, think back to where you were Dec. 10, 2011. Do you remember witnessing an unranked IU team beat then-No. 1 Kentucky, 73-72, at Assembly Hall? Prior to that legendary contest, there wasn’t a single ounce of ego to be found among the fan base, and for good reason. IU had been relegated to the margins of college basketball, a sleeping giant desperate to be awoken. There wasn’t any talk of conference championships or national titles.And here we are, less than two years later, and those same fans are complaining about having a single banner recognizing the countless hours and the blood, sweat and tears invested by both former and current players and coaches to return IU to its rightful place in college basketball.“We worked for five straight years to hang a banner,” Crean said while speaking to the crowd at Hoosier Hysteria. “This is a hard-nosed, blue-collar program.” Former Hoosiers and current NBA rookies Cody Zeller and Victor Oladipo would tell you the same thing. As would seniors Will Sheehey, Taylor Wayer and Jeff Howard. So, too, would Verdell Jones III, Tom Pritchard, Jordan Hulls, Derek Elston and Christian Watford.Each of those players are revered by the fans. So, can’t you give them the respect they deserve and celebrate the significance of the 2013 Big Ten Championship banner? — ckillore@indiana.edu Follow columnist Connor Killoren on Twitter @IDS_CGKilloren
(10/03/13 4:28am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>If you weren’t aware that IU Coach Tom Crean made a living coaching basketball, you’d likely assume he’s a minister or a motivational speaker.This notion held true during Crean’s “The State of the Hoosier Nation” address at the IU Auditorium Wednesday evening.While Crean didn’t speak directly about his team for the entirety of his speech, he touched on a number of topics that apply to any individual yearning to achieve success in any facet of life.And there’s something to be said for a person such as Crean to have such tremendous passion for instilling what wisdom and advice he has in those willing to listen.Crean had the undivided attention of approximately 300 such people during his speech, each of whom likely wasn’t aware that his initial talking points tied directly to the 2013-14 Hoosier squad.That’s how effective a motivator, communicator and leader Crean is.With a youth movement of sorts on his hands, those skills of Crean’s will be crucial for his team to even scratch the surface of the success the program experienced last season, which ended with a 61-50 loss to Syracuse in the Sweet 16.With only two returning starters — sophomore point guard Yogi Ferrell and senior forward Will Sheehey — the Hoosiers’ unique challenge will be finding their identity.Growing pains will be an inevitable aspect of that journey.“You don’t build anything of substance without going through adversity,” Crean said.Crean specifically mentioned two young players battling their own adversity — sophomore forward Jeremy Hollowell and sophomore forward Hanner Mosquera-Perea — who will be critical to any success his Hoosiers may enjoy this season.“He wants to be better,” Crean said regarding the development of Mosquera-Perea. “He’s got to develop a consistency. We need to see what he’s capable of. We need Hanner to stretch himself.”As for Hollowell, the Indianapolis native has been an enigma of sorts, though an enigma loaded with potential.Crean said the 6-foot-8-inch, 219-pound forward has been the team’s leading scorer thus far through the early portion of preseason practices, but has struggled with consistency from one practice to the next.“He had some plays today in the pick-and-roll that we never would have done a year ago, and he’s going down the lane making plays,” Crean said.While Mosquera-Perea and Hollowell will be key cogs in the rotation, freshman forward Noah Vonleh continues to be the most celebrated and discussed player on the roster, certainly a by-product of his vast recruiting accolades.The No. 8-ranked prospect nationally in the 2013 class per Rivals.com, Vonleh has earned Crean’s praise, though more for his intangibles.Despite being a freshman, Vonleh has displayed leadership traits that will most certainly serve as the glue necessary for an inexperienced team.“Noah Vonleh has a rare work ethic,” Crean said. “He’s just scratching the surface. He has natural leadership that will continue to grow. It’s hard to believe he’s only been 18 for a month.”Quite evidently, the talent and potential is there for this team.It’s just a matter of how well it meshes.“It’s going to take time,” Crean said. “It’s going to take time. It’s not a plea for patience, but it’s reality.”— ckillore@indiana.edu Follow columnist Connor Killoren on Twitter @IDS_CGKilloren.
(09/26/13 4:51am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>As the temperature begins its inevitable dip and the leaves shift to the beautiful orange hue of an iconic Indiana fall, Hoosier fans anxiously await an annual, keystone event that captures the state’s undivided attention.It’s Hoosier Hysteria.While the rest of Big Ten country is steeped in the dramatics of another eventful college football season, those who call themselves “Hoosiers” meticulously count the days until the celebration that is Hoosier Hysteria. It’s not a game. There is no opponent. It’s not even quite fair to label the event a glorified scrimmage. No, Hoosier Hysteria isn’t intended for a broadcast audience. Rather, it’s a gathering to commemorate the cessation of another successfully maneuvered offseason, and the commencement of the one of Indiana natives’ most highly regarded event: college basketball season. Hoosier Hysteria doesn’t quite possess the buzz of a high profile game, but it bottles up the explosive, intensive passion that exists for Indiana basketball. I’d even go so far as to say the buildup to Hoosier Hysteria is tangible. There’s a palpable excitement that sweeps through campus and the Bloomington community, for the event signifies not only the return of college basketball, but the first chapter in the Hoosiers’ quest to hang a sixth championship banner from the rafters of Assembly Hall. Fans who call themselves realists understand the 2013-14 season won’t end with IU Coach Tom Crean hoisting the NCAA Championship trophy, though not even that notion can curtail the fiery fervor permeating throughout Hoosier Nation. A select few opposing programs may come close to matching the atmosphere of Hoosier Hysteria with their own versions of what is commonly referred to as Midnight Madness, but I’m convinced no other program will ever top this Indiana tradition. Sure, Kansas’ “Late Night” and Kentucky’s “Big Blue Madness” are spectacles in their own right, but neither can overcome Hoosier Hysteria. There’s no concrete answer for why that is, but the one response I’ve heard time and again is something Crean said five years ago during his introductory press conference: “It’s Indiana.” No other state in America reveres one sport so near and dear to its collective heart than Indiana does basketball. Those who were born and raised in Indiana — myself among them — understand what basketball means to the state. As Hoosiers, we have the film “Hoosiers,” Larry Bird, the late John Wooden and 12 of the 15 largest high school gymnasiums in America.If that doesn’t illustrate a love for the game, I’m not sure what does. On Oct. 4, IU fans from all corners of the state will make their respective journeys to the Mecca of basketball in the state of Indiana — Assembly Hall — to baptize a new season and a new team. Certain parents will introduce IU basketball to their children for the first time, which is a heartwarming sight for anyone fortunate enough to witness. IU students from other parts of the country and the world will be indoctrinated into the religion that is IU basketball, while native Hoosiers will carry on this annual tradition. All 17,472 people jammed into the “Carnegie Hall of Basketball” will display the sole appropriate adjective to describe IU basketball and the celebration of the sport in Indiana: Hysteria. — ckillore@indiana.edu Follow columnist Connor Killoren on Twitter @IDS_CGKilloren.
(09/19/13 4:19am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>When I think of former IU Coach Bobby Knight’s non-existent relationship with the University, I’m reminded of Hollywood. The directors, producers and screenwriters within the film capital of the world make exhaustive efforts to craft scripts that will, ultimately, produce the happy, satisfying endings audiences clamor for. Thus, it’s good a film centering on Knight and IU hasn’t been produced to date. There hasn’t been resolution between the two, and I’m not sure there will ever be. Those same audiences and viewers would despise the ending of said film, demanding their money back — and rightfully so. I know I would do the same. That doesn’t mean a reunion between the two isn’t possible, though I understand Knight’s stubborn attitude concerning a homecoming of sorts to IU or even publicly discussing the University or its basketball program. Former IU President Myles Brand, who dismissed Knight Sept. 10, 2000, is often thought to have used the opportunity to jettison Knight as a power move to stake his claim as the leading candidate for the NCAA Presidency, a position he assumed in 2002.Even if you disagree with that stance on Brand, understanding — and perhaps sympathizing with — Knight’s thought process and reaction following his dismissal isn’t difficult.The 72-year-old, whose contract with ESPN expired following the last college basketball season, felt as if he had been wronged, as if he had been made an example.And no one — not a single person — does that to Knight. Brand died Sept. 16, 2009. Since then, Knight has expressed his feelings about the man.Andrew Goldman of the New York Times captured Knight’s feelings about Brand during an interview earlier this year. “I didn’t like the guy,” Knight told Goldman. “In fact, the first time I ever did anything with him, I said, ‘This guy will be a problem for a lot of people here.’ I felt that way when he was alive, and I felt that way when he was dead — and never wasted any time on it.” He said he has always thought in that manner. It has been an influential part of his personality ever since he began his coaching career at Army, where he coached current no-nonsense Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski from 1965 to 1969.If you watch Krzyzewski coach a game, it’s almost as if you’re watching Knight himself pace the hardwood. That’s the type of influence Knight had. While Knight won’t change — I hope he doesn’t, for it gives him such legendary presence — it’s time he accepts the numerous invitations to return to the school where he won three NCAA Tournament Championships. The late Brand, a man who Knight so vehemently despises, was last at IU serving as president in 2002. That was 11 years ago. It was a different time. Even current IU Coach Tom Crean has reached out. “I would hope Bob Knight knows he has a 365-day invitation to come back,” Crean told CBSSports.com’s Matt Norlander in October 2011. “For him to come back, that’s totally up to him. I wouldn’t hesitate in welcoming him back — there’s no question about that. And if we knew he was coming back, I’d be running out there opening the doors.”Knight has had his own issues with the IU administration, but like Crean, there’s an entire student population, alumni base and college basketball environment begging him to return. It’s up to Knight to provide a happy ending. — ckillore@indiana.edu Follow columnist Connor Killoren on Twitter @IDS_CGKilloren.
(09/12/13 4:07am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Looking ahead to the coming IU basketball season, Hoosier fans can anticipate more than just the marquee matchups dotting the schedule.Fans will be treated to a slew of the nation’s best individual players.Will they live up to their hype against the Hoosiers? C.J. Fair, PF, SyracuseThis season, the Syracuse offense will undoubtedly revolve around Fair, a 6-foot-8-inch, 215-pound forward out of Baltimore. Without Michael Carter-Williams, James Southerland and Brandon Triche pouring in points, the Orange will look to Fair to spark an offense in need of proven scorers.As a junior last season, Fair averaged 14.5 points per game, but he was even more valuable on the boards, snatching 7 rebounds per game. Gary Harris, SG, Michigan StateAlthough IU fans would rather they’d seen Hoosier point guard Yogi Ferrell bring home the 2012-13 Big Ten Freshman of the Year Award, there’s no doubt the award belonged to Harris. An explosive shooting guard, Harris averaged 12.9 points per game last season.Harris’ versatility as a scorer is what has made him such a highly regarded prospect to NBA scouts.Aaron Craft, PG, Ohio StateMichigan State’s Harris has made a name for himself as a scorer, but Craft has earned conference-wide respect through his stifling defense. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound point guard isn’t the most athletic of players, but he makes up for what he lacks in physical ability with pure hustle and lateral quickness on the defensive end of the court. Adreian Payne, C, Michigan StateFerrell and IU shooting guard Will Sheehey became familiar with Payne during the summer as the trio competed for Team USA in the World University Games. Whether that familiarity will pay dividends when Michigan State and IU square off this season remains to be seen, though Payne’s combined 35 points and 16 rebounds against the Hoosiers in two meetings last season are cause for concern.