84 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(07/25/06 4:09pm)
With the first week of college football in the books, the impending start to the NFL season and baseball pennant races heating up the brisk fall evenings, there will soon be legions of females asking the same question: "Why do guys love sports so much?"\nWomen simply don't understand the male need to spend entire weekend afternoons in dank, gloomy sports bars just to catch all the games you can't get from your place on campus. They think it's weird that men will plan their entire social calendars around their team's Monday Night Football appearance and occasionally would rather spend time with a bunch of foul-mouthed guys than with a group of attractive co-eds.\nSo ladies, this one is for you. I'm going to explain to you why I love sports and maybe try to save a few of my male brethren who might be blowing their chances because they foolishly think the Bears are a shoo-in for the playoffs.\nI love sports because they breakdown barriers, cross borders and change attitudes. They transcend language, color, race and religion in the same way art, music and literature do. They give us heroes and villains, underdogs and favorites, and dreams both realized and broken. \nA misguided young lady once told me sports could not be beautiful the way Beethoven, Van Gogh or Shakespeare could, and she is flat out wrong.\nIf you don't believe me, look no further than our own national hero, Lance Armstrong, who went from 90 pounds and cancer-stricken to arguably the most dominant athlete of our time. By winning the Tour de France seven times, he gave hope to millions of people afflicted with the disease. Has anyone in history done more for cancer research than Lance? It's a story no one could have written because of how implausible it seems.\nWhat about Abbas Suan? Suan is an Arab playing for the Israeli national soccer team. By netting goals and fans on a Middle Eastern soccer field, he is proving to be a star and spokesman not just for a team in the hunt for its first World Cup berth in 36 years, but also for the millions of people on each side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict who simply want peace. By finding peace and harmony on the field, Suan and his teammates are giving hope to a nation ravaged by years of violence. A simple game suddenly doesn't seem so insignificant, does it? \nWhen doubters point to men like Canseco, Palmeiro and Bonds, all who have sullied the nation's national pastime, I remind them of Jackie Robinson. \nBy breaking baseball's color barrier in 1947, Robinson endured tremendous hardships to show blacks deserve equal treatment in the United States. Robinson did more to advance the cause of civil rights than anyone can possibly imagine. Sometimes I'll tell them of Roger Maris, whose run to 61 homers was fueled by Camels and Budweiser, not "the cream" and "the clear." His record looks slightly more significant with the recent steroid revelations, yet somehow Maris remains absent from the Hall of Fame. And when they really don't get it, I will tell them the story of Jerry Coleman. \nRecently enshrined at Cooperstown as a Hall of Fame broadcaster, he's also the only Major Leaguer to be a veteran of two foreign wars. As a Marine pilot in World War II and Korea, he flew 120 missions, received two distinguished flying crosses, 13 Air Medals and three Navy citations while earning the rank of lieutenant colonel and defending his country. \nStill don't think sports are important? \nLet me leave you with one final thought. Somewhere in the wealthiest area of the United States and the \npoorest area of Cuba there are two little boys \ndreaming of playing Major League \nbaseball. One day, those two will meet on a ball field and not care about the other's socio-economic background. If you can't see beauty in that, then you don't know the meaning of the word. \nTake that, Beethoven.
(07/25/06 4:07pm)
On Sept. 4, college football fans everywhere will say goodbye to a stalwart legend whose time has come. Rumors about his retirement had been swirling since the beginning of last season and yesterday it was confirmed. After a 16-year career, it was time to hang 'em up. \nSaturday night fans at the University of Texas will bid farewell to a beacon of stability who began his career in 1988, during the trying David McWilliams era. He stood by the program's side during the tumultuous years of coach John Mackovic and reveled in the program's resurrection under current coach Mack Brown. \n"He's given us so much," said emotional Longhorns' fan Colby Muecke of the local hero whose impressive career record stands at 124-67-2. \nTexas fans are wondering how his replacement could possibly live up to such a high standard of excellence. Bevo XIII will be sorely missed.\nYes, the veteran Texas mascot called it quits and will be put out to pasture this week after an emotional decision. Bevo XIII declined to comment; apparently he thinks it's time for Texas fans to move on and embrace his heir apparent: Bevo XIV. It's going to be tough for the new mascot and, as with any change, there are going to be growing pains. \nThe Longhorn "represents courage, fighting ability, nerve, lust of combat, efficiency in deadly encounters and the holy spirit of 'Never Say Die,'" said the Silver Spurs spirit club that manages the mascot. Tough shoes to fill for the newcomer. \nBevo XIII endeared himself to fans after the 1999 Big XII championship game, a 16-point loss to Nebraska. As his handlers were taking him off the field, he felt he needed to do something, so he simply left his mark on the Cornhuskers' logo ... you figure it out. This defiant statement only cemented his status as a legend. \nRecently, some had speculated that Bevo XIII had lost his touch. Four straight losses to rival Oklahoma and several disappointing seasons in a row had fans wondering if the legend was going to step aside. Sadly, he will go down as one of the best to never win a national championship, adding to the sorrow in Austin. His retirement proves that one can't live off of past successes ... hear that Mike Davis?\nThe first Bevo was run onto the field in 1916 during a showdown with Texas' hated rival Texas A&M. Bevo has a long tradition of showing up despite his injuries and expecting nothing but the best from his beloved team. There are no backup Bevos, like the second string War Eagle at Auburn, and the Longhorn usually retires before death, choosing to leave with dignity, unlike the Bulldog at Georgia or Joe Paterno. \nThe new Bevo is hard at work preparing for the upcoming season and is confident there will be no drop off in the team's performance under his watchful eye. The 1,300-pound 2-year-old must mature quickly if he plans to contribute right away. This could be an especially tough Big XII season for the Longhorns. The horses that pull Oklahoma's wagon have been practicing all off-season, and Colorado's Buffalo has managed to side-step doping allegations and appears to be in top shape. \nSure, Longhorn fans may love their mascot a little too much, but they take their football seriously in Texas. It's sort of like Indiana and basketball -- two years ago. \nSo now, when you think college football legends, these names should enter your mind: Knute Rockne, Pop Warner, Bear Bryant and Bevo XIII.
(07/25/06 4:05pm)
IU basketball is like a newly single guy; we just got out of a situation in which we really liked the girl, but it just wasn't meant to be. \nWe had been in an often-rocky relationship before coach Mike Davis and sadly, he was the token "rebound girl" in this scenario. It was just never meant to last. Now we've got a ton of options, ranging from comely but risky to homely but safe. And to ensure a long, healthy relationship, we need to select someone whom we cannot only bring home to the IU family, but someone we can also take out on the town -- or on the sidelines -- and show off with pride. \nSo here's what I think about the likely candidates for the job using this analogy. I'm leaving out Gonzaga's Mark Few because there are too many unanswered questions about his candidacy at this point.
(07/25/06 4:04pm)
It's always hard when you see one of your heroes struggle in life. The sight of someone you once thought invincible struggling with a common problem is almost too much to bear sometimes. A hero of mine passed away this week. His tragic tale is a reminder that, though some people have exceptional gifts, they are still human. \nKen Caminiti died Sunday at the age of 41 -- reportedly of cardiac arrest -- just eight years removed from winning the National League's Most Valuable Player award. As a player, fans will remember the former third baseman for his effort and courage as he almost always refused to sit on the bench when battling nagging injuries. As a person, he will be remembered for difficulties off the field. He struggled for years with alcoholism and drug abuse, and in 2001 was even arrested for possession of crack cocaine only eight days after his career ended. \nHis most famous off-the-field scandal came in 2002 when he told Sports Illustrated he had used steroids during his MVP season with the San Diego Padres in 1996. He then added he thought about half of all major leaguers were using them as well. He was shunned in many circles after these comments, but to those close to him the statements were seen as a way to exercise some of the many demons haunting him.\nHaving lived in San Diego and having seen Caminiti in person, on television and at games, I know I will remember him with a smile on his face. He was a man who loved his three daughters more than anything, was always available to fans for autographs, pictures or just to chat and enjoyed giving back to the community that loved him like a son. I will remember him for the way he played third base like no one I have ever seen -- diving for balls even if he didn't have a chance to get them, putting his body on the line every day and throwing with the laser of an arm he had. \nI don't think he was ever fully healthy, but he was out there regardless of the pain. \nI realize that he took steroids and thus was cheating, and I in no way condone that. But steroids don't affect how hard you play or whether you treat your fans with respect. That's why I loved Caminiti; not for how many home runs he hit, but for his kindness, respect and the way he gave the game everything he had at all times.\nKen Caminiti seemingly had everything; adoring fans, a beautiful family and a great professional career. The one thing he didn't have, however, was the ability to control his disease. He had many friends but had to turn to alcohol and drugs to find comfort.\nThe respect I gained for 'Cammy' from watching him play and interact with people may never be matched by another player. He was the ultimate lunch-pail guy, he showed up to work every day, battered and bruised but ready to go. He became such a fan favorite that even after all that had happened in his life, when he showed up in San Diego for the last game of 2003, he received an enormous ovation. The fans showed their support by remembering how great he was on and off the field in spite of his personal struggles. He later said he was overcome with emotion and called it his greatest day in baseball. \nSo to his true fans, Ken Caminiti will not be remembered as an addict, a cheater or a whistle blower. He will be remembered for the one thing that failed him in the end -- his heart.
(07/25/06 4:02pm)
Honestly, there's nothing more to say about the Hoosiers' season. I've analyzed all their shortcomings and successes repeatedly in my columns and after their 71-68 road loss to Penn State, I'm really over it. I've become irritable to strangers, I snap at my friends, I can't concentrate on my work and I'm pretty sure I have an ulcer.\nSo I've decided to stop dodging questions about my situation and come clean. I do not feel I can do my job effectively for the remainder of the season. I think the Hoosier fans out there deserve one of their own to provide analysis on this team. I mean, I'm from San Diego, what could I possibly know about Indiana basketball?\nClearly the fact that I've been positive lately, while providing in-depth analysis of the team and imploring fans to understand that the season doesn't end in February, has been met with resistance from the Hoosier faithful.\nIt's an incredible burden following a legend like Matt "Cakes" Glenesk in this position but I've tried to live up to expectations and be successful. The man's size nines were just too large to fill. At this point, I think it would be better if both parties moved on. Therefore, I am resigning as an analyst for the Indiana Daily Student.\nNow I'll open the floor up for questions. Yes, you in the front row.\nCan you comment on the allegation that a cologne-soaked, shaved ape could do your job?\nHa! I'd like to see an ape sleep in until noon, order a nonfat decaf-raspberry latte from the Starbucks drive-thru, stroll through the IDS like he owns the place, hit on his copy editor and intimidate a freshman into answering his "fan" mail. Honestly, it's a tough job that's taken its toll on me. \nDid the negative fan reaction have an effect on the quality of your analysis? \nWell, you try to block out all the negative stuff but sometimes it's not possible. The fans will never know how much they affected my columns -- it was really hard for me to watch. When they attacked me, they were really attacking my work as well, and that's not fair. When you're surrounded by so much negativity it is almost impossible to succeed.\nI mean, people are entitled to their opinions but when you're over 40, balding, overweight and spend 18 hours a day on message boards and e-mailing college basketball columnists, you need to get a life. Seriously, move out of mom's basement, get a job and stop threatening to kill my goldfish just because I don't think Mike Davis should die a horrible death. Anyone else? \nIf another analyst position opened up, say at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, would you be a candidate?\nI'm not going to answer hypotheticals. Last question -- I'm late to meet up with Ben Allen and some groupies from McNutt. \nSo are you completely done with column writing?\nOh I'll still write columns -- you aren't getting off that lucky -- but I can no longer analyze this team. It's too tough on me. I'd like to thank the paper and the team for the opportunity they gave me. It has been the experience of a lifetime.
(07/25/06 4:00pm)
Despite the circumstances and the rainy, overcast weather Thursday afternoon, the mood in the press room at Assembly Hall was anything but gloomy. That is, until the players had their turn to speak. \nAlmost explicitly saying so, sophomores Robert Vaden and D.J. White indicated they would leave IU because coach Mike Davis, their main reason for attending the school, would resign at season's end.\nI've been saying for quite some time that if Davis left the program, several players would likely leave with him because of how they feel about their coach. I was widely criticized for those comments because some Hoosier fans simply can't understand how anyone could possibly like a coach who doesn't win games. \nWell, folks, I'm going to let you in on a little secret -- there's more to life than simply winning basketball games. To a man, the Hoosiers are fiercely loyal to their coach and would do anything for him. Why? Because being a good person is more important than being a good basketball coach. And personal character and dignity is more important than winning basketball games, even in Indiana. \nBut because of the past two seasons, and to some extent this season, Coach Davis has been run out of town by a fan base that has been anything but supportive. Two years ago, the team was flat-out terrible, largely because of a lack of a post presence and because of the NBA defection of Jared Jeffries -- by the way, how's that working out for him? Last year, Davis had a roster littered with freshmen and a selfish star who only cared about improving his draft status and turning pro -- NBDL, anyone? \nBut some blame does fall on Davis' shoulders and even he admits that. The team has been inconsistent on offense and has had massive lapses in energy and intensity, often for long stretches in games. But that doesn't change the fact that Davis had to deal with far more criticism than he deserved from people who claimed to be fans of the team.\nAs Davis spoke, he revealed what many of us already knew: He is a classy, sincere, enjoyable man who did not deserve the awful treatment he has received. He was relaxed. He smiled, joked around a bit and said that it was time to go. He said he wanted the IU basketball family to be united. He said it hurt him to see his players unhappy because they are like sons to him and he felt this decision will make things easier on them. Davis was not bitter or angry; in fact, he gushed about how much he loves this program and wants to see it succeed. \nNow, all you Davis-haters, ask yourselves, how would you have acted if you were in his shoes? Are you happy that you ridiculed and personally attacked a man who is classier than you could ever hope to be? Does it make you smile when you think about how you've beaten a good man who gave all he had to the university he loved? \nI know one thing for sure -- the players aren't happy. They don't feel the same way their coach does and they didn't try to hide it. Looking down the line at them yesterday, you could see they did not agree that it was a "great day for Indiana basketball." They mournfully looked on as their lovable coach thanked the very people who have made his life so difficult. \nIt is obvious that many of them don't think Davis got a fair shot and are bitter that the fans treated him this way. That, to me, is the whole story. The players on a college basketball team are bitter toward many of the fans who come to cheer them on. This doesn't pertain to everyone, of course. Some fans have been supportive of the team no matter what. But the Davis-haters would not be welcome to Assembly Hall if the players had their say. \nYou guys got what you wanted -- Davis will soon be gone; I just hope you're ready for the fallout that will ensue.\nDon't be shocked if Vaden, White and A.J. Ratliff all leave. It's more than a possibility; it's a likelihood. Unless Davis advises them to stay, they could all be gone. And to those of you who say if these players want to leave, we don't need them -- you're wrong. They would have been the backbone of next year's team and would make the job much more attractive to potential coaching candidates. They are incredibly angry with what has transpired and I hope you fans who rooted against Davis are happy for that as well. You can expect the team to flounder for at least a season or two as part of the transition process. I hope you enjoyed being in the top 25 for most of this season -- it could be the last time for a while. \nDavis talked to his former coach, C.M. Newton, on Wednesday night about his decision. Newton told him that he should hold his head high. You certainly can, Mike, I just wish I could say the same thing to the so-called fans out there.
(07/25/06 3:58pm)
While watching the World Cup last week at a sports bar in town, one of those "Joga Bonita" Nike commercials blared on the oversized flat screen in front of me. As I watched Brazil's Ronaldinho expertly knife his way through a group of helpless defenders I overheard a guy ask his buddies how anyone could consider soccer beautiful. He argued it was too boring and seemed pointless. "They kick a ball around. What's beautiful about that?"\nAs I suppressed the urge to haul off and deck the jackass -- had his collar been popped there would have been no restraining me -- I pondered just how ignorant Americans are when it comes to the real football. On the whole, we simply don't get what it means to the rest of the world and probably never will. I'm here to try and bridge the gap and tell you why I love soccer and how I think it can change the world. \nSoccer is the world's most popular sport because anyone can play it. It is the game of the poor - the huddled masses who can barely feed themselves let alone afford sporting goods. A fishing net stuffed with grass or a purse stuffed with rags can double as a ball while marks on a wall can take the place of a goal. Young children anywhere on earth need only an imagination to create a world-class pitch. These makeshift fields can provide them with a distraction from the rampant poverty around them and a simple game can give them hope. \nYou only need to look at Africa to understand what soccer means to the rest of the world. The Ivory Coast qualified for its first World Cup this year and the celebration in the streets lasted for more than two days after the team clinched a spot. A country that had languished in a brutal civil war since 2002 finally saw a glimpse of what it was like to unite behind something. The two sides declared a truce and have begun the process of settling the conflict. Pretty impressive that a "boring" game could help accomplish so much, huh?\nPolitics, war and famine have somehow avoided infringing on soccer pitches across the world. In 1998 the United States played our political rival Iran in the first round of the tournament. One of the most enduring sports moments I have ever seen was the sight of American and Iranian players embracing and exchanging jerseys after the final whistle. It made me think, if they can find peace and harmony on the field why can't their countries find a way to co-exist off of it? Maybe we can learn something from the sensibility of the world's favorite game.\nSoccer's playing field is also level. Countries that most of us couldn't point to on a map share the field with superpowers, and the outcome isn't always predictable. Senegal knocked off defending champ France in 2002, Ghana topped the United States this year, while Cameroon, Turkey and\nNigeria have all had their own World Cup miracles in the past. But small countries aren't the only ones to find hope in the beautiful game. \nSoccer has the power to break down the barriers that exist not only between nations but even the ones that exist between countrymen.\nAt the end of 2005, race riots raged over the entire country of France. Race, religion and economic class have never been so clear an issue than they were last November on the streets of Paris. Yet only eight months later as their team made a run to the World Cup finals, hundreds of thousands of French citizens packed the Champs-Elysees to root on their countrymen. Suddenly religion, race and creed didn't matter anymore. There they all were on my television screen, waving flags, chanting, cheering, together -- united behind a group of men playing a game. Just watching that scene gave me chills. \nSoccer is more than just a game. It can change our attitudes, perceptions and the way we approach the world. On a soccer field everyone is equal and there is peace.\nSo to the guy who was behind me at the bar: You want to know what's beautiful about soccer?\nEverything.
(06/29/06 2:19am)
New York Knicks owner James Dolan fired Larry Brown Thursday and opted to replace him with quite possibly the world's worst executive, Isiah Thomas. After two-and-a-half seasons, a list of trades rivaling the most questionable in NBA history, a $125 million payroll and a 23 win season, it was clear what had to be done. Thomas had to be promoted. \nAnd why not? When you look at his track record, it's obvious that "Zeke" is headed for great things. As part-owner and general manager from 1994 to 1997, he took the Toronto Raptors from promising young franchise to league laughingstock, then from 1999 to 2000 he single-handedly bankrupted the Continental Basketball Association and finally, from 2000 to 2003 he led a talent-laden Pacers team to the depths of mediocrity. So when he was named president of the Knicks a few years ago, I was a little surprised. OK, to be fair, a UFO could have landed in my front yard and that would have been less shocking. \nBut in his two-and-a-half years leading the Knicks, Thomas has gone far beyond the worst we all thought possible. Since taking over he has consistently traded away promising prospects and draft picks for aging, disgruntled or mediocre players with astronomical contracts. Chances are, if you have a player who hates the press, his teammates, the water boy or freedom, Isiah will send a future lottery pick and salary cap relief to take him off your hands. I'm not kidding, if Lex Luthor played basketball Thomas would trade for him and sign him to a max contract.\nAnd to top it all off, the Knicks' payroll, by far the league's highest, won't get smaller anytime soon because Isiah keeps trading away expiring contracts. How can a guy who was so good on the court know nothing about basketball? I know he's an IU legend, but this is indefensible. \nThe two most questionable moves by Thomas occurred this season, with the acquisitions of Eddy Curry and Steve Francis. Curry came from Chicago for Mike Sweetney, Tim Thomas and four draft picks (two No. 1s and two No. 2s). So the Knicks basically got 13 ppg, 6 rpg and a guy who sulks and might have a genetic heart condition while giving up two productive players and any chance of landing Greg Oden in next year's lottery. They would have also had this year's No. 2 overall pick and a chance to get a young, talented guy to energize the franchise, but instead that pick belonged to Chicago.\nThat said, the Francis deal should have been the end of Thomas' association with professional basketball. He sent Penny Hardaway's expiring contract and promising project Trevor Ariza to Orlando for Francis who is owed $49 million over the next three seasons. When asked why he was putting Francis in the same backcourt with another shoot-first guard, Stephon Marbury, Thomas responded, "It's crazy enough that it just might work." That's it? You make one of the most ridiculous trades in the history of sports and that's all you can come up with? Anything would have been better than that. How about, "Well I had been up for three days straight sniffing glue, and I sure liked the way Steve filled out a uniform." Now that I would have understood. But now his team's two highest paid guards take more ill-advised shots than Stevie Wonder with a shotgun. \nAs it stands now, the Knicks roster is littered with more busts than an art museum, and Isiah is the worst executive since Kenneth Lay ... and Lay is going to prison for what he did. \nSo why let Isiah now coach a team he put together that only won 23 games this past season and doesn't stand to get any better this summer? It doesn't make any sense, what does this guy have to do to get fired? Dolan claims he's giving Thomas one year to turn the Knicks around, but does anyone really think that is remotely possible? The only franchises he's turned around are the ones he's traded with. \nThe only thing that would make this situation any worse is if he suited up and joined Marbury and Francis in the Knicks backcourt.\nHey, it's crazy enough that it just might work.
(05/05/06 4:27am)
For the past eight months my assignment has been to write columns about IU's basketball team, and let me tell you, it wasn't the cake-walk you all assume it was.\nI was forced to sit courtside for every home game, eat free food in Assembly Hall's press room, deal with the terminally misinformed Andy Katz and then spew my opinions onto the pages of America's best college newspaper. Seriously folks, I had it rough.\nWhen the fall semester began, the expectations for IU's season couldn't have been higher. I even had to teach my sports-phobic friend Opperman the basics of the game because of how excited everyone was. But those lofty hopes left campus by early February as the Hoosier Nation endured one of the darkest periods in its long history. Then, after a berth in the NCAA tournament and a miraculous first round win over San Diego State, the season ended with a hard-fought loss to Gonzaga. Despite falling in the tournament's second round, the program had a little life again. \nAnd now as we enter the Kelvin Sampson era, I think the future of IU hoops couldn't possibly be brighter. It's just a shame I'll be graduating on Saturday because I'd sure love to be around to witness it firsthand.\nBut that's the nature of the world we live in -- one season ends and another begins. One class graduates, another takes the helm. Whether in basketball, school or at the campus newspaper, things change. Always have, always will.\nI hope all of you out there realize how lucky I am, because I certainly do.\nI'm not trying to get sappy on you here -- that's not my style -- but I have to say that over the past eight months I've had the best job on the planet. I got to be associated with the greatest tradition in sports: Indiana basketball. I essentially got to vent how I felt to you a few times a week and I GOT PAID FOR IT. I know, I know, you guys should have been the ones getting paid for having to read this crap, blah, blah, I've heard it all before. But what I want to say is thank you.\nThank you to everyone out there who read anything I wrote all year. Whether you loved me or hated me (more than likely it was the latter), I always tried to give you my honest opinion. Thanks to all of you who e-mailed me, I read each and every one and I appreciate that you took the time to let me know how you felt. I'm sorry if we didn't agree but that's the great thing about sports, two people can hold the exact opposite point of view, yet still be rooting for the same team with the same level of passion.\nFinally I want to thank everyone at the Indiana Daily Student who worked so hard this year. From my editors Matt Mattucci and Eamonn Brennan to the two basketball beat writers, Brian Janosch and Andy Romey, your hard work and dedication made this job the best experience of my life. Thanks for putting up with me.\nSo, as I wrap up the final column of my college career I want you to know how much all of this has meant to me. I'll never forget this year or any of the people who have made it so special to me. Thank you to everyone. It has been an honor and a privilege to be in this position.
(05/02/06 7:52pm)
For the past eight months my assignment has been to write columns about Indiana University's basketball team, and let me tell you, it wasn't the cake-walk you all assume it was. \nI was forced to sit courtside for every home game, eat free food in Assembly Hall's press room, deal with the terminally miss-informed Andy Katz and then spew my opinions onto the pages of America's best college newspaper. Seriously folks, I had it rough. \nWhen the fall semester began, the expectations for IU's season couldn't have gotten higher. I even had to teach my sports-phobic friend Opperman the basics of the game because of how excited everyone was. But those lofty hopes left campus by early February as the Hoosier Nation endured one of the darkest periods in its long history. Then, after a berth in the NCAA tournament and a miraculous first round win over San Diego State, the season ended with a hard-fought loss to Gonzaga. Despite falling in the tournament's second round, the program had life again. \nAnd now as we enter the Kelvin Sampson-era, I think the future of IU hoops couldn't possibly be brighter. It's just a shame I'll be graduating on Saturday because I'd sure love to be around to witness it firsthand. \nBut that's the nature of the world we live in, one season ends and another begins. One class graduates, another takes the helm. Whether in basketball, school or at the campus newspaper, things change, always have, always will. \nI hope all of you out there realize how lucky I am, because I certainly do. \nI'm not trying to get sappy on you here because that's not my style but I have to say that over the past eight months I've had the best job on the planet. I got to be associated with the greatest tradition in sports: Indiana basketball. I essentially got to vent how I felt to you a few times a week and I GOT PAID FOR IT. I know, I know, you guys should have been the ones getting paid for having to read this crap, blah, blah, I've heard it all before. I guess what I want to say is thank you. \nThank you to everyone out there who read anything I wrote all year. Whether you loved me or hated me (more than likely it was the latter), I always tried to give you my honest opinion. Thanks to all of you who e-mailed me, I read each and every one (I typically got 30-100 per week) and appreciate that you took the time to let me know how you felt. I'm sorry if we didn't agree but that's the great thing about sports, two people can hold the exact opposite point of view, yet still be rooting for the same team with the same level of passion. \nFinally I want to thank everyone at the Indiana Daily Student who worked so hard this year. From my editors Matt Mattucci, and Eamonn Brennan to the two basketball beat writers, Brian Janosch and Andy Romey, your hard work and dedication made this job the best experience of my life, thanks for putting up with me. \nSo, as I wrap up the final column of my college career I want you to know how much all of this has meant to me. I'll never forget this year or any of the people who have made it so special to me. Thank you everyone, it has been an honor and a privilege to be in this position.
(03/30/06 5:32am)
OK that's it, I'm tired of all this negativity. I'm fed up with fans who claim to be loyal but constantly bash their beloved team. I'm over all of your e-mails, phone calls and Facebook messages telling me how horrible I am for backing my soon-to-be alma mater. Plain and simple, I'm tired of a large number of people who claim to be part of "the Hoosier Nation." And I know I'm not the only one. \nYou all know who I'm talking about. \nI'm referring to the "fans" who were complaining about Mike Davis' ability as a coach as he prepared his team for the 2002 National Championship game. I can't stand the guys who flooded message boards calling for his firing after every loss and the people who can't get over the Bobby Knight era.\nWell, Mike Davis is gone and, in Kelvin Sampson, we have a new coach with a phenomenal track record and, big surprise, they're still whining like high school girls who had their cell phones taken away. I've received countless e-mails all year about how this portion of the fan base would be open-minded about whoever replaced coach Davis. In a shocking turn of events, they are still unhappy. You'd have thought Davis endorsed Sampson or something. \nBasically the feeling I get from the "old boys club," which is the most annoying portion of any fan base in all of sports, is that they only would have been happy with one of three guys: Steve Alford, Randy Wittman or Bob Knight. Before they even looked at his track record, the "Knighties," as I refer to them, had already decided Sampson wasn't their man. At this point it's just pathetic, and I don't care to deal with it anymore.\nWatching Kelvin Sampson introduce himself as IU's 26th head basketball coach, I was genuinely excited. And as he spoke, I heard a man who was thrilled and even overwhelmed to be in this position. He has accepted the difficult task ahead and fully understands what it means to be a Hoosier. After all, he is one now.\nSo for you "Knighties" out there who question this move and can't bring yourself to look forward and forget the past, just get out. If you can't get excited about what is happening in Bloomington right now, you'll never be happy. Real Hoosier fans don't want or need you around anymore. Your negativity is poisoning the air around Assembly Hall, and your closed-mindedness has no place in the future of Indiana hoops. \nIt is a new era, and if you don't want to be a part of it then I say good riddance. Get out and stay out. \nMy philosophy has always been the same: Either cheer for your team or get the hell out of the stadium.
(03/29/06 4:55am)
Yesterday was a tough one for me. I never thought it would happen, but I banked my reputation on something and I was sorely disappointed. It makes me sick to my stomach just thinking about it, but I guess I need to be a man and face the facts. So here it goes -- I was wr- ... Wow, this is a lot harder than you'd think. I was not ri- ... OK, OK -- just give me a second here.\nI was wrong. \nWhen I said Tom Crean was the best possible hire IU Director of Athletics Rick Greenspan could make, I was wrong, and I'd like to apologize.\nI've always said that I'll happily admit when I'm wrong about something, it's just never happened before.\nWhen the news broke Tuesday that Oklahoma's Kelvin Sampson would be named IU's 25th head basketball coach, I was stunned. Like most of the Hoosier nation, I simply didn't see this one coming. Maybe I fell asleep at the wheel, maybe I was too busy answering hate mail or maybe I spent too much time plotting my revenge against whoever planned those Applebee's commercials with the "Gilligan's Island" theme. Whatever the case, the news blew me away. \nRumors had persisted for weeks that Greenspan would try to "hit a home run" with this hire, and names like Mark Few, John Calipari and Rick Pitino came up. But nailing down Sampson is a coup and everyone in the IU family should rally around this guy for one simple reason -- he's a proven winner.\nSo what are we getting? How about a guy whose teams have won 20 games for nine years running. A coach with a .721 winning percentage (279-109 record) in 12 seasons in Norman, Okla. Sampson is the winningest coach in Big 12 history and the Sooners have gone to the NCAA Tournament 11 times under his guidance, including a Final Four run in 2002 and a trip to the Elite Eight in 2003. He has been selected National Coach of the Year twice (1995 and 2002) and got his first coaching job as a graduate assistant for former Michigan State head coach and Big Ten legend Jud Heathcoat. He's also a force on the recruiting trail. According to www.rivals.com, Sampson has five of the top 73 recruits in the nation headed to Oklahoma despite some minor recruiting violations. His teams also play tough defense and rebound better than Nick Lachey after Jessica Simpson. Seriously, Nick, Kristen from "Laguna Beach?" Nice work my friend. \nThough there is a slim possibility that some recruiting violations could follow the 50-year-old Sampson here from Oklahoma (we'll know in April), basically everything about this hire is perfect. \nI know I'm going to get loads of e-mails lamenting how Sampson is not "an IU guy" and that Steve Alford or Randy Wittman would have been better hires. So here's a thought for you moronic "only an IU guy could unite the program" Hoosier fans out there: You know what will unite the Hoosier fan base? Wins. And Kelvin Sampson can and will bring them. If you still think that only a guy from within the program could turn things around for IU hoops, I point to Tennessee, where Bruce Pearl, a Jewish guy from Boston, has revitalized a dying basketball program in the South. \nYou think Sampson can't be successful because he wasn't born here or didn't go to school here? Correct me if I'm wrong, but Bobby Knight grew up in Ohio and went to Ohio State. He had absolutely no ties to IU when he arrived in Bloomington, yet most of you still love him. \nSampson will bring a breath of fresh air to the IU campus, as we have finally severed all ties with the Knight era and can now look forward to a bright future. \nBut that's just my opinion ... I could be wrong.
(03/20/06 5:37am)
A 90-80 loss to Gonzaga in the second round of the NCAA Tournament was more of the same. IU struggled all night and battled back but simply came up short against another great squad. \nThe two types of teams that baffled the Hoosiers all season were those with size and those that possessed good free-throw shooters -- Gonzaga had both.\nThe Bulldogs' roster contained five players standing 6-foot-8 or taller who ended the regular season shooting 78.3 percent or better from the free-throw line. \nThe Hoosiers spent most of the last five months in foul trouble and Saturday was nothing out of the ordinary. \nWith 16:28 remaining in the game and the Hoosiers trailing 40-37, Marco Killingsworth grabbed what appeared to be an errant pass. He was whistled for a touch foul on Gonzaga center J.P. Batista, but he reacted by slapping the ball and yelling something at the official who made the call. He was immediately nailed with a technical foul, giving him four fouls on the night. \nNow that call would have been fine if Gonzaga's Adam Morrison didn't do the same thing every time he touched the ball. He literally did not stop talking or yelling throughout the game and at least half of his on-court commentary was directed at the officials, yet he never got whistled for it. And that made the call on Marco simply unacceptable. Morrison and his moustache -- which looks like it could turn into a cocoon and hatch a butterfly at any time -- should not get a benefit others don't receive. By the way, was I the only one who thought I was watching peripheral characters in a "Starsky and Hutch" rerun every time they showed Morrison and Earl Calloway next to each other?\nThe Bulldogs ended up shooting 41 free throws compared to just six for IU. The Hoosiers were called for 29 personal fouls while Gonzaga tallied only 14. Now I realize the Hoosiers weren't aggressive on offense and settled for too many jumpers, but Gonzaga bumped, banged and slapped almost as much as IU did. The officiating in college basketball simply needs to be more consistent. While it did not change the outcome of the game, it basically eliminated any opportunity IU had to win it. \nWhat Saturday's game proved was what real Hoosier fans have known all along -- this team had heart. It never gave up. Even playing without Killingsworth for most of the second half, it kept fighting. It held Morrison and his ridiculous 'stache to just 14 points (14.2 below his season average) and continued to show it could compete with the best in the nation. It played close with three of the top five teams in the land this year, even without D.J. White.\nRod Wilmont's shot looked terrible all night but he was all over the floor the way he had been all season. The same can be said for Errek Suhr, Marshall Strickland, A.J. Ratliff and even Robert Vaden, who mixed it up with Morrison a bit. They all played as hard as they could.\nCan you really ask any more out of a college athlete?
(03/17/06 4:27pm)
Whew! So that's what it's like to have a team in the NCAA tournament, huh? Let me just say, I like it. \nPlaying in their first tournament game since I've been on campus, the Hoosiers were matched up against a team from my hometown. Needless to say, this was an awkward night for me. Can you imagine the level of crap I would have gotten from my friends at home if IU had come up short? But thanks to some inspired last-minute play, a lucky bounce and sweet jumper, IU knocked off San Diego State 87-83, sparing me hundreds of drunken "how do you like me now?" phone calls. Personally, I think Robert Vaden just felt sorry for me -- that's why he hit the game-winning shot. \nPlus, if they lost, the season would be over and I would no longer be their columnist. The "Phillips-Era" (or the "Reign of Terror," as some refer to it) would be over.\nThose players worked their tails off last night, and they did it all because they didn't want this to end. The relationship that exists between columnists and athletes can never be understood by those outside the press room. Regardless of a team's results, you can't help but become close to those that affect your life on a day to day basis. That's why they are all so sad to see me go. But I felt like it was time to move on, allowing the IU community to come together and unite behind another columnist.\nBut the end was not to be last night. Playing a talent-laden San Diego State team at high altitude in Salt Lake City -- the most boring city on the planet -- the Hoosiers refused to lose. The Aztecs bested IU in nearly every statistical category as they out-rebounded, out-shot, out-assisted and out-played the Hoosiers for most of the game's first 39 minutes. \nTrailing 83-80 with 52 seconds on the clock it looked to be the end of a long and tumultuous season for the Hoosier nation. But with the season on the line, the team's most reliable members stepped up and took over the game. \nEarl Calloway harnessed the mystical power of his moustache and finished an incredible lay-up with 42 seconds on the clock, giving him 18 points on the night and cutting the SDSU lead to one. Then IU desperately needed a stop. \nAt this point I flashed back to the greatest sports movie of all time, "Hoosiers." In the official state flick of Indiana, the Hickory Huskers who had struggled all year long amid speculation their coach would be fired, were facing the more athletic South Bend Central Bears, who simply looked unbeatable all throughout the final game. Sound familiar?\nI saw it all unfolding in front of me. Marshall Strickland played the role of Rade Butcher, Robert Vaden was sharpshooter Jimmy Chitwood, Earl Calloway was point guard Buddy Walker, and of course Adam Ahlfeld as the indispensable Ollie McClellan. \nAs the Aztecs tried to run the clock out, Strickland reached in forcing the ball away from SDSU's Brandon Heath, leading to a jump ball situation after a scrum on the hardwood. The arrow favored the Hoosiers and after the ensuing timeout. IU took the floor with one goal: win and extend my career by one more game. \nThe play worked just like they drew it up … OK, not really, but after an errant pass from Rod Wilmont found it's way into Vaden's hands, the super-sophomore nailed a three-pointer with 3.3 ticks left on the clock. 85-83 Hoosiers. It was their first lead of the second half. \nAfter an errant Aztec inbounds pass that gave me flashbacks to the Matt Lovecchio era --it not only missed every SDSU player on the court, it actually missed the court -- all that remained were two Rod Wilmont free throws and a desperation heave. 87-83 Hoosiers, good night folks, drive home safe, and enjoy your time in America's dullest city. \nJust to know that the players wanted to continue the season that badly, that they are that attached to me, that we have a connection that goes beyond basketball, it really warmed my heart. \nThat they would give their all to extend their coach's -- errrrr -- columnist's job, was truly amazing to watch. I'm glad I could be a part of it.
(03/10/06 5:07am)
I slept in Tuesday. I was in no hurry to get up even though the All-Big Ten teams were being announced because I was almost sure what they would say. When I finally rose from bed and checked out the lists, I thought I might still be dreaming. I was shocked, puzzled, mystified and several other adjectives meaning confused. But most importantly, I was disappointed. Basically, I felt the same way I do after every episode of "Lost."\nSenior forward Marco Killingsworth was placed on the third team by the coaches and only made the media's second team. Obviously, Marco's 17.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game and his 55 percent shooting from the field were not good enough to net him first team consideration, which is absolutely ridiculous.\nIf you disagree with me, answer me this -- was there a more feared player in the Big Ten this season? \nYes, he had a stretch of tough games where he was not as dominant as earlier in the season. But that was largely because of the constant pressure opposing defenses put on him, which forced the Hoosiers to rely on other scorers. \nEven conference Player of the Year, Ohio State forward Terence Dials (15.3 points, eight rebounds), didn't see as many double and triple teams as Killingsworth did. \nIowa's Greg Brunner (14.2 points, 9.7 rebounds), and Dials made both first teams and Illinois' James Augustine (13.4 points, 9.1 rebounds) made the coaches' first team. Brunner and Dials both had great years and although their numbers weren't as stout as Killingsworth's, they deserved to be chosen. But Augustine is another story.\nHe was picked simply because the Illini finished second in the Big Ten and that's not right. Killingsworth not only had a better season overall, he was better than Augustine in their head-to-head matchups this year. Compared to Marco, Augustine did less damage than a right hook from Frankie Muniz. \nOne thing the coaches and media forgot was that Killingsworth played his best against the best competition. He made the reigning National Defensive Player of the Year, Duke's Shelden Williams, look more like Serena Williams as he dropped 34 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. In his only matchup with Dials, Killingsworth netted 26 points, five rebounds and swatted away four shots, leading IU past the previously unbeaten Buckeyes. In a losing effort at Michigan State and matched up with All-Big Ten second team member Paul Davis, he scored 27 points. Then, when the Spartans traveled to Bloomington, Marco led the charge with 18 as the Hoosiers pulled the upset. And as his team needed a win last Saturday, Marco stepped up and poured in 19 points and wrestled away 13 rebounds and a key road win, likely securing the Hoosiers a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Those stats don't sound like they belong to a third or even second team player -- they sound like they belong to a Conference Player of the Year candidate. \nBut don't feel too bad for Marco; he'll have his chance to show off starting Friday in the Big Ten Tournament. The stands will be packed with the very people who snubbed him as the media and coaches will be in attendance. This is his chance to prove them all wrong -- his chance to carry the Hoosiers yet again, to prove he is one of the best in the Big Ten.\nAnd to wake up those who snubbed him.
(03/08/06 7:43pm)
I know I'm supposed to use this space to give my analysis of IU's 62-49 win over Purdue, but I won't be doing that here. I want to tell you about something more important, something that means more to me personally and that I hope you'll appreciate.\nCharles C. Phillips III and I could not be more different. He was raised through cold New England winters; I was spoiled by southern California's sun-splashed beaches. He stands at a stocky 5-foot-9, built like the linebacker he was, while I'm a skinny 6-foot-2 basketball player. I'm a writer that looks at a biology book and Saddam Hussein with the same level of contempt, while he's a surgeon with illegible handwriting. He's also my dad, and despite all of these barriers, there was always something we could talk about for hours -- sports.\nSince I came to IU, Dr. Chuck, as my friends affectionately call him, has become arguably the biggest Hoosier basketball fan on the planet. He's read "A Season on the Brink," proudly wears his Hoosiers gear wherever he goes and has been known to frequent sports bars near home so he doesn't miss a game. After each IU contest, he'll call and dissect the game with me, and celebrate the win or lament the loss. \nWith that in mind, for Christmas this year I gave him a brand new IU hat, with a courtside ticket to the Purdue game inside. Now before you get all upset, wondering how I was able to get him such a great seat, let me just say this -- I'm kind of a big deal, people know me ...\nSo he flew out from San Diego this weekend and got to enter Assembly Hall for the first time. Walking through the North Entrance and out to view the court, he was like a kid in a candy store. The look on his face was probably similar to mine when last week when I found "The Karate Kid" movies on sale for $29.95 at Best Buy. I mean not only did I get the best trilogy in movie history for less than $30, but I also got "The Next Karate Kid" (starring Hilary Swank) free with the purchase ... yeah, I know, free is still overpriced for that movie, but what are you gonna do?\nAs the game tipped off, it was quickly apparent it would be a struggle. Both teams played great defense, Marco Killingsworth struggled to get free down low and the Hoosiers had trouble hitting open shots. But late in the game, Rod Wilmont and Robert Vaden stepped up and put the game away. \nI sat next to Dr. Chuck throughout the game and watched him enjoy it. It made me feel incredibly good to give back something to someone that's given so much to me and so many others. See, my dad spent 24 years in the Navy, serving his country when he could have been making more money in private practice. He paid his own way through college and became the first Phillips to graduate. This is a guy who never missed a Little League game, was always on the sidelines for soccer and couldn't have been more supportive any time I made a decision with my life. When it became obvious that basketball was going to be my sport of choice, he quizzed me to learn as much as he could. He grew up on football and baseball and didn't know all the subtle nuances that went along with hoops. But he was willing to learn, simply because it interested me. Let me tell you, it is surreal having to slowly explain the basics of the 2-3 zone to a guy who does complex micro surgery every day. But he never missed a game I played in high school or AAU ball, no matter what else he had going on. He even sat down with my high school coach after I was benched for a disagreement he and I had. I thought my coach was an a-hole -- he disagreed. \nDr. Chuck has always been there no matter what I've done and I can't possibly thank him enough. So Dad, this one's for you.
(03/06/06 5:53am)
I hate to say I told you so -- wait, no I don't. Hell, I revel in telling you how smart I am. So, to all of you in the Hoosier nation who e-mailed me and told me I was crazy for staying optimistic about this team -- don't you just hate that I was right? \nWhen the Hoosiers were 13-9 and coach Mike Davis resigned, I said it was too early to give up on this season because there was still a month remaining. Sure, the team had more "issues" than that Paula chick from the new "Real World," but it still had time to work things out. By the way, MTV hit a home run with that girl. She has the potential to be crazier than Frankie from the San Diego cast, and that's Hall of Fame-level stuff. \nThe Hoosiers went on to win their final four games (after losing on the road to Illinois) and finished 17-10 at fifth place in the Big Ten. The regular season is over and the Hoosiers will be in the NCAA Tournament after a two-year absence. \nA few weeks ago, I took some shots at the fans who threw in the towel prematurely, and boy did I hear from them. They called me names I wouldn't call Barry Bonds and even went so far as to say I wasn't a "real Hoosier" because I'm from California. Yeah, because no one from outside the state of Indiana could possibly know anything about IU basketball. \nBut Saturday's 69-67 win at Michigan characterized the Hoosiers' entire season. They committed 20 turnovers, started down 10-0 and didn't score during the game's first five minutes. But they persevered through all of that, tightened up defensively, played hard and gutted out a tough road win. Senior Marco Killingsworth had his best performance in weeks, as he racked up 19 points and 13 rebounds (seven offensive) and only committed two fouls. Sometimes toughness and concentration are all it takes to win big games. \nThe Hoosiers have recently performed in a way we should all be proud of, and let's just hope they can continue this run into the Big Ten Tournament. As far as the NCAA Tournament goes, anything can happen. Don't forget, this same Hoosier team is capable of knocking off some of the top teams in the country. It beat Illinois, Ohio State and Michigan State, and went toe-to-toe with Duke and UConn. If you still don't believe the Hoosiers can make a run, remember one thing -- the team Mike Davis took to the finals in 2002 was 19-10 heading into the Big Ten Tournament. Our boys are capable of great things and I can't wait to see what happens next.\nWith their backs against the wall, the Hoosiers played with the heart and resiliency we have come to expect from IU teams over the years. \nTo those of you who didn't see it coming, I guess you just don't know IU basketball.
(03/03/06 4:50am)
What do the Hoosiers need to do at Michigan on Saturday? Just be themselves.\nRobert Vaden needs to continue his solid play of late, Marshall Strickland needs to be the senior leader he is and Marco Killingsworth needs to be, well, Marco Killingsworth -- minus the foul trouble. The key to this one could actually be Earl "Kyle" Calloway. If he can get the Hoosiers some easy transition buckets, IU might be able to snag its second Big Ten road win this week (and this season).\nOn the defensive side of the ball, the Hoosiers need to contain Daniel Horton. The senior guard is really the Wolverines' only threat to take over the game and he tallied 20 points and 5 assists in IU's 70-63 win back Jan. 3 at Assembly Hall. The Hoosier guards will have to do a better job on him defensively Saturday. Oh yeah, and Graham Brown absolutely CANNOT be allowed to haul in 21 rebounds this time around. That was just plain embarrassing. \nSaturday is an important game, if the Hoosiers come out on top, they will have 17 wins on the season, which should be enough to get them into the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2003. Translation: It's a big game boys. Now go get it done. \nPrediction: IU 73, \nMichigan 71.
(03/02/06 5:40am)
I was really starting to think it'd never happen. After so many terrible performances, I almost gave up. Just when we all thought this season was over, it has been resurrected by a three-game winning streak and -- wait for it -- a Big Ten road win. After beating Purdue 70-59 in West Lafayette last night, the Hoosiers now sit tied for fifth place in the Big Ten at 8-7 and are 16-10 overall. As it stands now, they are an NCAA tournament team -- take a minute to re-read that if you must. \nThough IU came away with a victory, it was anything but a perfect night. \nThe Hoosiers played great defense all night and rebounded well, but they had a few lapses that simply need to get cleaned up if they hope to continue this late-season surge. Marco Killingsworth is still committing too many stupid fouls and needs to control his temper and stop throwing elbows. The Hoosiers also only shot 29 percent from the field in the first half and trailed 27-25. \nEarl Calloway has really started to emerge over the last few games. But of course, the crack production team at ESPN-Plus had to ruin Earl's 11 point, three assist performance by putting "Kyle Calloway" above his stat line ... twice. In spite of that, the big "KC" (yes, he has a new nickname) played a great game and solidified himself as IU's point guard. \nThat wasn't all that bothered me about "The Plus'" game coverage. The announcing team made me long for the Steve Lavin-Brent Musburger connection and it had the production value of a snuff film. Seriously, this is a branch of ESPN. They couldn't throw a little money towards the channel? \nIn the end, it wasn't perfect but IU won on the road in conference, something they hadn't done all year. Marshall Strickland led the charge with 16 points and seven rebounds and seemed to gain confidence with every game. Robert Vaden had 11 points and 12 boards and iced the game with a 3-pointer that put IU up 62-53. His shot capped a 20-10 IU run and essentially ended the game.\nIU showed they don't always have to play their best to win. If they just play defense and rebound, they can beat anybody, regardless of the location. \nIf last night proved anything it's that a win doesn't have to be perfect to feel good.
(03/01/06 4:46am)
If the Hoosiers hope to make it to the NCAA Tournament, they have to do one thing. At some point this season, they have to win a Big Ten road game. There is no better opportunity to accomplish that feat than tonight at Mackey Arena on Purdue's campus.\nThough they are 0-6 on the road in conference, the Hoosiers can win this game.\nDuring their first meeting, IU held Purdue senior forward Matt Kiefer to just seven points on 2-11 shooting. The only player to have any success on offense for the cellar-dwelling Boilermakers was Marcus White, who had 19 points before fouling out. The Hoosiers need to maintain the level of defensive intensity that held Purdue to 49 points that day.\nOn defense, Purdue will likely collapse around Marco Killingsworth, leaving IU's guards with plenty of three-point opportunities. If Robert Vaden and Marshall Strickland get open looks, it could be a blowout. The Hoosiers need to move the ball on offense and avoid the turnovers that have plagued them on the road all season.\nLet's put it plainly people, this is a must- win game and Purdue will give IU its best shot because it's a rivalry game. The Hoosiers need to start fast and play smart. If they do, it will be their first conference road win of the year.