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So I just caught up and let me sum it up and see if I got everything. We have overly negative posters arguing they’re realistic(im negative and some of y’all make me look like I crap rainbows and sunshine), people calling a teenager names because some IU reporter got their hopes up, IU players showing Romeo love, people asking for facts but not getting any, Wilt Chamberlain is alive, and Austin Etherington hasn’t returned to Taco Bell since the incident(couldn’t help myself). Did I miss anything? Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners

If Self can resurrect Chamberlain from the grave, he wins hands down.

This one's gonna be a long one... - I am not going to focus too much on this past season. Rather, I want to look ahead to the future because I believe there is definite reason for optimism next year and beyond. Our marked improvement in several statistical categories such as Defense Efficiency and TO% shows me that we have a coach who can identify our weaknesses and address them. This gives me confidence that our poor shooting is something that can and will be remedied sooner rather than later. I don't believe that's optimism as much as it is logical reasoning but I suppose you could debate that if you wanted. Anyway, next year... - Our returners will be key. People have a tendency to want to disregard certain key players during a bad season because they didn't perform to certain standards. While I understand their frustrations, it is important that we keep building onto the foundation that has been set this season. The constant roster turnover was a trademark of the Crean years and is a clear example as to why our teams failed to consistently perform at a high level each year. Stability will be key for this program moving forward. We're already losing 5 scholarship seniors this off-season. That's plenty... we don't need anyone else to leave. - Frontcourt Returners. Juwan Morgan (16.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG) should be a senior. His improvement this past season was remarkable and he developed into a 2nd Team All-Big Ten player. He was a major mismatch problem for the opposition with his ability to both play bigger or smaller than he actually was. His consistent level of production is something that few other players in college basketball can replicate. I know some are worried about him leaving, but I don't see it. Unlike guys like James Blackmon or Troy Williams, Morgan has never come across as the type of player who is bent on playing professional regardless of their draft stock. He may "test the waters", but I think he'll return. If he can continue to work on his outside shot and get even stronger, he's got 1st Team All-Big Ten written all over him next year. I've seen some people downplay De'Ron Davis' (9.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG) role on next year's team claiming he isn't an Archie type of player. I disagree because Archie spent all of last off-season grooming him to become a better player. Coaches don't put that much effort into a player if he isn't expected to be a key cog on the team. Now, I am concerned about him returning from his Achilles' tear and his conditioning. I don't know if we'll see him play more than 20 minutes per game, but he still has the potential to be a strong player for us, especially with post offense. I'd compare him to the effectiveness level of a Sophomore or Junior Isaac Haas. He'll be invaluable going up against the frontcourt of Michigan State and Purdue in addition to guys like Mike Watkins and Bruno Fernando. Justin Smith (6.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG) may be the real key for our future. There has been a lot of talk about needing top talent to be elite. IMO, Smith definitely fits that mold. He has athletic ability that can't be taught. He's the type of guy you see on teams like UNC or Villanova when they're in the Final Four. It'll be interesting to see how his game progresses. He could stay more post-centric and be another Juwan Morgan, or he could develop better handles, defensive quickness and outside shooting to become an NBA-style wing at the "3". At the moment, he has the highest potential to be "great" as anyone on the team, in my opinion. Returning Zach McRoberts (2.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG) will be good for this team because he sets the tone with his hustle and defensive intensity. We'll need him to continue working on his shot to become a better threat on offense. But ideally, we need someone to deservedly take his spot in the starting lineup. That will show progression by the other players. Clifton Moore (0.7 PPG, 0.9 PPG) had all the looks of a guy who was playing against players A LOT better than what he faced in high school. I think he has an interesting skill set and could still play a role on the team, but I'm guessing he'll need to re-evaluate his own expectations. I'm also including Race Thompson as a returner because I think a year on the team will do wonders for his preparedness for the college game. He was a Top 100-level recruit out of high school and he seems to have a body that is built for the rugged Big Ten. I'd say there's a good chance you'll see him in the rotation next year giving us good minutes at the 4 or 5. Don't sleep on how much he could help us. -Backcourt Returners. We're gonna need Devonte Green (7.6 PPG, 2.5 APG) to step up his game as much as anyone. As Archie said, we need singles from him as much as home runs. If this was a baseball season, he would have had way too many 0-4, 3 K types of games this year. He has potential to utilize his ability to create for others and his own shot, but we're gonna need him to be steady for us to have success. A bad Devonte Green really hurts us. But a good one takes us to another level. I was pleased/impressed with how Al Durham (4.8 PPG, 1.9 RPG) ended the season. Similar to Green, I hope he can embrace the role of a steady hand and defensive presence in the backcourt. We'll need him to continue improving his shot to be more consistent from the outside. However, if he attempts to become something he's not (i.e. a "go-to" scorer) it could hurt us more than help us. The fact that these are our only returners in the backcourt makes it imperative that they both take the next step in their development. -Newcomers. I'm a Robert Phinisee fan. As Old Friend has stated on numerous occasions, if there are 100 better players than him in the nation in his class, I'd like to see them. He's got a quick first step and is much more athletic than he looks which allows him to get to the basket. People rave over his play-making ability, but I think he'll be a better scorer for us next year than what many think. While not an elite shooter, he can more than hold his own in that department. He'll need to get bigger and stronger, but I could definitely see him as an effective starter next year. I won't say he'll be as effective as Yogi, but anyone remember Armon Bassett as a freshman back in 2006-07? Maybe something like that. I've also seen some others make some statements about how Damezi Anderson won't help us much next year, but I am not so sure. I love the way he moves without the ball and comes off of screens. He has a shooter's mentality and will provide us an offensive threat anytime he is on the floor. I do agree that he'll need to up his defense, but that is one area that I have faith in Archie. It'll be interesting to see what position he slides into as a frosh... that may be the tricky part. Every time I have watched a clip of Jerome Hunter I have been impressed. He seems to have an advanced and diverse skill set that could allow him to play early and often next year. If rankings are a good indicator of that stuff, he probably will. I'm curious to watch his motor. Guys like him with high motors usually become REALLY good. Guys like him with low motors usually end up like Jeremy Hollowell. We'll see. Jake Forrester seems to be a guy who might be able to provide some athleticism, energy and effort in the frontcourt next year. It seems like he has a developing skill set, but he can still run the floor well and could thrive in the "dump off" role that Justin Smith filled this year. I think you'll see him as our future "5" in the coming years. -Players yet to commit? Personally, I think we'll add 1-2 more guys for next year. The elephant in the room is Romeo Langford. If he comes, we'll have our leading scorer and instantly become a contender in a wide open Big Ten. Our backcourt will go from being a question mark to being a strength. However, I do not believe all is lost should he not come. The grad transfer market always produces a number of quality players every year and I think there's a good chance we could pick up a starter caliber player, there. Maybe even a couple for the backcourt. In short, I believe our backcourt will be bolstered in the offseason. By whom? Dunno yet... -Final Thoughts. Honestly, it's too early to tell. But I'd be surprised if we didn't see an improvement in our overall record next year. I think we could definitely be a bubble team, if not better. If Romeo comes? Let's just say making the tournament won't be a problem... Looking forward to the offseason and seeing how the program is progressing. I really like how Archie seems to be prioritizing the state with the 2019 guys while also looking at guys like Carton from Iowa for the point guard needs. Guys like Jackson-Davis and Keion Brooks will be very important prospects for us and I think we're doing as good of a job recruiting them as anyone right now. Throw in other guys like Brandon Newman, Alex Hemenway, Armaan Franklin, Mason Gillis, etc. It's gonna be fun seeing how that class shakes out. I like Archie's direction, though.

Jeez, make one mistake around here....damn firing squad

During halftime of the IHSAATV broadcast I saw the three really engaged with the crowd signing autographs and taking pics. That was cool to see. I also think it’s cool all three guys are from out of state and got to witness Hoosier Hysteria. Great move by Archie!

I about lost if this weekend when talking to someone about Romeo. So we were talking about Romeo waiting for his game to come on. We were sitting there drinking a beer talking about basketball when the patented "where do you think he goes" convo started. Here is where the fun begins. A gentlemen who is sitting next to me in a Cincinnati bearcats sweater and wearing an Ohio State hat looks at me and says that HE HIMSELF, has talked to Romeo's parents directly and his parents told HIM directly, that it was their son's decision and that is when Romeo's father looked HIM directly in the eye and said his son is going to Vanderbilt. I proceed to say some choice words but basically said "i dont believe you at all"...i then said okay, what is romeo's fathers name. He said he couldn't remember. I then asked what gym it was at, couldn't remember that. He then got pushy and said well let me ask you a question, i said go for it. He asked "answer me this, why in THE H*** (raised his voice) would Romeo go to IU, what do they have to offer and why would he even think about them" I proceed to chug what was left of my beer to hold back the words i really wanted to say. Decided that he wasnt even worth my breath and just had to walk away. Basically to round this up, can we please just have this over and his announcement here before we normal sane people are pushed to the brink haha.

I just heard from a reliable source on a well connected IU board that he just talked to Romeo, and it's 50/50, but Romeo likes IU and their facilities!

I saw someone who was there post something (can't remember where i saw it, maybe a twitter comment), about Romeo kinda pushed his way through the media and went over to where they were.

So does the IU players going to Romeo's game last night pretty much put to bed that rumor about Archie informing his coaching staff that Langford is going to Kansas? I think it pretty much does. I can't see Archie telling his coaches that we're not getting Romeo, then turning around and telling 3 current players to take time out of their Saturday night and go watch his tournament game. Just my 2 cents. In this case, actions speak louder than message board rumors.

AKA: "When the Shittu hits the fan?"

Mark Smith now officially leaving Illinois. Illini board rumbling that at least two more, and as many as four more on the way out in the next few weeks, and that one of them is likely Leron Black. Oof.

Whether we land Romeo or not, I feel like Archie understands indiana basketball. The players showing up at Romeo's sectional game does a lot for the perception of the program. It's also a good way to show players what IU means to the state. IU will get going again when most of the state is buying in and the best high school players dream of playing at IU. Romeo would do a lot for his legacy and the reemergence of IU in the college basketball world. The biggest problem is IU playing on the side court while the others play center court in terms of recruiting. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners

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He had a really nice steal --> dunk, mid range pull up j, and 3 in the closing minutes to keep Washington at bay as well. Continued his Pacer franchise record for consecutive games with a steal (46), and currently tops the league in steals/game. Way to go VO! Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners

Havent been on much today and expected some positive enthusiasm after our kids went to watch. Just caught up and all i seen was a bunch of posters attacking each other. I like all you guys just accept we all are individuals and thankfully all dont think a like or this board would be boring. I am hoping we land this kid to give our fan base a shot in the arm. Sent from my SM-G920V using BtownBanners mobile app

I really think we need a 'group hug'. A lot of anger going on around here these days ... everyone has different opinions and different outlooks on what IU basketball will be... unless they're obvious trolls, I would say let them speak their mind on an open forum about IU basketball. I agree with about 20 percent of what is posted on here, but I never get angry at the person posting their opinion. The whole recruiting threads are the best at bringing out our best, which is mind boggling... the decision of an 18 year old should not bring out these reactions. Call me what you want... I'm guessing, I've been called worse.

The thing with everyone and all of their connections is they're always hearing second or third hand information. People can say they know all they want but if Romeo calls me right now and says its 50/50 I can jump on here and say Romeo said its IU and everyone will eat it up because I just talked to Romeo. The thing with "insiders" is they take what they hear and they try to word it whatever way will drive more clicks. If Romeo says he likes all 3 schools and their facilities, they will take the IU part of it and say Romeo likes IU and their facilities and then fans will think he is ours not knowing he also mentioned the other 3 schools. Insiders at the end of the day are still reporters and clicks are the only thing they really care about.

Feel bad that I missed posting a couple of games, but this is a good one to start again! Victor had 33 pts., 7 rebs., 3 asts,, and 1 steal. The Pacers beat the Wizards 98-95.

@Hovadipo Hova Hugs all around!

What a tremendous attitude!

And you’re not getting facts from anyone other than Rabjohns. Consider your source and why it might be biased. Whether intentionally by the Garlands or ignorantly by himself, Rabjohns got played. His perspective of the situation is not going to paint a clear or reliable picture. You think he wasn’t knocking on the Garland’s door asking for an interview the whole time? Come on, man... Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

Yeah that may have been me who you saw that from. I can't remember if I posted that on here or not. But he like shifted through the crowd and media as those guys were walking out to acknowledge them. I watched them before I left to see if there was engagement or if the IU guys just walked out and obviously as you can tell by those pics, all of them got some engagement individually.

Well he sure looked taller before the injury. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

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It’s not about sun shining. It’s about being realistic both ways and not openly looking for the negative to the n-th degree when it just isn’t there to prove a point. That is what a few have done. There is one sunshine pumper. There are few that are so jaded they can’t look at any of this stuff without making those around them miserable. For the last couple of nights we had a few that argued non stop how if Archie didn’t come to the first then second sectional game to shut down the thread. I mean multiple pages of just crazy narrative based on things individuals concocted. Not reality or anything put out there. That has been the last 3 months consistently. It isn’t about sunshine pumping, it’s about reality. Some of you have lost it based off your own jaded minds. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

It's a nice story that has been concocted to make ourselves feel better. Said it earlier, but it's very easy to convince people that what they want to believe is true. Regardless, I'm above calling a 17/18 year old a punk and accusing him of manipulating grown adults, especially adults in the profession of journalism. Mainly because of the lack of facts, but also to avoid becoming a whining, bitter punk myself.

Funny, no one had a problem with DG and his dad until after he committed to Vandy. Then he "tricked us", "played" our media, is a bad character, and the dad orchestrated it all.

Excess sodium is extremely bad for your heart health.

An unsubstantiated gut feeling from a guy who has paid very close attention to this recruitment: I believe he really hasn't made a decision yet, and the family has done things by the book and hasn't spoken to anyone, including CAM and Drew. I believe it is Romeo's decision, and it's going to be heavily influenced by his father. Darius Garland plays no role in it, and if he did, Romeo would have committed to Vandy already. We're not only lucky to have a horse in the race, but we actually have a favorable lead. If we were not well received, Romeo wouldn't waste the time giving Archie last look. We know he wants to win (duh, advantage KU then IU), we know he needs a national stage (duh, advantage IU & KU) and it's inconceivable to think Romeo isn't well aware that he'll be an immediate legend at IU, but not at KU or Vandy. So, if Romeo is a passive, wet napkin with low morals/ethics (which he is not), Vandy is the spot. But he's not following DG and he knows when the Shittu stuff goes down, so does Vandy. That leaves IU and KU. He stays home. An unsubstantiated gut feeling.

Super move by CAM, really like the idea of the players being there! Hopefully this ends up being a move that tips the scales our way and the start of a new legacy at IU. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners

Makes sense to me in a math dork sort of way but I prefer the Eye test. Lol. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

I think part of the negativity with some of the posters is that they just don't want to get their hopes up only to be let down, so they put on a negative stance. Recruiting is a tough business, and sometimes it's difficult for people to balance their emotions throughout the process.

^^This^^ When dbm, an IU poster is on BtownBanners, HSN, and the Purdoo and UK Rivals boards declaring with complete certainty that Langford is “a done deal-it’s over” Vandy commitment, that’s not AT ALL realistic, even if Langford ends up at Vandy. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

DG was 35/50 of his team's points. RP was 33/50 for his team on the same night. Very likely Zionsville is better than the team Brentwood Academy beat. Also, their State Tournament was in a college gym that seats just over 5,000, and it was half full. Our Sectionals are in sold out high school gyms that dwarf that hold thousands more. Hard to believe Romeo wants to take a step back. We'll see. Justin, Race, and De'Ron are awesome. They're going to be incredible upperclassmen. Man I want this team to find success.

For those of us that didn't get to be there. This video does a pretty good job of sharing the experience! What an atmosphere for a Sectionals game.

I just heard from my sister's, boyfriend's, cousin's, great aunt's co-worker that he heard three guys talking who go to school at New Albany and have chemistry class with Romeo's teammate's girlfriend and she said she may have heard the teammate say that Romeo could potentially be 51% IU - 47% Vandy - 2% Kansas, but wasn't really sure.

"Don't forget us! We helped too!" --Big Ten refs

That's terrible. :( :(

Wilt Chamberlain isn’t only alive, but thriving only like he can. [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

Pretty sure reanimation is a NCAA infraction but thats never stopped Self before. Sent from my LGL41C using BtownBanners mobile app

Archie really blindsided drew and Winston on that one. They never saw it coming. Sent from my SM-J700T using Tapatalk

I was so happy to see a crowd at the Columbus East sectional. No really strong teams (Bloomington S had a great record, but not overly dominant), but the crowds were there! Columbus North v Columbus East was a great game (although it was the first time I've seen a travelling call on someone who didn't have the ball, lol). East vs Bloomington South was another exciting game. We haven't had good crowds for awhile here, thrilled to see them coming back!

Brilliant move by CAM, if the three IU players were just up in the crowd maybe they just wanted to see a game, but them being front and center at a sold out game had to be orchestrated by someone. Throw in the fact that they save a visit plus get to go see TJD in person again was quite clever.

And I think what Rob may lack in speed/quickness and strength that Yogi had, he makes up for with his ability to take care of the ball. I think what fans are going to appreciate the most is he understands how to take care of the ball.

Speaking for myself, have not "lost it". I don't make absolute statements, especially about Archie's recruiting because I'm still learning his capabilities/tendencies in recruiting. I became a great judge on Crean's recruiting over time. Thomas Bryant was the one that threw me off, but that whole recruitment was odd. I don't feel we will get Langford based on how things have gone so far, but I admit, there are a few signs that keep me interested that we might. I hope I'm not lumped into the group that seems to view everything negatively. I feel I have always been an objective assessor of things. I put a lot of detective work into my reasoning for things. For example, how we project next season to go will tell a lot about who is a sunshine pumper, objective, and negative. I will post my expectations after our roster is complete. Our current roster as it stands looks like 4-8 in the B1G. (With Morgan returning). A lot depends on Phinisee and Hunter's effectiveness. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

I’m expecting RP to step on campus and be a marked upgrade as a floor general over Newkirk. Yogi comparison is tough to even think about. Yogi started immediately playing with two lottery picks, seniors, and 1000 point career players around him. Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando BtownBanners

To be fair - yogi had a strong freshman year then was kind of meh as a leader until Blackman got injured and Dakich called his D and effort out on TV. That seemed to light a fire with him and he finished out strong. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners

Crap now Drews going to send his players. Although they might be confused why Romeos bench is on the sidelines and not under the basket. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

IF the staff did send the trio to the game, and they were cool making that trip, that speaks volumes to me as to the "team" concept Archie is building at IU. That's pretty cool if that was the case.