Hoosier_Cat_42

To be honest, after the tournament run and the Calipari Lakers rumor, I'm so done talking about UK. Literally do not care about them whatsoever. I pity people have to actually live in that state but that's about the extent of my caring about what they do down there

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u97OI0DOKSo

...the 4
 
and sometimes, the 5

I've been thinking a lot about next season and what type of a team we'll have.  I know the overall morale of our fan base right now is negative, and everyone sees next year as being a down year for the 2nd year in a row, but I'm not so sure just yet.  Now, to make it clear, I definitely do not see us being great or anything, but I think we'll be better than we were this past year.  I also think our team will be heavily overlooked, which I think works to our advantage... I see our team flourishing in those underdog environments (kind of like 2011-2012, but not quite that good).  By the end of the season, I think we'll have played well enough to make the NCAA tourney; probably as a 8 or 9 seed.
 
   Crean wants to play a fast paced game, scoring in transition and playing a lot of guards and versatile forwards. Next year, we'll have a sick back court with Yogi and Blackmon, plus Rob Johnson as a solid back up who can play the 1 or 2.  We'll also have a few talented wing players that I expect to be much improved after a summer in the gym in Troy and Stan.  I expect big seasons from both of them.  And lets not forget Hoetzel; I think he could be a 6-8 Matt Roth type player.  We will not be lacking in the outside shooting department anymore with these incoming freshmen.  Then you have Hanner and Devin who can bang down low (plus the possibility of Cunningham too, who I think is way underrated).  I imagine that both of these guys- HP and DD- will improve over the summer, especially Davis.
 
   So, a starting line up that looks something like: (I think we can have a 3 man rotation w our guards)
    
     - Yogi (back up- RJ)
     - JBJ (back up- RJ)
     - SR (back up- MH)
     - TW (back up DD) possibly Cunningham too.
     - HP (back up TBT)
 
   I just see this working out pretty well given Yogi and JBJ's capabilities.  We all complain about how we never utilize our big men in the past... well what makes us think that the lack of a big man is going to have such a tremendous impact on our season next year.  We just need a couple bodies who can bang, scrap, rebound and defend other bigs, which I think (with a little more work over the summer) Hanner and Devin can do.  We don't need our bigs to be great offensive threats or anything.
   Look at UConn vs UK in the Nat'l Championship game.  That's proof that great guard play can beat a team that's huge and has great low post play.  I'm optimistic of next year's potential.  It will be a totalIy different style.
   I just feel like we need to try and be a little more supportive and optimistic of our team next year as a fan base.  I feel bad for the kids who are a part of this team right now.  It's depressing to get on these message boards lately and pray to god our players / recruits aren't getting on these boards.  I'm making the choice to think that we will be the surprise team next year, and we're going to be solid and competitive all season, including beating UofL and Purwho!  GO HOOSIERS!!!!!!
 
 
 
 

Garrett Tucker ‏@GTuckerF150  14m Alabama, Auburn, Clemson & Indiana are amongst the schools that have inquired about Phil Cofer so far

I think UofL will have a giant upper hand, if they didn't already, when we play next year.  KJ knows everyone on our team, their strengths, their weaknesses, and he'll be able to point out good strategies for how top play against his former team.  I already figured we'd get beat, but now I'm almost certain. 
Pitino > Crean and now Pitino w/ KJ >>>>>>>>> Crean (no comparison). 
WE'LL GET BEAT BY 20+!!! DANG IT!!!  It's becoming very difficult to remain positive... :banghead:

I think UofL will have a giant upper hand, if they didn't already, when we play next year.  KJ knows everyone on our team, their strengths, their weaknesses, and he'll be able to point out good strategies for how top play against his former team.  I already figured we'd get beat, but now I'm almost certain. 
Pitino > Crean and now Pitino w/ KJ >>>>>>>>> Crean (no comparison). 
WE'LL GET BEAT BY 20+!!! DANG IT!!!  It's becoming very difficult to remain positive... :banghead:

I understand completely. Just playing a little Devil's Advocate :) As far as us and Michigan being favorites, that is not what he said. He just said that he's considering us. Nothing more. Nothing less. Take it for what it's worth at this point.

Cunningham and Wesley.  I believe that would be best and provide the best depth for us NEXT YEAR!
Anyone who has to sit out a year (other than Anderson, bc I believe he's worth the wait since we need a low post presence) is not an attractive option to me at this point.  We need to turn things around next year, or 2015-2016 won't matter, bc Crean will likely have his contract bought out if we suck next year, then we'll be rebuilding again with a new coach anyways.  Just to be clear:  I think we'll be decent next year (fast paced and improved from last year), but as far as my ideal opinion of what needs to happen with recruits right now, I think it's important to focus on next year, and what can help us now.
Doesn't Harris have to sit a year?  If not, then I'd take him over Wesley, but if so, he's not a "must have" given we'll already be deep with guards that year (JBJ will be back) - we need bigs instead.  Only reason I'm saying Wesley is bc he could provide experience and scoring ability immediately, and he wont use a scholarship in 2015-2016, so that can go to Daniel Giddens (wishful thinking).
 
Here's how I see the ideal line-up if Cunningham and Wesley both happen:
 
1.) Yogi (true point, needs to be the leader)
2.) JBJ (scores from anywhere on the floor and can handle the ball)
3.) Wesley (shooter)
4.) TW (I like that he's handling the ball less, and cutting to get open more when in this position)
5.) HP (hopefully improved again, as he did from Fresh. to Soph.)
 
Play fast tempo bball! Avg. upper 70's or low 80's points per game.
 
back-ups at each position:
 
1.) Rob J. (smart player, decent handle, creates plays and can shoot/score)
2.) Stan R. (can handle the ball and get to the basket)
3.) Max H. (underrated shooter - better than Hartman)
4.) Cunningham and D. Davis (work horses on the glass w/ versatile skills)
5.) J. April (big and tall - dirty work, scrap, rebound, defend the paint)
***5.)*** Peter Jurkin??? (also a back up at the 5, if he's healthy)
 
 
I think this could be a solid team depending on 4 important X-factors:
 
1.) Can Wesley mesh in right away and get along/play his role?
2.) How much will Hanner improve this summer?
3.) How much stronger, and bigger/heavier can J. April get before November?
4.) Troy Williams and his all around development (especially shooting)*** He must become consistent.
 
sorry so long... and I drifted off topic a little.

Cunningham and Wesley.  I believe that would be best and provide the best depth for us NEXT YEAR!
Anyone who has to sit out a year (other than Anderson, bc I believe he's worth the wait since we need a low post presence) is not an attractive option to me at this point.  We need to turn things around next year, or 2015-2016 won't matter, bc Crean will likely have his contract bought out if we suck next year, then we'll be rebuilding again with a new coach anyways.  Just to be clear:  I think we'll be decent next year (fast paced and improved from last year), but as far as my ideal opinion of what needs to happen with recruits right now, I think it's important to focus on next year, and what can help us now.
Doesn't Harris have to sit a year?  If not, then I'd take him over Wesley, but if so, he's not a "must have" given we'll already be deep with guards that year (JBJ will be back) - we need bigs instead.  Only reason I'm saying Wesley is bc he could provide experience and scoring ability immediately, and he wont use a scholarship in 2015-2016, so that can go to Daniel Giddens (wishful thinking).
 
Here's how I see the ideal line-up if Cunningham and Wesley both happen:
 
1.) Yogi (true point, needs to be the leader)
2.) JBJ (scores from anywhere on the floor and can handle the ball)
3.) Wesley (shooter)
4.) TW (I like that he's handling the ball less, and cutting to get open more when in this position)
5.) HP (hopefully improved again, as he did from Fresh. to Soph.)
 
Play fast tempo bball! Avg. upper 70's or low 80's points per game.
 
back-ups at each position:
 
1.) Rob J. (smart player, decent handle, creates plays and can shoot/score)
2.) Stan R. (can handle the ball and get to the basket)
3.) Max H. (underrated shooter - better than Hartman)
4.) Cunningham and D. Davis (work horses on the glass w/ versatile skills)
5.) J. April (big and tall - dirty work, scrap, rebound, defend the paint)
***5.)*** Peter Jurkin??? (also a back up at the 5, if he's healthy)
 
 
I think this could be a solid team depending on 4 important X-factors:
 
1.) Can Wesley mesh in right away and get along/play his role?
2.) How much will Hanner improve this summer?
3.) How much stronger, and bigger/heavier can J. April get before November?
4.) Troy Williams and his all around development (especially shooting)*** He must become consistent.
 
sorry so long... and I drifted off topic a little.

Cunningham and Wesley.  I believe that would be best and provide the best depth for us NEXT YEAR!
Anyone who has to sit out a year (other than Anderson, bc I believe he's worth the wait since we need a low post presence) is not an attractive option to me at this point.  We need to turn things around next year, or 2015-2016 won't matter, bc Crean will likely have his contract bought out if we suck next year, then we'll be rebuilding again with a new coach anyways.  Just to be clear:  I think we'll be decent next year (fast paced and improved from last year), but as far as my ideal opinion of what needs to happen with recruits right now, I think it's important to focus on next year, and what can help us now.
Doesn't Harris have to sit a year?  If not, then I'd take him over Wesley, but if so, he's not a "must have" given we'll already be deep with guards that year (JBJ will be back) - we need bigs instead.  Only reason I'm saying Wesley is bc he could provide experience and scoring ability immediately, and he wont use a scholarship in 2015-2016, so that can go to Daniel Giddens (wishful thinking).
 
Here's how I see the ideal line-up if Cunningham and Wesley both happen:
 
1.) Yogi (true point, needs to be the leader)
2.) JBJ (scores from anywhere on the floor and can handle the ball)
3.) Wesley (shooter)
4.) TW (I like that he's handling the ball less, and cutting to get open more when in this position)
5.) HP (hopefully improved again, as he did from Fresh. to Soph.)
 
Play fast tempo bball! Avg. upper 70's or low 80's points per game.
 
back-ups at each position:
 
1.) Rob J. (smart player, decent handle, creates plays and can shoot/score)
2.) Stan R. (can handle the ball and get to the basket)
3.) Max H. (underrated shooter - better than Hartman)
4.) Cunningham and D. Davis (work horses on the glass w/ versatile skills)
5.) J. April (big and tall - dirty work, scrap, rebound, defend the paint)
***5.)*** Peter Jurkin??? (also a back up at the 5, if he's healthy)
 
 
I think this could be a solid team depending on 4 important X-factors:
 
1.) Can Wesley mesh in right away and get along/play his role?
2.) How much will Hanner improve this summer?
3.) How much stronger, and bigger/heavier can J. April get before November?
4.) Troy Williams and his all around development (especially shooting)*** He must become consistent.
 
sorry so long... and I drifted off topic a little.

Cunningham and Wesley.  I believe that would be best and provide the best depth for us NEXT YEAR!
Anyone who has to sit out a year (other than Anderson, bc I believe he's worth the wait since we need a low post presence) is not an attractive option to me at this point.  We need to turn things around next year, or 2015-2016 won't matter, bc Crean will likely have his contract bought out if we suck next year, then we'll be rebuilding again with a new coach anyways.  Just to be clear:  I think we'll be decent next year (fast paced and improved from last year), but as far as my ideal opinion of what needs to happen with recruits right now, I think it's important to focus on next year, and what can help us now.
Doesn't Harris have to sit a year?  If not, then I'd take him over Wesley, but if so, he's not a "must have" given we'll already be deep with guards that year (JBJ will be back) - we need bigs instead.  Only reason I'm saying Wesley is bc he could provide experience and scoring ability immediately, and he wont use a scholarship in 2015-2016, so that can go to Daniel Giddens (wishful thinking).
 
Here's how I see the ideal line-up if Cunningham and Wesley both happen:
 
1.) Yogi (true point, needs to be the leader)
2.) JBJ (scores from anywhere on the floor and can handle the ball)
3.) Wesley (shooter)
4.) TW (I like that he's handling the ball less, and cutting to get open more when in this position)
5.) HP (hopefully improved again, as he did from Fresh. to Soph.)
 
Play fast tempo bball! Avg. upper 70's or low 80's points per game.
 
back-ups at each position:
 
1.) Rob J. (smart player, decent handle, creates plays and can shoot/score)
2.) Stan R. (can handle the ball and get to the basket)
3.) Max H. (underrated shooter - better than Hartman)
4.) Cunningham and D. Davis (work horses on the glass w/ versatile skills)
5.) J. April (big and tall - dirty work, scrap, rebound, defend the paint)
***5.)*** Peter Jurkin??? (also a back up at the 5, if he's healthy)
 
 
I think this could be a solid team depending on 4 important X-factors:
 
1.) Can Wesley mesh in right away and get along/play his role?
2.) How much will Hanner improve this summer?
3.) How much stronger, and bigger/heavier can J. April get before November?
4.) Troy Williams and his all around development (especially shooting)*** He must become consistent.
 
sorry so long... and I drifted off topic a little.

South Carolina or St. Johns is my guess, but hey, ya never know.

Here's an interview with Jeremiah's HS coach.  I'd say it's encouraging.  I didn't realize he is up to 235lbs already.  If Je'Nay can put another 15lbs on this kid he'd be 250lbs.  That, along with being "at least" 7ft tall, is enough weight and size to bang in the paint.  Probably not going to be a starter next year, but sounds like he can give Hanner a good breather from time to time next year.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMVspzngGgo

Hope you guys are right.  We'll find out soon enough.

CTC visited yesterday.   Justin Albers ‏@Justin_Albers  10h Indiana coach Tom Crean had an in-home visit with Boston College transfer Ryan Anderson today. #iubb

You are right in line with the majority. Really depends on who we land with other 2 spots. Eron Harris, if given waiver would start, Stan likely 6th man then. Byron Wesley, same deal maybe. Jakeenan Gant wouldn't likely start but would be early off the bench. Justin Martin would maybe start at 3 with 2 guards. Still a lot to figure out, but your thought seems to be the consensus currently. Cunningham would get some minutes early. The better of him/Hoetzel would grab extra minutes.

You're*

The state of Kentucky doesn't produce much talent.  There's a reason we own them in the IN/KY all star game.

No. They play the final round tomorrow at half time of the classic. Max just had the high score today.

No. They play the final round tomorrow at half time of the classic. Max just had the high score today.

No. They play the final round tomorrow at half time of the classic. Max just had the high score today.

No. They play the final round tomorrow at half time of the classic. Max just had the high score today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u97OI0DOKSo

Robert Johnson will be great for us!  I see him being a fan favorite!
 
- here's a little video of him practicing for the Derby Festival Classic events later today and tomorrow. 
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u97OI0DOKSo