HoosierTrav

 Honestly, I wouldnt look too deep into this one for the sole reason that April has been plagued with small, nagging injuries since his arrival. I will agree that from the little time we've seen him, he displayed some good footwork and skill. If he's not truly being held out for health reasons than I do have a major issue with it. You only gain confidence by getting actual game experience.

Congrats Tevin! You were very fun to watch. Sorry we didnt put you in position to play in a bowl game in your career.

Indiana is finding itself in a very similar situation to that of Michigan Football. The next hire HAS to be a "homerun" hire, and a hire that the fan base dictates who it will be. For many Hoosier fans (including myself), Stevens is that "Homerun", for many reasons. The most important reason, to me, is the fact that he fully understands the IU culture, and his Butler teams resembled old IU more so than any team since the Knight days. This has been backed up by former players. A very small faction of IU supporters argue that there are no guarantees that Stevens wins at IU. This is a fair question, considering it cant be proven as fact until it happens. All we can do is try our best to make an educated guess. There are a few important factors that I look at when forming an opinion or guess at the level of success that Stevens would have at Indiana.   1.) Does he have a history of winning? Yes. A .772 win percentage in 6 seasons. 5 of which he made the NCA tournament. 2 of which he was consecutive National Runner Up.   2.) Can he evaluate, recruit, and develop elite pro talent? Yes. Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack. One of which is looking like an NBA all star.  Considering the resources he had at Butler, in comparison to what he'd have at a basketball blueblood like Indiana, I think its more than fair to assume he'd take it up a notch at Indiana. Given the fact that most blue chip talent is most concerned with being set up to go to the NBA, it only helps his case after being the Boston Celtics Head Coach. It says a lot that the NBA's most successful franchise chose him over many of todays elite CBB coaches.   3. Can he promote IU's brand in a positive light nationally? This is important IMO. You look at coaches Like Coach K, Boeheim, Williams, Self, Pitino, Calipari, and realize that ESPN and the national media all love thee guys. Stevens had become a media darling and more importantly a darling amongst his peers. This goes a LONG way for a young coaches credibility with players.   4.) MOST IMPORTANTLY: Does he put his teams in position to win games? He's been regarded as one of,  if not the best coaches in america at preparing his teams. Some of his colleagues have gone as far as calling him a genius, and a future HOF'er. I'll take their word over any skeptical fan's.   I will agree that it's unfair to Crean and the players to discuss at this point. We dont know for certain whether this team is an NCAA team or not yet, but could play a major role in distracting this young team from focusing. Our large and boisterous fan base harms us in many cases, believe it or not.  

      The Boston Globe wrote an article back in 2013 when Brad was making his return to Indianapolis. I remember reading it and thinking that him being our coach in a few years is a very real possibility. He loved Indiana Basketball growing up and idolized RMK.   http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/12/22/celtics-coach-brad-stevens-stock-rise-returns-indiana-for-first-time/5hFqlk8YFNPajWKZalHGcL/story.html         

Honestly I think you will see more 3 guard sets and 2 forwards. IF we land Lee, I see the Lineup looking like this:   PG: Yogi SG: James Blackmon combo: Stan/RJ SF: Troy Williams PF: Anthony Lee   I think we will see more of Stan in that combo guard role bc he will have the length and ability to guard any guard and most SF's

 I dont want anyone to confuse me for being a Crean supporter, bc I'm not. Never have been and I never will be. I do respect him as a man though, and will gladly wish him a happy birthday.

I really want this kid. Can't let Indiana kids of this level get away. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners

Looks as though Brian Snow and Evan Daniels has also switched their picks to Indiana. Either this is great news or some sick, sadistic trick towards all of HoosierNation. If Blackmon chooses IU, many, including myself, owe the kid an apology...... And a big thanks. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners