reconmkd

In person that leap was impressive and perfectly timed! Wow CJ!

Almost to the Hall, no TJD but should be plenty of time for Reneau and Duncomb.

Not really an interesting take, nor an excuse for the 3 losses, just one based in the reality that we brought back a majority of a team that barely made it into the Tourney last season. A team that was really one dimensional on offense, plugged in 2 great freshman and are expected to automatically contend with the top teams. I bleed IU basketball, been a fan for a long time, but I also try to remain rational. Yes, we got our a$$3$ handed to us by 2 of the top teams in the country and at butgers. I really wasn't expecting us to go on the road (something certain players have struggled with for years now) and beat Kansas. I only expect to improve on last season and things have improved in some areas, except we still have a glass jaw when playing outside of Assembly Hall and sometimes while we are there too. Are we close to elite, probably, I mean we are still a top 25 team, we have national exposure, many high ranking recruits with some interest, a seemingly solid NIL program running (not quite sure how to evaluate just yet). Things I am looking for as the season progresses: More wins outside of AH, shaking the deer in the headlights games, TJD to make a d@mn jump shot, no more flat starts, 40 mins of fundamental basketball each game, stop over helping on defense, increase off the ball movement, consistency ... all things this team can improve on and get them closer to that elite status.

I am amazed at how close to insanity this fan base is getting, lol. Take a shot of your favorite bourbon, shotgun a beer, take a hit, or whatever mellows you out and calm down, jeez. Who really thought this team would be world killers before the season? Who really thought this team could contend for a Natty? Please tell me we didn't fall for the preseason media hype again? Oh and in regards to the 1/4 zip swag, I have an Adidas IU 1/4 zip, probably going to wear it tonight to the game, and I just googled them and there are 5 IU Adidas 1/4 zips in the top 7 results all different kinds as well and even on the bookstore site.

Random question, but how have Northwestern, Michigan, OSU, and Iowa only played 1 B1G conference game? I thought everyone played 2 in December?

As I sit here trying to complete anti-terrorism training for work, I have had time to look back and reflect on the game from Saturday and the conversations with those watching with me (had the annual extended family Christmas/IU game party). It has been mentioned over and over, but the main issue with this team is not lack of talent, it is an issue with mentality. Our experienced players are easily rattled and time after time when adversity strikes in a game they seem to crawl into a shell, well except for X. X loses control and tries to take over the game but ends up all Troy Williams and stuff. TJD checks out, and somewhat randomly checks back in for a minute or two later in the game, if things go well he plays it out, but closes shop again if it doesn't work. Race, I'm not sure where he goes, but it is definitely not on the court in the current game. Only exception so far this year being Race's 20 point game when TJD was out. I think he just played angry after large gash on his head. TJD has got to show something outside of post play. He is going to have to shoot the ball at some point for this team to be successful or every team is going to keep doubling, tripling, or quadruple teaming him. As much of a deal that has been made about his improved shooting over the summer and in practices, I just do not understand why he won't do it, unless he just has absolutely no confidence in his ability to shoot. Again another mental issue. TJD, Race, and X are not used to "winning" in college and are not true leaders. You can see very quickly on how the game is going to look just by watching those three in the first few minutes of the game. At Kansas, they were rattled right from the start and I really don't understand how they were not ready for that, how many games have the seniors played in with a raucous crowd? Coaches can only prepare for those environments so much, 90% of it remains on the players to be ready. We have a glass jaw more often than not when we take a punch. It got exponentially worse at Kansas, when X went down. TJDs face was a look of "God, I don't wanna be here." Every time that face appears in a game, the offense shuts down, and we start the let them drive past us, TJD is going to block it anyway defense. This can't happen anymore, but I really don't see it changing as it has been an issue for a long time, unless, someone else steps up or when they graduate. Thought there was some progress last year during the B1G tourney, but apparently it was only temporary. Injuries are also having an effect this year. TJD went down early this year, JHS, and now X. I don't think that the game plan for Kansas included relying on JHS to play heavy minutes (played the most on the team) in his first game back until the proverbial sh!t hit the fan with X. Really curious to know if TJD is still getting shots in his back before games. The whole press conference game with arbitrary words was funny at first, but I think they need to focus a little more on winning games now. After this week, there are no more cupcakes to snack on. This team needs to put their big boy pants on, buckle down, take the punches, find a way to win, and move on to the next. For the games this week, I would love to see the starters role reduced, blend in more of the younger players, give them the run and get some more experience. I will be in the stands watching closely, lol.

Well that’s was… terrible! Hope the best for X but that doesn’t look good! Got to come up with a different game plan and work on some d@mn fundamentals!

JHS in uniform during pre-game.

So apparently Painter was at my old high school (North Harrison) to watch Jack Benter from Brownstown.

I don't know the ins and outs of the whole legal process, but after watching this, he has a $10K bond, court dates, a protective order, and there was no mention of charges being dropped.

Man I really can’t wait for the dose of humble pie that is so needed for a certain fan base that I know we all just love!

I sure hoped that TJD after this many years would have learned that he maybe smaller than those 7 footers but he is almost always faster than them. Get the ball and go up strong, get them in foul trouble!

Nice for TJD! I was at Juwans game for his Triple Dub. Keep the fire guys, keep the confidence up and let’s go kick the Crap out of Arizona, just for good measure since Archie’s big brother used to coach there too!

Woody a little testy in the postgame with a reporter!

That hall was either going in or bouncing off the rim and into Nebraskas basket! That was a loud thump!

Pretty sure coach addressed that on his way to the bench!

I’m sorry but Race needs to ride the bench! He seemed totally checked out recently, not sure if it’s due to Reneau or what but he didn’t seem like he was even in this universe for this game. I think some are underestimating the effect of having JHS. X seemed like he needed to be the guy again today and he didn’t have it today. Yes JHS hasn’t been a juggernaut in the points column but I think his presence seems to keep X in the right state of mind on the court. Oh well on to the next one.

You can’t tell me there aren’t any fouls under our basket! An All-American can’t even get close to the basket?

Where was the foul on Kopp? Looked more like a Flop!

Who to root for this weekend, Oregon State or Washington? Alma mater or former Hoosier!

Wow amazing display of shooting! Those girls are tough!

Hell ya! That’s some d@mn defense! Way to go boys!

Don’t know.

Refs new low, apparently IU was assessed a Tech for profanity from the crowd.

Bacot favoring his shoulder all ready!