cthomas

While I would love for Langford to commit to IU, I don't think he moves the needle that much for us next year. I still think this is a three year deal. Now if he would stay for two years, then that team sets up nicely to be in the national conversation if this year's and next year's classes stay intact. We would have talent, experience, and, hopefully, impact freshman. I think in some circumstances one and done players can slow the development of a program more than advance it.

I get that, but I thought some effort was made to match teams based on how they were projected to finish in their league. We have been almost universally picked in the bottom third of our conference and Duke has been picked at the top of theirs. We have some name recognition and that's about it as far as this game this year is concerned. I can think up all kinds of scenarios where we get the upset as a Hoosiers fan, but if I'm being realistic and objective it doesn't look encouraging.

Whoever put this game together and thought it was a good idea needs serious psychological help. Three years from now? Maybe. We are just not ready for this type of game and, in my opinion, nothing good is likely to come from it. We are only beginning to define roles and gain some confidence in how Coach Miller wants to play. To me, this matchup is all risk with very little chance for reward. If the unlikely happens, I'll happily return and admit that I am clueless.

Roles are becoming defined and guys are starting to get comfortable in them. It felt like a deliberate game and yet we scored 87 points. We look so much better in the half court and against zone defenses.

I understand the argument in an "end justifies the means" sort of way. But that is a slippery slope that leads to a place that I don't want to be. Too often it leads incrementally sinking deeper and deeper into the darkness.

I wonder if he does everything with the same intensity that he coaches with? If so, that is one strong woman!

Privacy is definitely a casualty of the information age. We sometimes complain about how kids handle their recruitment but the process has created this monster. The more I think about it the more surprised I became that they handle it as well as they do.

We don't have great athleticism so we have to play smarter.

Have to think Coach Miller's intensity will eventually rub off on the team, if he doesn't explode first!

I'm ready to move on from the '18 class. If Langford joins the team, great. If not, I'm ready to go to battle with who we have and focus on the '19 class.

I just watched Coach Miller's post game presser; he is one intense little dude! What a culture change this must be for the older guys. There's a big difference between intensity with a purpose and the manic approach of the past.

The few times teams have full court pressed us I have liked the way we have handled it.

Love your optimism...I'm just not there quite yet.

I don't think we could beat Duke playing five on three. I like the way we played in the second half, especially on the defensive end. But still, the level of competition wasn't great. While I like watching games, I really think CM needs more practice time.

I'm trying really hard to stay positive, but this team is not giving me much to work with.

I'd say that high basketball IQ wasn't a priority for our previous coach.

I'm all in favor of getting kids who have no interest in education out of colleges. I want student athletes playing college basketball not one year rentals only interested in getting to the NBA. Having kids who stay longer will in my opinion improve the on court product. Three and four year kids are right in Coach Miller's wheelhouse and optimize his system. Two or three year minimum? I'm in!

I think Coach Miller is doing everything he can to give them a chance to get with the program, but eventually his patience will wear out. For this team to do anything (conference, NCAA, NIT) our upperclassmen have to lead way. If it becomes obvious that this is a lost year, I think the emphasis will shift to the young guys.

We're not getting UK level of talent so even next year, although better, won't be great. Year three we will really begin to see what the future holds. It will take time to get the right combination of experience and talent..

Have to clean up the turnovers, and for love of God, catch the ball.

Given the circumstances with injuries, effort, and who knows what else, I fear for our Hoosiers tonight!

Thanks for sharing that. I love getting insight into the mechanics of how different coaches operate. Fischer suggested that Coach Miller's approach and mentally reminded him of Coach Knight in a lot of ways. I can see a little of that, hopefully without the dark side.

Amen!! I'm right there with you brother!

As it should he! I feel like order is being restored in the IU basketball world.

Can't answer your question but I noticed the same thing. I thought the coaches would be congratulating him but it didn't look like that was what was happening. I have no clue what that was about.