cthomas

Exactly. As a manager, I delegated a lot of things. I always monitored the results and made corrections as needed. Delegating responsibility is how you discover and grow leaders. Delegating is not the problem, following up is. I like CMW's hands on approach and I think it can work because he is surrounding himself with capable people. He said in his introductory press conference that he is willing to listen to and learn from other coaches. The 'brain trust' will search the portal and find the best additions available.

No disrespect to Al because I really like the young man, but that is funny I don't care who you are.

Phase one is building the roster. Phase two is developing that roster in the summer and fall. Phase three is putting a product on the floor that no one saw coming. I think we are right on schedule. If this turns out the way I think it might, a lot of people are going to look stupid.

That's the problem with old guys who have seen it all, nothing impresses them. Just another ho-hum moment.

I know the story. What a colossal mistake and shame on Coach Knight for letting that happen. Everything turned out well in the end, but how great it would have been for Larry Bird's legacy to be tied to IU.

Can you imagine as a part of that IU team?

Agree, especially if all of them shoot 40% from 3.

As I understand it, players can enter the portal at any time. So, an addition may lead to a subtraction depending on who is impacted. This may take a while to sort out.

My overly simplistic post of the day: CMW was underestimated.

So what you're saying is that adults are running the program again.

If that doesn't say rabid, blue blood fan base, I don't know what does.

My issue with the Franklin discussion is that there seems to be two competing thoughts. One is that we need to keep the guys we have and, I get it. They are likeable guys. The other is that this team wasn't talented enough to compete at the top of the conference. We can't keep everyone and get the upgrade in talent some seem to want. I want the current players to do what they feel is best for them. And, several are doing just that. If some want to leave, then CMW will get players who fit what he is trying to do.

While all of that is true, you can only play who is on your schedule. They had a great team. Baylor was better. I like that the 76 team is the last undefeated national champion. Someone else doing it won't upset me that much. Way bigger things to worry about.

One of the reasons I don't like coaches locked into a system.

Except he's not at IU and, unless I'm missing something, he's not in the portal. I just can't see a scenario where he ends up here after the way his recruitment went. Maybe CMW is a difference maker and by some unforeseen circumstance he ends up here. If so, great. Just don't see it.

We've gone seriously deep into forbidden territory, but it is funny as hell. It's all in good fun. Reminds me of some of Rodney Dangerfield stuff.

At this point, I think CMW will make the best decision for IU basketball. Guys who are more interested in their playing time than the team's success should move on. I'm not ragging on Franklin, because I really like him, but we need guys who are all in. I'm ready for a coach who is undeniably in charge of our program. I think we finally have that. People who mistake CMW's quiet demeanor for being soft and in for a rude awakening. He will love and be there for his players but will put with zero nonsense. And, it's about time we had that with IU basketball.

Better start taking care of business.

Or is CMW building a monster that no one sees coming.

The main question seemed to be whether he could recruit at the college level or not. He seems to be doing OK so far. To me, there's no doubt he can coach. And he has had to adapt to the ever changing rosters of NBA teams. As a defensive assistant coach, he had to know NBA offenses to defend against them. I think the college game will not be that difficult for him to figure out. Every hire has question marks. I was sceptical about this at first. But, this week has made me more excited than I have been in a very long time. That says a lot because I have been watching since the mid 50's.

I think a whole lot of people are going have to acquire a taste for crow.

I think it tells the guys in the portal that we want you back but the train is leaving the station on time. You are either on it or you're not.

I understand that and respect his right to choose where his future goes. But to me, leaving is a greater 'leap of faith' than staying. I can't imagine what else he needs to hear from Coach Woodson.

It feels like things are going to start happening pretty fast. CMW seems very confident and assured in what he is doing. Can't wait to see him on the sideline.

I like it. Sounds as if the days of the 'tail waging the dog' are over.