cthomas

I haven't seen him play other than in highlight clips, but I hate to be too critical of him given his age. I'm sure he will mature significantly in the next couple of years. Plus, he is just now getting attention from all the heavyweights which has to be hard to handle in an even keeled manner. He also has two men in his life who have had success at highest level, so I think he'll figure it out if he really wants it.

Completely agree. However, leaning, which suspect is true, and nailing down the decision are two very different things. Considering how late to the party IU was, this is pretty remarkable.

Don't disagree with you at all. But, I also think that could apply to the other team as well in close games we win. Whether it's missed free throws, layups, or turnovers, two or three plays a game usually makes the difference between winning and losing. While I would really like to see this team get the easy points, I'm ecstatic to see a return to valuing the ball and an offense that works for good shots. However this season ends, I am truly looking forward to the future.

I don't think anything that happens in terms of wins or losses from here on out is going to make much difference in determining where he goes. I also don't think being an Indiana, state or university, legend is a consideration either. He has his sights set much higher. They, meaning the entire family, have a good handle on each of the schools they are considering and any additional visits will just be to tie up loose ends. I expect they are in the weighing plusses and minuses phase now. I'm fairly certain that there is way less emotion being displayed in those conversations than is being exhibited here. He'll make a decision soon and, whatever that is, I wish the young man all the best.

As much as I want Langford, I think Morgan coming back for a senior year will have greater impact on our season next year. If we have both, great, but if I have to choose, I want Morgan.

I want this one bad. If we get off to a good start, I think we can kill their spirit and take a win to Nebraska. The new and improved defense has to be there today. We have the ability to win each of the remaining games if the guys execute what CAM draws up for them. Winning out would make this a very successful year to me. And, it would be a remarkable in-season turnaround from the beginning to the end.

Sometimes being an early leader for a recruit is not such a good thing. Kids are always infatuated with the new shiny thing and I'm sure flattered by the attention of high profile coaches. It's a long process and it won't be over until he signs his letter. The one thing I'm confident in now, as opposed to the past, is that CAM has a plan and we will get what we need.

It would be hard to argue that we didn't upgrade our coaching position.

The more top programs are involved the harder, and less likely, it is for harsh penalties to be levied. Without the perennial favorites, the interest and money will dry up. The diehard fans might stay, but the casual fans will lose interest pretty quickly.

Funny, my wife tells me the same thing!

I have no idea where RL is going to college, how long he's going to stay, or what impact he is going to have once he gets there. I've wondered why we obsess over this one kid, why our paranoia runs so deep, and why we get so high or so low over every tidbit of information, whether credible or not, that comes our way. I've wished that we could be more reasonable and grounded in logic and perspective, but then, what fun would that be. So, carry on!

If we can close this season out on a positive note, CAM will have a good narrative to take on the recruiting trail and sell. I like his no nonsense and straightforward demeanor. In a world of hype and hyperbole, I can see how that might resonate with recruits and their parents.

I am most grateful for not having heard, "We need to play faster", at any point this year!

I may be wrong, but I seem to remember reading that the Title IX person at MSU left over frustration about how this issue was handled. Perhaps it's time to revisit the system in place because it doesn't seem to be working well enough. There almost seems to be a conflict of interest favoring the university interest for the accused as opposed to the victim. I'm sure it works better in some places than others, especially when high profile athletes/programs aren't involved.

Absolutely the system is broken in the manner it is being applied. The problem is that a segment of society believes that the system doesn't apply to them. In that sense we are all enablers because we have allowed it to exist. When enough of us no longer look the other way, then change will be possible. Listening to the statements of Izzo and Dantonio tells me all I need to know about their lack of understanding the issues in front of them. That alone shows how deeply entrenched those faulty attitudes are.

Sexual relationships between men and women, especially young men and women, is a complicated game. I have two daughters and four granddaughters so just these issues are always on my mind. A crime is a crime no matter where it takes place. University administrators and athletic departments have no business handling criminal issues. Victims should be encouraged to pursue charges with the appropriate authorities so that our legal system can discover the truth and assess penalties. We, as a society, cannot continue to tolerate a culture of entitlement for athletes and the resulting devaluation of women. I believe in protecting the rights of the accused and the principle of due process. However, for due process to work, both the victim and the accused have to have their day in court.

Or, he could just be following the plan his family laid out last summer. Carefully collect information, observe how teams play, get to know the staffs involved, and concentrate/enjoy his high school season. When the season is over, he will make his decision as planned and we will all know. Get him or not, we will all then move on to the 2019 class.

As you say, he was recruited for a different role than CAM apparently has in mind for him. If he can reinvent himself, so to speak, and embrace a more physical inside out type of style, he has the potential to be very good. The physical tools are there if he wants it bad enough. If not, I hope he finds a situation that suits what he wants to do.

Feels like more!

Going to be lots of opportunities next year for the young guys.

Yeah, that wasn't their best effort in an otherwise outstanding season. I just seem to remember Chris had a chance to win at the free throw line and missed. As you mentioned, Buckner's shooting was always an adventure.

If I recall correctly (never guaranteed) his poor free throw shooting against OSU cost us an undefeated conference record one year. Loved the guy and what he brought to the team nevertheless.

Having given this some thought, I think this was handled correctly. Since the advent of social media, civility hasn't been a hallmark of society. Individuals in a face to face situation usually behave appropriately. In a somewhat anonymous, chemically altered, crowd things can go sideways pretty easily. And, we should probably make sure our house is in order before we take on someone else's. A report in the local media last week talked about a rising trend in sexual assaults on the IU campus. Disappointing to say the least.

Even excellent freshmen worry me in terms of how much they can contribute early in their career. As has been mentioned, most struggle defensively and with the speed of the game. UK, who makes a living getting top talent every year, has only been truly outstanding when they have had two and three year guys playing major roles. Freshmen have no idea how hard they have to play at the high major level. And, unlike high school, they can't take plays off. Given out situation, freshmen will have to play next year, and in some cases play major roles. I just hope we don't set the expectation too high and give them a chance to grow and develop their game. I think, given some time, they will be very good.

That sounds eerily familiar.