jonz44

Sorry, didn't mean for you to think I was taking a leap lol. I was just seriously considering your comment and asking a question (as much of myself as of you). I just think things have changed. I see these other programs getting kids who play hard and with passion and they're not from those states. To compete with Duke, UNC, UK, Virginia, Gonzaga, and those type of programs we need a large talent infusion. We also need a large infusion of heart. I don't think IU has the cachet anymore to get that solely or primarily in the state of Indiana.

Times change. IU can fight to remain in the past or embrace the change. Recruiting has evolved. Television, social media, and other influences have changed the landscape. I'd like to think IU could thrive solely with the kids that they could get from the state of Indiana but I don't believe that's possible. To many other programs have easy access to those kids anymore and we don't have a coach who is an icon or a program with a lot of positive recent history. When I've watched the level of basketball that's been played the last 4 days? We're a loooooong way away from that talent level.

Do you think that most recruits are sold on the school's history or the history of the coach and their relationship with him? I feel it's the latter. When I look at our teams history the last 20 years or so it seems the majority of our most passionate players have come from out of state. I think recruiting has changed and became so national now that if you're going to be elite you have to go national.

Players don't have to grow up being IU fans to be willing to come here and put their heart and soul into helping build a winning program. They just need a burning desire to succeed.

Romeo, Romeo, where art thou?... in Rob's room...

It would definitely be helpful for Archie to bring in 2 immediate impact guys. My question is, do you see 2 high impact guys AVAILABLE that he can bring in to help next year? Can't say that I really do. I think those horses are already out of the barn. If this is true? What do you see happening going forward? I can't say that I see any giant gains coming next year. Incremental at best.

Much of what you say I agree with. The only part I would somewhat disagree with is your first sentence. I'm not sure it's "his team" yet but it's quickly getting there. I feel that by the end of next year we should have a pretty clear picture of the direction the program is headed. He'll have two recruiting classes in and a third on the way. If there are not signs that the program is headed up I think Archie is in trouble. In other words, the next 12 months are put up or shut up time for Archie.

Oh man, you're probably gonna get killed for this but I'm kinda in agreement. Results matter above all else. Ours as a team weren't very good the last two years. Hope they improve.

I'm pretty happy with Archie but Marshall was my pick if we couldn't get Donavon.

I'm in agreement with you but what I've struggled to understand this season is why some players continue! to take those shots when the numbers don't lie??? You're not a good outside shooter! You continue to take those shots and your @$$ is gonna be on the bench!

We are inept in so many ways it's freaking comical.

Coach K, Cal, Wright, and Izzo have a little cachet that Arch hasn't attained... yet? It's a little easier to accept coaching from someone who has succeeded at the highest level of what you're playing.

About 8-9 games ago actually.

I don't believe we're supposed to mention names so I won't but I will say that I do agree with you that based on what we've seen those (that?) player would view it as an empty threat. That's the first thing that needs to change. The rest of this season would be the opportunity to provide them with the impetus to leave.

If I'm Archie there are a few players that I'm sitting down with at the end of the season and telling "It would be in your best interest to transfer elsewhere. You will not see the floor next year because I don't trust your work ethic."

Has them eat yogurt?

Just think how good we would've been if Copabianco had stayed!

Don't feel feel bad lol. I was 27 y/o that season. I can remember going nuts in my living room when they beat the fab five in Ann Arbor. The day I found out that Alan got hurt I felt like going in the bathroom and puking then I just wanted to go in my living room and cry. I knew they wouldn't win it all without him. Felt like Tv Teddy stole it from them the previous year. My lord that brings back bittersweet memories. My daughter was born the following January... my son three years later... they both had birthdays this last week... they're in their 20's... damn! I'm getting old! Lot of frustration the last 25 years. Archie needs to get this s**t headed in the right direction so I can root for a winner in my golden years lol.

I noticed on that Romeo 3 that he seemed to be expressing a little towards either the MSU bench or student section as he came back down on defense. I liked it.

I live out of state these days. I listen to him at times on iheart. Not necessarily because I want to hear him but many times more because I want to hear his guest talk about IU or the Pacers. At times it seems that if he's not careful he's going to end up like his college coach... cranky, just because he can be and kinda full of himself.

I've liked him from the beginning as well. Lately my appreciation for him has grown. Seems positive, upbeat, doesn't let mistakes destroy him... just really like his approach.

If so, Hopefully they are NOT partaking of the elixir lmao!

More and more I'm really liking this young man. Really seems to have a lot of heart. Not afraid to put in some hard work. He seems to be one of those guys that really help a program. Not the highest rated guy coming in but pretty good athlete, positive attitude, coachable, encouraging teammates, not afraid of a big moment... hope he continues his upward trajectory.

I think I'd be ok with parting with any one (plus other parts) of them for Kluber. It would be the additional parts that would make me queasy.

If they'd take him. Not sure I see them giving up a pitcher the quality of Kluber to get Kemp at his age/salary/contract year.