ziggyiu

All this talk about a lack of depth makes sense. It should also call into doubt that we actually spent $20M on this roster. I don't think IU is withholding funds. I think they spent what was available. I don't think they spend unwisely either. They spent well for their budget. The choice was made to spend more on higher end, starter-caliber talent -- knowing the bench would need to consist of more unproven players: Harris, Sisley, German dude, freshman, and players willing to come here just for a scholarship. Every choice is a gamble. I'm excited to see how this works out.

Everyone has to earn their spot, but I don't think Mustaf was recruited with the idea he'd be coming off the bench. I also, don't think he'd transfer here if it wasn't laid out that the IU staff believe in his ability to contribute as a starter.

I don't know that we did go to $20M, but let's go with that number for this exercise. I think it's good to keep in mind that pretty much everyone upped their budget this year. Everyone now has revenue sharing. Everyone knows the cost for players went up. It's really possible that even though we're at or near $20M so are a lot of other top-teir programs. Additionally, just like the pros having spent a million more here or there doesn't constitute success. If we paid $20M and lost to a team that paid $19M is it that ig of an upset? If we beat a team that paid $21M we're we significant underdogs?

I wanted Jake Hall.

I love the 1, 4, and 5 spots. I'm not as bullish about the 2 and 3. I think Jaeden is solid. I like Bryce as a depth piece. He flashed a little but was MIA too much this past season. Darren just couldn't get any run. I know Duke was talented, but only averaging less than 10 minutes a game makes me think he's not reliable starter material. Maybe a fine depth piece though. Considering the vast improvements I can’t complain much, but what little I can I'll devote to wishing we had another high quality wing.

If coach wants certain kids and he reels them in, that means something positive about him, IU's NIL, etc. That said, I'm not very interested in Harris. There have been too many highly regarded high schoolers who committed to Duke, didn't see the floor, transferred, and proved at other schools why they didn't earn time at Duke. Wouldn't mind Harris as someone vying for time on with wing with other, more proven talent. He just hasn't done enough to make me think he should be considered a great recruiting win and penciled in as a starter next year.

They don't finish 15th if Jackson is healthy.

Me and my Hoosier fam would rather have a bball title. Super happy for the football championship, but we were raised on IUBB and are bigger bball fans.

The messenger on X said the player was from a p5 school.

That'd be great. Get Dusty out of the B1G. Also, maybe we can pry him more easily from an out of conference foe? (I don't know about the last part ha ha. But it would be great to get him out of Michigan.)

Seeing UNC take basketball seriously makes me jealous. Nothing against DD specifically. More musing about the last 25ish years.

Seems, based on stats, things didn't work out for him at VT. Any insight as whether his game isn't a fit for high major ball, or if something else didn't click with the Hokies?

Interesting. Where'd you hear this?

Really? I don't know him. Do tell.

Everyone has the will to win. Not everyone has the will to prepare to win.