pumpfake

I couldn't tell what Crean was trying to get at when he mentioned the FT disparity.  Something to the effect of "we need to do more to help get them (the players) to the line".  Was he suggesting he and the staff needed to be more vocal with the refs or teach the players how to get fouled?

  I hope they have a big-head of Santa they can put next to the one of Ralphie.

A concept that I've considered is in regard to getting 5 star recruits (i.e those that will be one and dones).  It seems that there are three approaches to these players: 1) Bring in lots of talent EVERY year and be able to reload with blue chippers (UK semi-pro system), 2) Get that 1 superstar player and ride him to glory with a balanced roster of good players, and 3) Get the occasional elite recruit, but to do this have capable players in the program (and recruited) to take the position when that star bolts to the NBA.  Of course the opposite approach is to stock up with a balanced roster (by position and class) of competent, lesser talented players and build a solid team (Wisconsin model).  IMO, our recruiting is pretty much just grab the best players we can without regard to skill set or position.

  No argument with 90% of this post, however bringing in Buckner & Jeffries is the very definition of rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.

  Exactly.  Butler always has one, even some of our "cupcake" opponents have centers with real size & skill, yet we end up with unskilled "athletic" project players.  And while good (particularly for a freshman) Vonleh wasn't dominant by any stretch.  Bottom line is that Crean doesn't seem capable of assembling a team of parts.  At this point there's nothing to indicate we're likely to be bringing in difference makers, let alone somebody to patrol the middle.

  Can't really argue with that, but I'd give Nick Z honorable mention.

When I see that posted picture, I have to think STEVE HOLT!!! - or better yet,  EMMITT HOLT!!!

  I'll be doing my part.  No way in hades will I pay (a second time) to watch a game or two "streamed".  BTN is a mediocre network at best. (unless you're a UM or OSU football fan).

  It's the double-edged sword of recruiting top-10 players.  They come in ready to contribute, but since they're gone after one or two seasons, you have to recruit 4-year (QUALITY) players or land blue chippers EVERY year.  CTC's failure was in recruiting (and keeping) another quality big man or two and not signing another star.

  Counting last year it will be TWO - at least we're half way through, but with no light at the end of the tunnel.

Interesting on that Athlon site - for the entire nation they have Miles at #21, Crean at #39.  For the Big Ten they have Crean #5 and Miles #6.