pumpfake

Ultimately, I guess I don't really care how highly ranked the players Archie brings in are. The bottom line is build a team that wins, a program that has success and sustains it, and plays within the rules. Getting players from Indiana is important but not the be-all, end-all. I'm not one that gives two hoots in hell about highlights, spectacular dunks and so on. I get more enjoyment watching team basketball like we saw from teams like TT and Virginia. I hate what 1-and-done does to the game. I'm also going to play the old grump card and say that a lot of the attention seeking, prima donna act with so many of the 'elite' players rubs me the wrong way.

IMO Archie will get a fourth (and fifth) unless something significant occurs, like some sort of recruiting scandal or behavioral issue. That said, a bottom 5 finish or missing the tournament again would probably make a lot of natives restless.

I agree, and frankly it makes me nervous simply because of the uncertainty around JH (will he be able to play and how good will he be). It's likely the roster is set for next season. We're over due for some good luck so hopefully we see the improvement from returning players, the freshmen live up to expectations, and we can sustain full health for a change.

I completely agree. The Watford saga has dragged on far too long and I never got the sense they were truly interested in considering us. Frankly, it seems both players are most interested in self-promotion and their futures beyond college.

No, I believe you are correct. I don't really follow pro ball (Pacers) anymore for this very reason. You need multiple stars to win in the NBA and the Pacers always seem to have one borderline all-star and a few decent players - just enough to be mediocre, make the playoffs as a lower seed but most importantly remain profitable. Indy isn't going to attract big name free agents, so aside from a rare mid-round gem, they need to get stars via high draft picks. With Vic out for most of the season this would have been a good year to "tank" and draft high, but that's not what the Simons want. Job #1 is to make money, which is fine as they own the team, but I gave up watching long ago knowing that's their main objective.

I really like the idea of adding a guy with experience who has multiple years of eligibility left and fills a position of need. Welcome aboard big guy!

I was just thinking this morning that getting Quinones or Beverly would really, really make me feel better about things.

Absolutely. We have many former players that were very good and played several seasons, so a single season guy would have to be outstanding to reach legacy status. George McGinnis had such a season and is recognized for it, but isn't as highly revered as a lot of other guys who may not have been nearly as talented. I had to look up those stats - wow! https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/george-mcginnis-1.html

The only thing that lends any credence to this rumor is the reports during the season of a fight in the lockerroom. That and the fact that the team didn't seem the same during that long stretch. Whatever the truth is, we're unlikely to ever get an "official" account of what did (or didn't) happen.

I didn't have a strong preference who won one way or the other, I just wanted to see a good close game. I hope the second game is just as good.

Yes he does. Many players during the RMK years probably wanted to leave after their first year (heck, probably after their first month).

Best of luck to him. It stinks to have your draft stock harmed by an injury. From a fans perspective it also stinks that both he and EJ couldn't perform up to their abilities in their 1 year at IU because of injury.

As this disappointing season finally came to an end, to varying degree, we were clamoring for changes. Now we are seeing just that. In my view Archie spend the first season getting his feet under him and began teaching his concepts of play (to an entire roster of players unfamiliar with it). I believe he had to "spare the rod" to an extent because of the learning curve. That time is over, and he knows what he has and what needs to be improved. He knows his job is to win and he will have to take some steps that may be unexpected or unpopular - he knows his job will be evaluated on results. We don't have to agree with or even like his strategy, but he's the one with skin in the game

Yea. A class that gives you two starters (potentially could have been three), with one being your leading scorer, isn't a bust.

My 3¢: - It's almost inevitable that at least one member of a 5 player recruiting class will leave. - I thought Jake had the chance to develop into a contributor, however he never looked ready to me. He did seem to play with enthusiasm and effort though. - This seems like a difference of opinion between Jake (and his family) and the coaching staff over ability and readiness. The alleged tweet from his sister about "broken promises" leads me to think it's about lack of PT or place on tbe depth chart. I can't blame a kid for leaving if he wants more playing time, but I don't have any use for family members taking to social media to criticize coaches. Probably best for both sides in this case.

I think it would be interesting for another reason: who would they get to replace him? Will they be able to pursuade a Stevens or Donovan? Entice an existing "elite" coach? There will be openings in the coming years at Duke, UNC, MSU and likely KU. I'm sure fans of UK and those teams believe they'll all have home run replacements.

I'd have to think that Archie has more experience (and success) building teams with guys like this than highly ranked guys. You have to have faith in the staff for both recruiting players and getting them to play at a high level.

And according to a poster on the Big Blue Loonybin, he had the best college baketball player in history on that team.

My 2¢: - There will be kids that grow up liking IU. Some will just be fans of the program, some because of certain players. This is where Vic can be a factor, from being at IU and now starring for the local NBA team. - Some kids will like the way the team plays and/or the personality of the coach. This requires on court success. We obviously have a way to go here. Because he's still establishing his 'culture', this is where Archie must (and Crean failed miserably at) establish a positive reputation with coaches throughout the state. - Some kids will be influenced by what other players have chosen to play here - such as Langford & T. Davis. Also some will base interest on players who go on to the NBA. It's very early in the CAM tenure for there to be much here, with only one of his recruiting classes having played. Regardless, of whether a kid has prior interest before his recruitment, Archie has to sell, and convince them that this is the place for them. The two things I really want is for the staff to find kids with the right skill sets and mindset to fit the vision, and for the kids we recruit to want to be a part of the team and culture - not to string every thing out based primarily on their own future aspirations. TL;DR I'm not as concerned about kids growing up wanting to play here as much as making recuits really want to be part of the program.

Wow. At least things aren't boring....

Does anybody know how much contact Trayce has with Dale, or if he gives him instruction or practices with him?

Beyond being an honor for the players selected, the McD game is always awful, even by all-star game standards. Unless the player you want to see is a starter, you're lucky to even know if they're playing. The broadcast seems to pick out one or two players and dedicate 80-90% of their time talking (pimping) them. That stat line for TJD is pretty solid for being practically forgotten by the coaches (as it seems our guys usually are). I didn't watch the game, so if I'm wrong please correct me.

I agree about the competitive fire and the need for good scouting & recruiting. There will be players from Indiana that possess that demeanor, and we need to prioritize them. There will also be years when there are no such players in state and/or none that have the size or skills we need so we have to always be working and looking beyond the state borders. It's always been this way and many of our best players over the past several decades have been from outside Indiana (on teams that had plenty of Indiana natives).

IMO, Rob and Yogi are vastly different point guards. First and foremost is shooting ability. Yogi was a good shooter who became a very good one. Thus far Rob is a mediocre one, but can certainly become better. Yogi was much quicker. Rob can get to the rim better but needs to finish, which I think he can and will. Personally I feel Rob can be a better PG in a pass first role, Yogi better as a shoot first one. Rob has a ways to go to be sure, but for me he's the one existing player on the team that I feel confident about improving.

I refuse to base expectations on anything other than results going forward. Not because of star rankings, not because of "insider info", and not because of off-season work out videos. Just show me on the court - execution and effort will be the measuring stick.