pumpfake

The bald ref looks like Bill Burr.

Yea, but we will. Still shaking my head about the onr McRoberts put up.

Al filling in for RL.

Possibly, but the foul tbey called 5 seconds later was no different. But your main point is correct - he brought the ball across half court with about 11 seconds left. The smart play was to get the last shot. Archie showing more fire and passion than any player (of ours) on the floor.

We are a lousy shooting team, but never miss the chance to chuck up a 3 pointer.

After reading the article Rico linked, and then recalling some of the recent comments from Brooks Sr., it's interesting that the term "selfish" was used to describe him and used by him (Sr. that is). Maybe Jr. is the highly talented, good team mate kid we were all led to think, but dad's own ego and agenda took the wheel and is steering him toward the NBA. Or maybe it was all lip service. Truthfully, the words from KBJ seem at odds with the actions. I get a feeling that KBJ at IU had a very distinct possibility of being very similar to what we saw with Justin Smith's dad - and we don't need any more of that tish. Anyway, the Brooks Saga is over. On to the future. God, I hope we can get and stay healthy going forward. We'll never know how much injuries have stunted the development of this team. Not so much for our success in this season, but going forward. The way I see we need these things (in order of importance) going forward: 1. Avoid injuries. At least the extended or serious type. 2. Significant improvement in both execution and consistency. The kids have to want it, be focused on it, and be dedicated to it. I suspect some will and some won't. Hopefully, those that don't will do what's best for themselves and the program. 3. I'd love to see us add someone with talent and experience. Ideally a player that transfers because of a coaching change. A 5th year guy needs to bring leadership and work ethic. We aren't going to the S16 next year, so we need a player that will either be around to build and establish a winning culture, or one that can instill the mentality for those who will be around after he leaves. Honestly, I have this sick feeling that we put too many eggs in the Brooks basket and are now trying to play catch up (pun avoided intentionally) with any possible recruits. 4. The new players (freshmen + Hunter) need to be given time without unrealistic expectations. If they produce great, but I don't expect a huge impact. Hunter sounds like a difference maker, but there's so much uncertainty about his medical condition and lack of playing basketball that I just don't know what to expect. 5. Recruiting needs to be focused on finding the players that provide the combination of skills and attitude that will benefit IU basketball - not hotshots that will stop by for a cup of coffee and then skeedaddle to the NBA. I truly believe Archie has (or should have) a bitter taste in his mouth about these type of recruits. He didn't build Dayton with 'em, and if he's going to follow his own blueprint that has to include the type of players he's had success with in the past (hopefully more skilled & talented now that he's at this level). If a top 50 type player wants to be a part of what CAM is doing and wants to commit - great. But holding the bus for months and months waiting for them to decide is for the birds.

In retrospect, I think there were danger signs in this recruitment going back quite a while. Dominant father having problems as coach, abandoning his HS team to go to a basketball factory, and now electing to go to a NBA training team. I have to admit that I was always under the impression that Brooks didn't see himself (nor probably would be) a one and done. It turns out that is his prime focus after all.

Eventually perhaps. But until the program has been rebuilt and you're in a position to attract those kinds of players (not just ones from Indiana), it's a losing approach IMO.

But you're missing the "rub". Romeo's 16 points were great, but now they are gone and we're right back at square one.

I really hope going forward that CAM realizes this is what happens when you aren't the prettiest girl at the ball. If a recruit is pulling this slow strip tease, be prepared to prioritize someone else. Seeing that we are getting in late on some guys like LQ, makes me wonder if we didn't take our foot off the gas, expecting Brooks to come to IU. I also have to say that daddy Brooks "how much this means to me" comment had to be a bit of punch in the nuts to Schilling. Then again, I have been getting the feeling that Senior is a bit of a Lavar Ball type.

Learning lesson for Archie. 5 star prima donnas will string you along and jump at the chance to play for an "elite" program. Screw that, go get us some players that aren't focused on their "brand", their "ego", and their NBA dreams but want to bust their ***** improving their game and winning games.

Since very early in the season it was clear that we lacked a bruiser up front and a dead-eye from outside. Those, unfortunately, were two weaknesses that cannot be cured though coaching and we had to make do with what we had.

Do big ten refs get paid by the 'toot'?

#5 basically punching Fitzner.... foul on Fitzner. smh

When they called the 6th foul on Rutgers we had 2. You had to know that the refs would take over from that point and try to "even things up".

JMo is a beast today - only tbe whistle happy zebras are capable of stopping him.

Foul trouble put the brakes on us for the last 10 minutes. The good news is we pretty much maintained the lead during that stretch AND Morgan, Smith and Rob should be fresh for the second half.

Yep. He's the lone starter on the floor - time to lead.

Bring Morgan back in now.

Defend the 3 and don't foul (and no turnovers).

Pretty solid half by both teams, IMO. Not too impressed with the sudden flood of whistles at the defensive end, but that's just B10 officiating (consistently inconsistent).

It might be the best thing for cleaning up college basketball: LSU playing on the national stage with chants of "cheaters" along with lots of talk about how they suddenly got so good. It would definitely give the NCAA a black eye and might be the one thing that gets them to finally take cheating seriously. One can hope.

I have no problem with what Haarms did. More of a defensive move, not aggressive or excessive. The reaction of the fan looks like it was pretty much accidental and he quickly realized he screwed up.

For a while we kind of were led to believe that Archie's fresh interest in a few recruits was due to the possibility (or likelihood) that we would have transfers at the end of the season. Now I have to wonder if the staff were only reacting to a change of heart from KBJ. I sure hope he didn't have the staff convinced he was coming and they, then, stopped recruiting 2019's - only to have him pull a 180 on them. And, unfortunately, you are correct about Hunter. There's no reason to feel fully optimistic or pessimistic about his future - I really believe everyone involved is hopeful but guarded at this point. I truly hope he can overcome the medical issue and move forward, but only time will tell.

Indeed, and only two in the second half!