pumpfake

In some ways it might be best in the short term if Izzo doesn't go. With these revelations and an ongoing FBI (and NCAA -LOL) investigation, other teams can really use that against him on the recruiting trail...

I can believe it. More proof that the best way to avoid getting penalized is to deny, deny, deny, and fight the NCAA with everything you've got. It kind of becomes an "honor system" where schools like UK, UNC, etc. have no problem with acting with impunity.

Sir, that is one finely crafted document!

Sadly, that's very likely. Even with several of the proverbial "smoking guns", I can see the NCAA doing little to nothing about it. After all, they had all the evidence needed to nail UNC and they basically just gave them a pat on the back and an 'attaboy'.

I had to look it up, but Vonleh was drafted in 2014, so he wouldn't have been in the last 3. But you know what? Vanderbilt had 2 in 2016....

The punishment is a very good.......start. Until the NCAA shows that they will not tolerate serious rules breakers, I have to see this as an isolated decision based mostly on optics and pressure.

In the days/weeks/months we've had to speculate on this recruitment, a thought finally clicked into my mind (maybe I'm just slow to put this together): Drew is trying to model his program after UK, basing it on the NBA. He sells his (meager) NBA experience and tries to sway recruits with (sub-meager) NBA alumni players. He's attempting to build his team the Cal way, with 5 stars and getting them to believe they can form a super team. I don't see it working because he's at a school that has nowhere near the resources and support that UK does. Maybe he really is eyeing Lexington as his ultimate destination? Also, I wonder if Garland sees himself as the Mike Conley that can vault himself into a higher draft position by surrounding himself with players better than himself? Not to put down Conley, because he somewhat surprisingly became the more successful pro player than Oden and some others. I have no facts to suggest that anything illegal is going on in RL's recruitment or at VU, but it kinda defies the "smell test". I've seen others justify why Garland chose VU in the first place because it's his home team, but still, how often does a blue chipper opt for the home team (one that has never had significant success) over big name schools? Heck, Butler has had way more success than VU and they've had no success in recruiting 5-stars from Indy. Finally at the risk of being repetitive, Vandy pales in comparison to KU or IU in terms of pretty much every facet involved in success on the court. My measured optimism is based on the belief that Romeo will make a thought out and intelligent decision rather than a teenage emotional one.

Agree. I only listened to the post game interview on the radio and had a similar reaction. You could tell he was not happy, but held his tongue before really going off on the team. Don has to really appreciate that Arch speaks to him promptly after the game (no waiting and wondering if he'll ever come on) and give a short but direct interview. No nonsense but without being moody or temperamental.

QFT.

Playing real defense and being competent in a half court offense make me happy. For the last many years it felt like we were done if a team could force us to slow down. Not anymore.

This is where I'm at. Looking through my crimson-colored glasses, IU should be the choice from a basketball perspective and Vandy for a let's have a fun time with my friend stand point. While it seems like a no-brainer, we're still talking about a teenager. Frankly, I pin a lot of my optimism on Tim Langford's ability to deduct what is best for his son - it seems he really likes IU.

What if we finish the season well and get an NIT invite, and get to host a home game or two? That might be a good time for the Langfords to come to Bloomington again. Better yet play VU and destroy them.

I suppose there is merit to the idea that he held off announcing to avoid backlash, but I think there's a much more likely reason: Archie is a brand new coach and hadn't shown how he'd coach at IU. It could have been a foolish decision to announce for IU until Miller had had a full season to display his abilities. Heck, if he'd have finalized a decision in December or January it might not have been too favorable for us. Tim Langford had some quotes recently that sound very favorable about Archie and the rest of the staff.

I didn't see anything in that article that would cause any IU pessimism. I truly believe that the Langfords are going to make a decision based on more than just a hard sell from a friend.

Thanks. That's a good read, and adds to my optimism. The comments (by Mr. Langford) about Archie "getting the most out of his players" and Schilling's ability to prepare players for the next level are great to hear. The comment about Vanderbilt's offense, and letting Romeo handle the ball would be appealing - but I can't see Garland NOT wanting the ball a lot.

Maybe that's how they do it in the NBA? Lol

We are becoming the type of team that I always hated to play against. It seems like it's been ages since we've had a team that was playing it's best ball coming down to the end of the season.

We have definitely found ourselves a coach. The TEAM play is so far ahead of what we've seen for a long, long time. Juwan didn't have one of his best games, but other guys stepped up. Our rebounding in the last 5 minutes was poor, but Iowa is a big team. Rojo, Smith, and Green were my MVP's. Honorable mention to Hartman for doing everything well (sans shooting).

Hartman came in and played some damn hard/smart defense. Smith using his athleticism. Loved the high, floating banker by McRoberts. Morgan having trouble working under the bucket with their size and the leeway for contact being given by the officials (at our end of the court). First game I've seen Archie looking like he could get a tech with some of the calls. Rob hitting some big threes. And, as mentioned, with everything going Iowa's way in the first half - they should be nervous with only a 3 point lead.

Like the previous two posts, I feel that this visit is intended to (and probably will) help the Langfords get critical information about the two coaches and programs. Seeing how the coaches handle and instruct the players seems to be high on the list of priorities according to Tim Langford - Romeo and family have had much more opportunity to interact and observe Archie. Now it's time for Drew to show what he's got. From a coaching (not recruiting or selling) standpoint I really like our chances. We'd certainly hold a significant advantage in the area of facilities and fan support. I'd say Romeo would probably get more exposure at IU as well. I believe Mr. Langford and the NA coach are pretty high on Archie as a coach. If Romeo is strongly influenced by Garland, promises from Drew, or hoopla surrounding marginal NBA alums, then we may not be his choice. That said, from everything we've heard, I think the decision will be made based on coaching and development. Again, I feel good about our chances if that is the criteria.

My guess is that you are correct. Whatever the reasons, Don Fisher let 'em have it again last night during the game.

The Piston Song

I'd have to guess that unless the coaching staff has been given some indicator that RL is no longer interested that they are in frequent contact with him. Arch is a no-nonsense guy and has been working on developing a team with the cards he was dealt - I have no problem what so ever with him and his coaches focusing on improving the team, and any potential recruit should want it that way too. After all, if a recruit commits and wants to be a part of a successful team and develop his own game, he would want the coaching staff to be doing everything in their power to achieve such. Like mentioned above, we just finished a period of frequent games and RL came to AH not that long ago - I doubt he's lost any interest in becoming a Hoosier. Honestly, unless we have an extraordinary finish to the season and deep run in the BTT, there will be more than enough free time for personal visits.

I'm sure the fax machines are ablaze with Brad Stevens' and Billy Donovan's resumes coming in /s

Yes, the potential for legendary status is there. One big problem could be if he only stays for a season or two. If he puts up George McGinnis type numbers (quite unlikely) in his first varsity season, that would definitely do it.