pumpfake

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.

Agree. I said I wanted to see us return to playing hard defense and fundamental (ie smart) offense and that I expected a slow start and results to come sometime in the B10 season. Ultimately, that's what has happened although I'll admit I was doubtful as recently as a couple of weeks ago. Even when we aren't one of the top 3 teams in league play I want us to be seen as a team nobody wants to play come tourney time - IMO, that's a sign of superior coaching. Right now we're definitely trending in that direction. Finally, I have to comment about how much I love seeing games at AH. We have the traditions and don't go for the latest fad like making the center court logo clownishly massive.

Against Ill. we'll be the more rested team (for a change). I, too, hope we can make up for blowing the game at C-U.

I think Arch has 'em playing pretty good. It appears that the players are playing with a lot more confidence. Freddie is doing everything but finishing - he needs to spend some extra time practicing his dunking. lol

The connection between FS and BTN is seen on their graphics - no indication of team fouls until one team is in the bonus.

Here's my theory: For a month or more, there's been quite a bit of chatter that IU has been gaining momentum and may have possibly taken the lead. It took what little Vandy fans there are until recently to catch on to the buzz and now they're putting out any and all propaganda to try and swing things back in their direction. The Langfords have targeted the McBoring game for the announcement, likely to get as much exposure as possible - even if the choice has been made, they aren't going to spoil it by divulging the secret. IU fans that attend any games where Romeo is playing need to start asking him if he's seen Vanderbilt's record this season because right now that is a big plus for us. Finally, will this thread reach 500 by the time the announcement is made? 600? 700?

I think there were times he'd have rather handled chemicals than dealt with a PO'd BK. The man was a trooper!

I found two final chunks of video from my old tape collection and finally got this one up on YT. It's the first of two Bob Knight show telecasts after the 1981 championship game. Knight isn't on it, but it has Chuck interviewing assistant coaches and senior players. It's the full broadcast with commercials (remember the Amax coal commercials?). Overall it's not really that interesting, but has nostalgic value. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mlng7h0Rk0M (I believe I have one more BK show from right after the '87 championship. It got cut off at the end before they show video of the visit to the White House. Maybe I'll post it sometime this year, lol)

You know, that's almost incredible. I know this season has felt disappointing, but given the circumstances it's been somewhat successful. IMO, the progress the team defense has made in league play has been great.

Dang. That seems like ten years ago.

When's the last time we had a "convincing" win in a league game? I don't know, but it feels good and I'm not going to spoil it by posting anything negative. Great defensive effort, great win.

It seems that between missed shots under the bucket and FT's we're giving away at least 10 points a game - can't do that when you struggle to score.

I don't really have a problem with what 'we' did and I wouldn't if we didn't. I guess it's usually best to err on the side of good decorum. That said, maybe MSU could do something about the location for the IU radio broadcasts - for decades you can hear all sorts of comments and insults from the fans right behind Fischer. Back in the 80's you'd hear all sorts of verbal abuse over the broadcast, mostly directed at Knight.