Sota Hoosier

Would have gladly taken Waters but I'm completely fine with Newkirk, Rojo, and Green next year. Gotta land someone in the '18 class.

Haha agreed on that. JBJ's defensive issues would be pretty hidden in that lineup and I think there could be serious match up issues for the opponent. That squad would dominate the boards too. I could see CTC going to it against UNC or Lousville.

I don't think we have seen this lineup yet: TB DD OG JBJ Juwan (at PG) Thoughts?

There were some nice takeaways from this game and clearly we have a very talented and deep team. That said, I didn't come away from this game with a fuzzy feeling. There are defensive issues and I thought we were pretty sluggish (understood given coming of KU game on another planet but still). The issues can certainly be fixed and we'll be a much more polished team as the season goes on but I was hoping for a better performance defensively. UML made a lot of shots so credit to them but it seems like a lot of teams have done that to us the past couple years. We have an elite offense and immense talent, no doubt, but certainly a lot of stuff to work on and polish. Apologies if this is not a popular post but wanted to share. Need more of a sample size but I'd really like to see strides defensively this season and I truly believe that will dictate what this team's ceiling is in March.

What I would like to see most tonight: <= 14 TOs.......please. UML apparently speeds up the game as do we but let's be more under control and sound on the offensive end against a lesser opponent. I'd also like to see TB and OG do some work on the block and get DD, Green, and McFly some significant minutes.

The frustrating part is that it doesn't logically follow with our recent relative success on the court, sending guys to the NBA, plus the spots (OG/TB/JBJ) that are very likely to open up come next year. Add AH, the facilities, and prestige and it seems weird that we wouldn't land more top-level guys. It doesn't necessarily make me depressed but it does puzzle/frustrate me at times. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

Man, we have a low hit rate with the guys who include us in their finalist list. I believe Crean will find a way to work with the solid core we'll have next year but would sure be nice to add a blue-chipper. He's a scramblin' man sometimes, that Tommy! Add Tucker and a grad transfer big and we should be in a good spot for 17-18.

Also OG had some ridiculous defensive plays. NBA scouts must have been loving those. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

OG's 3/7 shooting was all threes. No twos attempted. He settled a couple times but KU also challenged anyone but him to beat them and JBJ did just that. Great team win with some sloppy play on a slippery court. Loved how JBJ played and his mindset of "I'm still here" that was great. I think we'll clean up some of the TOs as many seemed to be early season jitters. If we can offensive rebound like that and make the bunnies we'll be a tough beat for anyone. Although I thought the broadcast was KU-favored, likely due to them playing Duke on ESPN on Tuesday, it was great that Bilas was lauding the IU player development program. It was on full display last night. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

I think 3 out of 4 is realistic (NC, UL, Butler) and KU is a toss-up. I'm expecting 2 of 4 but wouldn't be shocked with 3.

Isn't Tucker more of a shooter and Smith more of a slasher?? It would be great to have both. Second coming of OGwan

I like the "typo" in the thread title haha I think the game is a toss-up but I see Vegas favoring KU by 5 or 6. I feel like this isn't a game that a CTC-coached team usually wins but would love to proven wrong. Would love if OG and TB took over and had dominant performances.

Excited to see our guards go head to head with KU's. Based on last night, I think OG is going to score more points than I anticipated. He's much more assertive and knows he's the dude out there. I like Davis' game. Anyone see a little Dejuan Blair??

I don't think IU or Crean has the charisma right now, despite the relative success over the last 5 years. I asked the question whether IU is the "the dad" of college basketball and that is my general feeling and I think that emanates from Crean. Bottom line: we are a top 10-15 program in the country (higher obviously if you consider historic success) and we should't have to recruit like we're not. Changes are needed.

While this is incredibly frustrating, I'm trying to shift gears to focusing on the 16-17 squad. A lot can change in recruiting over a few months and hopefully Crean pulls a rabit out of his hat.

Really nice elevation on his jumper. Explosive player.

I wonder where the ALLANOY fans are getting the optimism....

Come on Tommy. Seal da deal.

Right but Smith isn't a top 20 5* player that is possibly looking to be one and done. I don't think Wilkes would have to worry too much about Smith stealing minutes unless Smith vastly outperforms his recruit ranking.

Gotcha. I'm not familiar with Bowen's game at all. Still, Wilkes could be THE GUY at IU and not compete with anyone for minutes at the three but if UCLA has he and Bowen that could get murky. At the end of the day, I think this is a toss up. We could sure use a break our way.

Bowen and Wilkes are almost the exact same height and weight. Seems odd UCLA would go that hard after both of them.

Question - Is Indiana the "dad" of college basketball? Telling them how to improve, focusing on academics, Crean has developed these kinds of relationships with recruits/players. Not saying its a bad thing (its a good thing) but for 5* guys, they likely want to hear how you're going to get them to the NBA.....and likely not much else. Nova just won a title with averaging around a Top 30 class the last 5 years and we also beat the one and factory because we were the better team. We're just not geared to get high-level 5* star guys right now and that's probably fine. We should get one or two every few years but I would expect more of the same as far as recruiting classes go unless something drastically changes with the recruiting approach and what IUBB values.

247 "VIP Room" article says UCLA thinks Wilkes is their's and it's "all but done for them" and they are very confident they will get him. Source is a Duke writer.

Kris is in the Caribbean per his IG

He's using an OV on us so clearly he's taking us seriously. We've had a lot of success and continue to have success with bigs and he would fill a huge hole for next year so hopefully he sees that and it makes a significant impact. Let's not categorize the kid just yet. I trust that Crean wouldn't go after a kid that's not a fit with his system/program.