Hardwood83

What you are saying is completely logical. However, there have been several instances where Calipari has stacked talent at the same position. It's counter-intuitive and makes no sense, but we've seen multiple times in the last 8yrs or whatever that he's been there. I think there are certainly financial incentives, but even beyond that, the guy is a salesman, no question about it.

Completely "fix" it? no, I agree that's not gonna happen. But you can make it so painful to cheat that it's not worth it for most. The risk/reward is so out of whack that they have to cheat to keep up with the Calipari's, er I mean the Joneses. If the NCAA would stop with the 3yr long investigations that end up with nothing and instead drop the hammer it would make a difference. IMO, simplify the rules then enforce them ruthlessly with harsh penalties. Otherwise cheating is too profitable.

Sampson and 'Ol Roy have a distinct lack of shame. Even if neither was guilty of buying players with shoe money (which I find impossible to believe with Carolina) when you have other transgressions (I.e. multiple recruiting violations and academic fraud) just keep your mouth shut. No one appreciates hypocrisy. No one.

+ Syracuse

PS- PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE don't look into our football program!!!!!!!!

I agree. Long-term, consistent high-level winner? Uh, no. But pick up the pieces and rebuild with enthusiasm? Sure. "It's Louisville.....It's Louisville."

The real question is how much did Pee-Eww pay for Hunter to commit? I have reason to believe it was at least $48 CASH, a cherry condition 1996 Toyota Camry and some Applebee's Gift Cards. What is that FBI tip line number again?

What I would like to see is remove all scholarships and make them use only walk-ons for a couple yrs. Less disruptive to the conference but absolutely guts the program. Throw in a 5 yr post-season ban and make them forfeit all TV & conference revenue shares for a couple yrs too. Worse then the death penalty, imo. Try a pilot program with Louisville, pUKe and UNC to see how it goes.

I hope so. Not NCAA sanctions, I mean literally the death penalty for the entire University. Is that wrong? Should I not feel that way?

What a selfish and cynical view. I love it and agree completely!

More importantly, can we afford him?

I know I'm probably missing the point, but he does appear to have a nice touch and I LOVE me some jump hook. Nearly unstoppable from a big man. Not sure why it isn't "cool" anymore, but it sure is effective.

I'm not a Crean apologist, but I think that is unfair to blame him for all the failures AND refuse to credit the successes. Guy won a couple of out-right B1G titles and put together some talented teams, including some terrific diamonds-in-the rough. Would they have excelled someplace else? Maybe, but they DID succeed at IU under Crean. Can't take that away from him, imo. He got justifiably fired for a multitude of reasons. They don't invalidate what he got right though. Now Back to T-Wat discussion......

I agree- this isn't a fantastic roster, but it's far from a bare cupboard either. This team should compete with everyone, finish top half of the B1G and make the NCAA's, IMO. Any more then that and I'll be thrilled, any less, disappointed. Non-conf schedule is salty, but the Big 10 is still very average with plenty of realistic wins to be had. Archie has done an awful lot right during the off-season, now it's time to really make it count and out-perform National expectations.

Agreed- I like DD, but he's not particularly athletic for the B1G, let alone the NBA. I would be genuinely shocked if he ever makes an NBA roster. That is an indictment of the league though, since skill is a distant second to athleticism/measurables. Exhibit A? OG

Redundant

Not to side-track the discussion, but what is the highest ranked group we've had? Assuming Garland, Romeo, Brooks and TJD all show, has there been a comparable group of HH visitors recently?

Agreed. I respect what Izzo has done, but I don't like him and am sick of his cherry-picking talent from Indiana just because IU's staff is incompetent. Can't win 'em all of course, but I trust those days are over.

Who is the guy between Moore & Cody? Kinda looks like Etherington.

I say yes. I think you need 2 Centers and from what I've seen 6'7" Thompson ain't one.

Seems he (and his parents) are griping about the way it was handled. It's not realistic they are going to publicly agree that Grant was in over his head. As others mentioned, all he did was take advantage of an opportunity. I suspect that no matter what they wouldn't be happy with the situation, which is totally understandable, but not really "news".

That's a best case scenario, imo. Would fill a huge need with an experienced guy without long-term scholarship implications.

I'm only counting 30 games- what did I miss? Btw- hate the early Dec Conference games- HATE IT. Thanks Delaney.

Of course he'll play where needed, same could be said for some "combo" guard filling in at PG. I don't think Moore's a Center- offensively or defensively. Will he develop into one? Maybe, although he's expressed reluctance to do so. So while he CAN play the post, having guys out of position isn't a great recipe for success. Let's all hope DD stays healthy and can stay out of foul trouble for 28mins or so a game.

I'm fine with that. I prefer a more traditional line-up, but understand that is not the way basketball is going. I do think you still need a strong post presence to succeed though. Look at the recent Final Four teams and there are lots of old-fashioned, back to basket, big men. So obviously you need someone to defend those guys too. Of course, PG is vital, then throw 3 more ballers out there and get after it.