Stromboli

I can't believe I visit this thread 5 times a day.

No way. No one keeps track of mediocre seasons. Those Big Ten Championships matter, and go in the record books. The thing is that there is a growing body of evidence that Crean has hit his ceiling, and we're going to have the low years without corresponding high years that include better tournament success.

No I'm pretty sure there was an emoticon. All you need to know, bro.

You see this? Do you get the feeling he wants to coach younger guys instead of babysit professional egos in the NBA? I want this so bad. Someone posted the income/success comparison of the top coaches. Do you think IU will pay a public employee this much? I hope they will.

I think it is a fair point in that K and Roy are leaving soon, so BD may chill in OKC for a few more years. THAT SAID, IU is tied with both programs for national championships with 5. I would think BD would enjoy the opportunity to step in and be a savior for a proud program with rich history.

I'd rather keep Crean than switch for someone of equal or lesser abilities. And I'd really like to get Donovan/Stevens/Archie? for the next 20 years.

Money matters, for sure. But I think Billy Donovan is one of those guys that loves the game as well. He is a college player himself, was under the tutelage of legend Rick Pitino, and built the Gators to a power over 19 years. I have to believe that the allure of coaching for a blue blood is huge for him. Unfortunately, I think this may be the same reason we may not get him. Everyone knows Roy and K are in their twilight years. Billy may wait? Also, I don't know anything. I'm just a giant Hoosier fan that has finally crossed sides; It's time for a new coach.

Holy smokes this kid is a stud. I think his tough-nosed attitude and physical play will transfer well to college play.

Other teams would kill to have a talented scorer like JBJ. You absolutely want your best scorer to be aggressive. Anyway, this thread is now focused entirely on JBJ, which kinda answers the question. For the record I think JBJ is totally underappreciated. The guy is a total stud.

I have to go with Blackmon. He's the only guy able to step and be our leader. It's not easy to know you're supposed to be the best scorer, and then also live up to that. Thomas planned on doing it this year, but he's kinda wilted under the expectations. OG is awesome, but he doesn't take over games. I see JBJ as a force multiplier of sorts, where teams have to devote an inordinate amount of attention to him, thereby helping the rest of the guys score as well. I am fully aware of the criticisms of JBJ's defense. I'll never understand why IU "fans" get so rabid in their hatred of a guy on the team. I see JBJ as the team's leader and best player.

Just from watching videos available, it looks like he is way more confident and aggressive this year. I hope its an "iron sharpens iron" thing and he blooms once playing with the new team. The Star article is maybe a little concerning. He needs some coaching on how to give a humble interview: "I think I’m prepared. My skills are good, but honestly it’s hard with my team not recognizing how good I actually am and not utilizing me," he said. "The other teams also recognize that I’m a good player, so I’m kind of fighting both people.” Aaanyway, have a 6'9" or 6'10" guy with handles is the hotness. Glad he's coming to be a Hoosier! Really all 3 recruits have been killing it this year.