HoosierFan1994

Woodson saying that is like saying if Guy-Marc Michel was elgible, there would be a 6th banner in Assembly Hall.

That's the argument Rabjohn's was saying today. It's a poor way to build a program. It's like an NFL team. You build through the draft and supplement where you have needs. I think in college basketball you recruit, develop, and at the end of the season find glaring needs. Unfortunately this program needs just about everything.

Why Bruce Pearl is my #1 choice. He changes the culture everywhere he goes (Note: I'd take Dusty May in a heartbeat too.) Southern Indiana: Leads them to their best seasons ever. They made 6 NCAAD2 Tournaments before him. Pearl took them to 9, went to two Elite 8's (essentially the Final Four of D2 basketball) and 1 title. He's a legend there. Also left the program in really good shape as they made the Final game in 2004. Milwaukee: Never made it to the tournament before Pearl. He takes them to their first ever Sweet 16. Made the tournament another time as well. Won 3 league titles. Left the program in good shape. They won a game in the 2006 tournament. Tennessee: First ever Elite 8, #1 ranking. Three Sweet 16's, made the tournament every year he was there. Didn't leave it in as good of shape, but didn't wreck it. Martin took them to a Sweet 16 in 2014 and then Barnes took over not too long after. Auburn: Only 1 Elite 8 before Pearl. He took them to the Final Four and came very very close to making the final game. Since 17-18 they've been a tournament team every year. Won 3 league titles. Only negative was it took him a few years to get going. Maybe because of sanctions or being out of coaching for a bit. Indiana Unversity Basketball needs a culture change. We've tried just about every avenue (Hot name at a big time university in Sampson, energetic Coach in Crean, Hot mid major coach in Archie, and the alum in Woodson) It's time to hire a 100% proven guy. Don't get me wrong, I think May is more proven than Archie was.. That being said, I'm not saying Pearl will win a National Title here or even a final four. It's incredibly challenging to do. But his track record tells me: 1) He will change the culture 2) He will compete for Big Ten Championships 3) IU would be a perrenial top 25 team that has a chance to make a deep run in March 4) The program will proabably be in good shape after he leaves. If IU hires Pearl, I feel confident in saying that in 2024-2025 they would be a top 25 and competing for a Big Ten Title. From talking to a friend that would be in the know, it sounds like Pearl really wants to win a National Championship and may feel that Indiana Unversity gives him a good shot at that. Idk it it will happen, but it sounds like there is good interest.

Rabjohns said last night that they better not waste anytime. When the season ends, I sure hope a decision is made somewhat soon. I know if Kentucky gets out of the tournament early, there will be calls to fire Cal. They'd absolutely go for a Bruce Pearl.

It really does sound like IU is Pearl's dream job. Look at what he said about IU before they played Auburn back in December. Also, I don't ever really remember Rabby being that bold saying what he said about Pearl wanting the job..He never did that with Stevens or even Woodson and Miller.

This is a fact. You can tell he's sick of it.

For me.. only years IU has made the second weekend or beyond...2002, 2012, 2013, 2016. Thank you Tom Crean lol.

Goodman I think broke the Archie news. If I remember right, IU released a statement about Crean right when first round games were tipping off. Unfortunately we will have to wait a few weeks. March 14 is the earliest this could happen.

Yes. Problem is, can this program afford another major step back? Outside of Indiana and it's fans, nobody really cares about IU Basketball anymore. We are literally Nebraska Football. The answer is I don't think so. Each bad hire (Miller and now Woodson) Has set us back even more. If you are in high school right now, your only memory of IU Basketball is probably Yogi leading us to a Sweet 16. If college age, the Wat Shot and being #1 with Cody and Vic. Anyone under 14 has never seen IU win a Big Ten title or make the second weekend of the tournament. That's sad. Eventually, these kids will pick a school to play for. If you live in Indiana, why on earth would you choose IU over Purdue or even Notre Dame unless you are a diehard fan. Even then... Another reason why I think a change HAS to happen this year: Ohio State job is already open. Michigan, Louisville, maybe even UK. I've heard Cronin isn't happy at UCLA. What if Izzo retires? All these programs historically are top 15 (Kentucky, UCLA, Michigan, Ohio State, Louisville, Michigan State). Good chance they could hire a Pearl, or an Oats, or a May meaning they won't be available next year. I'd argue all those programs have had more recent success (last decade or so) than Indiana.

Gold. It can also, for the most part, be applied to IU basketball. I think the Woodson supporters don't understand...we don't have a top recruiting class coming in. Who know who we will lose. Nobody is confident he can land the talent needed in the portal. Next year could be worse than this year. Ex: Michigan.

This all reminds me of the scene in Christmas Vacation when Clark questions Ellen about things getting worse. "Worse? Take a look around you Ellen. We're at the threshold of hell!"

Just sad...Feels like we all have to root against this team for change to happen. I hate it. I can't see them bringing him back if they lose out or maybe only win one more game. Even a week ago I thought maybe, just maybe Woodson could field a good team next year. I just don't have any faith that can happen anymore. Will be stunning if Liam doesn't go elsewhere. Malik to the portal. Anything could happen. Going to be real interesting one day to hear all the behind the scenes stuff. I think the day was October 15th. Liam commits to IU. Had a legit chance with Boogie and Queen. Felt like this team had a lot of potential. How to lose all momentum in 4 months.

haha..I'll say this they are still very close. We will see if I hear anything in the next month. He tipped me off about Gouard getting the USI job.

One thing I heard about Crean was the IU administration was getting fed up with him. I wonder if the same thing is going on here...the admin is getting tired of his excuses and no accountability.

Dusty excites me too. Younger, Indiana guy, hoosier native, rumored to really want the job too. He too changed the culture at FAU. What's impressive is he was able to keep his team together after last years run. Almost impossible to do in the transfer/NIL era. He's 1B for me. Just not as proven as Bruce to be 1A.

Bruce Pearl was the head coach at USI, my alma mater, for 9 years. He gets Indiana basketball. Go google his comments before the IU-Auburn game about Indiana Basketball. I remember reading it at the time thinking "Holy cow, I think this guy would want to be here". I don't like how the media paints Bruce Pearl to be dirty. Bruce still is in contact with his D2 players from USI. I've shared the story on here but I coached with someone who played for Bruce. He doesn't big time anybody. He cares about them. Invites them to games all the time to sit in practice and go in the locker room during games. He is a reference for all these guys. People in Evansville have amazing things to say about him. USI basketball was equivalent to Nebraska basketball in D2. He turned them into a powerhouse. Without his success in the 90's, Herdes and Watson probably don't go to Elite 8's and USI isn't D1 right now. Is he guaranteed to win a National Title here? Heck no. But his track record at USI, Miluwakee, Tennessee, and Auburn tell me two things: 1) He will change the culture. 2) He will win. His teams compete for conference titles as well as National Titles. I texted by buddy that I would buy him a steak dinner if he could get Bruce Pearl back to Indiana. lol

Absolutely. It's insane what UConn has been able to do. I still think Indiana University can be relevant again, It's just up to the administration to make the right moves. I'd take Pearl, Cronin, May over what we have now.

I think we have to understand too..It is HARD to get to a Final Four. Yet alone win a title. This is zero disrespect to any IU team pre 1985 but Iu has only been to 3 final fours and won one title since the tournament expanded to 64 teams. There is so much parity in College Basketball right now.

Idk what is going on. Idk if it's realistic. But Bruce Pearl won and changed the culture at USI. He did the same thing at Milwaukee, Tennessee, and Auburn. Holy cow...I'd take him. IU would be competing for Big Ten and National Titles. In a 68 team tournament, there are no sure things. But I'd be willing to bet Indiana would be a top 10-15 team with him.

What I am really afraid of is this: Will there be a mass exodus at the end of the season? Losing both Malik and Mackenzie would be serious. I can get on board with this: Starting 5: Portal PG, Portal Guard, Liam, Mackenzie, Malik Bench: Cupps, Trey, Newton, Portal Forward, Portal Center How realistic is this? I have no idea. Crappy situation to be in. Edit: When I say Portal PG and Guard I mean legit top 25/50 portal guards. I would also love to have a player like Anthony Walker as a reserve at the forward spot next year. Bring in a legit Center to play when Malik gets in foul trouble. If this season ends like 2021 (lost their last six games) I don't see how they can bring Woodson back if IU loses everyone.

Yeah I remember it being said in October after the first IU Pro Day. Basically that while Trayce is the best player, Jalen would be the best NBA Prospect.

A few thoughts I have: 1) What if Liam decommits, Malik and Mgbako transfer, and IU doesn't land Queen? Not saying all will happen but possible. I don't see how Woodson can keep his job. 2) I don't care what state your program is in, you are always a great/very good coach away from being good. It's like having a franchise QB in the NFL. Ex: Go look at FAU's records before May. Iowa State won three games just 3 years ago. Otzelberger at Iowa State has been to a Sweet 16, 2 NCAA tournaments, and are a top 15 team this year. I said it the other day.. I don't think Woodson is the worlds worst coach. I also don't think he is the answer here for what IU fans want. Administration..that's a different story.

Here is my stance...If IU has an epic collapse to end the season much like in 2021 (lost 6 in a row/7 of 8 to end the season) or in 2017 (went from #3 to missing the NCAA tournament) then a change has to happen. This isn't a perfect roster. But enough talent to at least make the tournament. If this team fights the rest of the way and shows some promise, wins some games they shouldn't, then I'm all for Woodson getting one more year to figure this out. Unfortunatly I think it'll be somewhere in between. They'll go like 3-5 the rest of the way. My fear is this: Woodson lands two good portal guards to go with our frontcourt next year. IU has another good but not great year. Then, the university gives him an extension and we end up just like this season. I don't think Woodson is the worst coach in the world. I also don't think he is the guy to bring IU back to where we all want it to be. Right now at this moment, I don't even think he should be fired. That can change though. I don't want to go down that rabbit hole again, but I still believe Dolson thought he had his guy in 2021 and obviously that didn't happen. It caused him to hired Woodson, who quite frankly would not have been even top 5 in a good, thorough coaching search. I'd like to see what Dolson could do this time around. May, Shrewberry, Pearl, etc...

How I feel looking back too. Yeah, I think his peak at IU was 2012-2016. But who really knows. Certainly would rather have him than Archie. My issue was the inconsistency. We were supposedly back in 2012/2013. Then took a huge step back in 2014. Meh in 2015, good in 2016, and step back in 2017.

Where I'm at. 4 months ago I was pleased with coach. After this season and missing on a lot of '24 guys, I'm skeptical. I do think if things really get bad (this team goes 3-7 or worse the rest of the way) it'll get interesting. No matter what, what is currently happening with the program is unacceptable. I hate it. Last season was pretty exciting. It was awesome to wake up on a college Hoops Saturday and have IU play in big games (Purdue games, Illinois home game). I know they didn't make the second weekend or win a Big Ten Title, but it was nice to finally feel they were headed in a positive direction. Now? They aren't even appointment TV for me. I was watching Saturday on delay. About halfway through my friends were strongly suggesting I turn it off. Just sad.