ray

Chris, you obviously know more than I do. So, my gut feeling mentioned in the above post (while not knowing the inside scoop) remains the same. However, if the toxicity is legitimately true, then I would rather Indians lose fighting without certain players than reward bad attitudes with playing time. Smith is greatly improved this season, but all the remarks are about Green’s attitude (which I know nothing about other than what others claim), but Smith was on live television seemingly arguing with Archie. He came back in and played with more intensity and aggressiveness, so maybe there was less there than I worried. As for DeRon, he’s certainly disengaged, and I’m guessing it’s lack of opportunity and success. I’m just curious how much toxicity is spreading if it does in fact exist. If it is cancerous, then why aren’t more drastic measures being taken considering this was the same locker room rumor as last season and Green came back as captain.

I’m not sure what happened on the bench at Northwestern or why it happened, but I hate bad attitudes (if that’s what it was). Bad attitudes are toxic. I can see how there could be a lack of interest coming from DeRon considering he is averaging 7 minutes a game. I’m sure he’s also frustrated to go from a 60+% fg shooter two years in a row to 26.9% this year. Regardless of all this, there is no reason a player can’t support his teammates (again, if this is actually true), especially from a senior who mentioned the main reason for sticking around was due to closeness to teammates and loyalty to the university. With all that said, I would be surprised not to see DeRon play some minutes against Wesson, whether those minutes come from desperation due to foul troubles elsewhere on the roster or because DeRon has been the most successful against Wesson in the past (granted, there are two newcomers to the roster who have yet to play against Wesson). I am also taking for granted that DeRon is nothing like I hoped from him this season. As for Green, I have a feeling he plays and if he’s scoring like the last outing against OSU then it will be hard to sit him (especially if the majority of the offense is abysmal as we’ve seen too much lately). I have a feeling Green will come in and either toss up crap shots as we’ve seen before trying to impress upon the coaches to offer him more time and will be pulled and possibly sit long spans the remainder of the season, or he’ll come in with that same agenda and his shots will fall with ease and we’ll be glad Archie gave him another chance (and he’ll remind us that his inconsistency is inevitable but his scoring when he’s on is an absolute necessity for a team struggling mightily to score points). I just ask that Archie severely tighten the leash on ANY player not playing with FULL energy and within the game plan. With a team playing with lackluster effort for 10-20 minutes a game and a stagnant offense sometimes for 30 minutes a game or more, I think Green will be needed. And, as much as I can’t stand bad attitudes, I think a chip on the shoulder (even if the chip is coming from the coach) ignites Green to play either out of his mind (good for Indiana) or mindless (bad for Indiana). I also believe no one can really call Green out for not playing with energy (something that much of the team seems to lose for long spells), but rather that he lets his energy get the best of him much of the time and plays out of control. I won’t dock him for low energy, as I’ve never really seen him play without it, but I will dock him for his poor decision making with passes and shot selection. I hope Brunk and TJD continue to work as hard as they have and stay out of foul trouble, but I would be surprised if Archie doesn’t use Davis for some minutes to either spell the others or to see if his big body can be effective against Wesson. More than any game thus far, I am betting Davis gets a shot. Whether he picks up 2 quick fouls and is pulled for the remainder of the game or whether he shoots 26% or closer to his 60% average from the past, I bet he logs minutes earlier in this one for Archie to test the waters. I hope other guards like Phinisee find their shots for what will seem like the first time all season, but I would be surprised if Green sits out for this match. Again, I don’t know what happened on the bench and if it’s toxic then I hope there has been a long sit-down meeting between the culprits. If so, then I hope a proper response is seen from the “said-toxic” players. If the toxicity and lack of discipline remains after this one (as well as lack of energy from ANY of the players), then I’m all for Archie sitting players out for long stretches, entire games, or even the rest of the season. The hesitation and patience I have is the fact I don’t know what’s going on (attitude, injury, frustration, etc) nor do I know what the coaches have said or done in practice or in the locker rooms or offices. Beating OSU will be even more challenging tomorrow as they’re skidding off course in a hurry and will be looking to remind the country and themselves why they were next up for the #1 slot before their recent skid. With that said, and knowing how crucial another home loss could be for Indiana, I’m guessing Archie will be pulling on the leashes a bit slowly and gingerly at first for this game. Go Hoosiers! Give me a reason to keep paying for YouTube access, as I’ve been seriously considering pulling the plug (which seems crazy for a 12-3 team, but I’m over the lack of effort witnessed lately).

Has anyone heard anything more about Green's injury? I read he had an injury to his achilles. Forgive me if this has already been discussed, but I only looked through the last few pages on this thread.

Does anyone know when the game will be televised on BTN so Hoosier fans not attending the game and who are unwilling to pay the b.s. additional cost for the "plus" version can watch?

Nice article about his visit. https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/iu-basketball-recruiting-top-100-2021-guard-blake-wesley-impressed-with-indiana/

Just a last attempt to get a feel for his decision by Corey Evans. https://sports.yahoo.com/q-top-40-forward-dawson-195237199.html

I'm not sure if this was meant for Iugradman or if it was sarcasm towards my positive outlook...? Not that I need to justify myself or my words, but...I like to pay attention to the brighter sides of life, and to not become overly negative when pondering a college basketball team or decisions made by teenagers, both of which I have no control over. I firmly believe life is a far more pleasant experience when approached in this manner. To each his/her own. And my comment to Iugradman was probably inaccurate. I was assuming he mean't if he's wrong that Garcia goes elsewhere, which it appears most believe this is the case (and therefore there would be plenty to help him eat the crow), but I misspoke if he was referring to eating crow if he's wrong about all his other doom's day predictions (in which case, most do not share his negativity).

If you are wrong, then be sure to bring plenty of appetizers...as you'll have a lot of people to divvy up the small bird to.

I'm sure this kid's mother wants what is best for her son (and, very likely, what is best for her own ego as well), but coddling a child in the way she seems to be coddling typically results in damage to the overall success of the child. I feel bad for the kid if this was all his mother's doing, but I hope Indiana doesn't bring her into the "family". I also feel bad for the kid if he is indeed being bullied, which is certainly possible...albeit it is rather unlikely a star basketball player at a small school is being bullied. HARD pass, regardless.

His comments could be read many ways...sure seems like wearing Minnesota on his jersey would be incredible for him...the only school he mentioned the way a team "WILL" use him is Marquette. Either of these could be a clue, or perhaps it's just the way the words came out...or, as often happens, the journalist misquoted him. Insiders may or may not know something. On a recruitment that has bee tight-lipped, I wonder how far inside they managed to land. Maybe he told them, but I doubt it. He mentioned it was a really tough decision. Maybe it was tough to turn down the tradition at Indiana and let his friends down. Maybe it was tough to turn down wearing Minnesota across his chest and representing his state. Maybe it was tough to turn down all the handles he will have at Marquette. Maybe the insiders know, or maybe Dawson and his family are the only ones who know. I certainly don't know. What I do know is I'm looking forward to this year and the pieces Archie already has in place...as well as those coming in next season. I still hold out hope Dawson Garcia chooses Bloomington. Maybe he will, or maybe he won't...I'm not a pessimist, nor am I a complete optimist. I believe any of the schools on his list of finalists could be the choice he's made. None of us know with any certainty. You know what they say about you assume something.

I searched for topics on De'Ron Davis and couldn't find any. I read a nice article and wanted to share, so I decided to start this one for his senior season. De'Ron could become a force, at least for brief spells, in his senior season if he remains healthy. I always wondered what if he had been healthy throughout his career. What if he hadn't missed summer conditioning before his freshman season? What if he had not suffered the achilles injury? What if he had not suffered the nagging ankle injury that left him gimping across the court last season in a limited role? He has showed signs of brilliance with his passing and his back-to-the-basket post moves. What if he has a healthy season and finds his role in a deep frontcourt where Archie Miller hopes to run his offense through? What if he stays well-conditioned, remains out of foul trouble, and shoots free throws at a high rate this season? Will he put together a string of games where the coaching staff will have to look for beneficial matchups to increase his role, or will he get lost in the depth charts for a yet another (and his final) season? I'm not a gambling man, but if I was, then I would bet on him finding his role (the role he was brought to Bloomington to fill) regardless of the depth in the front court. I truly hope he has a breakout season and can put together performances like he had against Duke without suffering anymore setbacks. Here is the article this topic was originally intended for. https://www.insidethehall.com/2019/11/01/deron-davis-remains-in-control-ahead-of-senior-season/

THIS I know you still have a year, but what should Indiana fans expect out of you? What are you hoping to bring to the program? “A whole lot of energy on the defensive and offensive end. First and foremost, I’m a defensive player. I love shutting people down. I love blocking shots, getting steals and doing other stuff to get a stop on the possession. People best believe in a game I will bring the defensive energy. My opponents will know I’m on the floor.”

A question and answer with his high school coach...more to add to the enthusiasm for this kid's potential. https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/qa-with-new-2020-iu-basketball-commit-jordan-geronimos-high-school-coach/

Love what I read in this article! https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/iu-basketball-allure-of-indiana-had-hoosiers-in-pole-position-with-jordan-geronimo/

Amen, to looking for a PG and Post player now. Preferably Garcia and Love, or wait for Lander. And, no offense to Miami basketball, but it took almost three hours for anyone from Miami to write an article about his commitment. And...there are still no comments on that article. I'm not saying he won't fit in well, excel, and enjoy his stay in sunny miami...but, Jordan Geronimo chose Indiana for reasons I would as an out-of-state prospect. I like that about Geronimo. And, in all fairness, perhaps Jordan's commitment did make a difference in Matt's commitment. Either way...

I wonder too, but Geronimo seems EXTREMELY excited to be a Hoosier...and that's all that is relevant to me now. I'm excited for Geronimo. I would have been excited for either or both, but I will probably never see Cross play (outside of potential tournaments) and I'll get to watch Jordan's every game and see him wear the jersey with pride and honor. I liked Cross's game, don't get me wrong, but I think Geronimo ended up where he will excel. His enthusiasm for Indiana excites me. And it makes it easier for the coaching staff to focus on two other important positions.

I thought this was a hopeful article. I don't know what they know, but when it comes to recruiting who knows what? https://hoosierstateofmind.com/2019/09/02/indiana-basketball-decision-looms-large-top-iu-target/

Look out, passing lanes...and watch out, rim. He seems to have a nice shot and I've missed seeing some Oladipo-like dunks, but I'm most excited Indiana added a player highly skilled at reading passes with seemingly impeccable timing of an opponent's shots. Exciting news...he should be fun to watch! Nope, it turns out Geronimo was the next domino.

My COMPLETELY uninformed guess is that he is ready. Of course they'll bring him along slowly, but the kid wants to play and the doctors have already said he's cleared to run in "pickup games", which I read as scrimmages. If a kid can scrimmage, then why couldn't he play? The big question is whether he's ready to play at the level everyone has expected from him when he came to Bloomington. I think that will be more on his mental state than anything, based on the fact he is cleared to play pickup. Again, though, I know absolutely nothing. This is all hopeful observations and logic speaking. I REALLY hope to see a healthy Jerome Hunter wearing an IU uniform AND playing on the court this season. IU's great radio host, who has seen a whole lot of super players come through Bloomington in his day, mentioned on multiple occasions that this kid was the second best player on the court last year prior to his setback. I'm spiritual but not religious, so someone with prayers on their side, please throw them up north...for Jerome's sake.

I hope Lander comes to IU. That's all I'll say for now, as I know nothing about Carter Whitt and it seems he's waiting on a home-state school to offer (and understandably so in a state with two of the bluest of bloods....even if one makes me cringe and the other makes me vomit. Actually, now that I think about it, they both make me cringe and vomit...one for ESPN's special treatment and the other for NCAA's special treatment...and, yes, I'm aware they both get special treatment for both...hence the reason for not being sure which makes me do what). I hope Lander likes Bloomington because it's in Indiana...just like this kid probably likes UNC and Duke because they're in NC. We shall see. Interesting though, that Archie offered before either of them. Hmmm...

I read a post from someone elsewhere and that poster noted how important this player is. I found only one short video and one clip of a single play. Nothing stood out, but again, I only saw one video and one clip. The 9 blocks in a single game looks nice, but then where did his shot blocking go the remainder of the season? I wish the stats included minutes played, as he didn't rack up any crazy numbers throughout most of the AAU season (22 and 10...10 and 6 aren't shabby). He doesn't seem to be 240, but it takes a lot to fill out a 7' frame and he's barely old enough to drive. He holds offers from some elite programs though. I do wish there was more to watch of his game. Apparently something about him stands out to recruiters, considering the offers coming in.

Thanks for pointing that out. A somewhat fair point. Although, I was responding to the concerns of many (including myself to a much lesser degree) on the failed recruiting wins of Miller on filling a “missing piece” that I’m not completely sold is missing. Green IS a deep threat, and I hope he improves. Durham can be, and I hope he improves too. Franklin might be, and he IS a new recruit. I’m also hopeful, and quite confident, Trayce won’t be trying to prove to NBA scouts he can shoot from deep (and he IS a new recruit). As for the lackluster three point shooting percentage from last season, I think some addition is made by some subtraction...or so I hope. My hope for that is no less irrational than the hope that a great high school shooter would have come in and impacted the percentage anymore so than the returning players who have chosen to wear the candy stripes.

OR...hope for Green to at least continue to shoot as well as he did...OR...Durham to increase his percentage even by a marginal percentage...OR both. I agree with Aeggie’s last comment, Indiana’s highest volume three-point shooter (higher by volume by a long shot...with no pun intended...other than Indiana’s best shooter in Green) is gone. Couple that with Durham who is a good shooter and showed major improvement all around from year one to year two (and I’m betting on even more improvement from him because he’s a workhorse)...plus Phinisee who will most likely improve or hopefully at least go back to pre-concussion form, and I hope the anxiety of a lot of posters on this forum about our outside shooting woes will be reduced significantly before BigTen season begins. Who knows, maybe Demezi works tirelessly and finds himself a place in the lineup doing what he was recruited to do? Maybe Franklin improves as much as he did between his Junior and Senior years? And, maybe Deron continues to work the paint and not rely on long-range shots? And, maybe Trayce does what he did in high school and refuses to try impressing scouts with outside range that may not be there? Now that Archie has “missed on everyone important” in some people’s eyes, may we please concentrate on the returning players and the newcomers who are by no means slouches? Just a suggestion. And please note, Alford Bailey, this isn’t directed at you personally.

I love that he’s finally being recognized and mentioned by someone outside of Bloomington. I have been high on him since he was a high school recruit (as I’m sure many of us have), and I concur with Lockdown...although I would go a bit farther and say he’s been mentally “ready” but physically unable to see his full potential come to fruition. His mental toughness and preparedness is what has made him capable of not throwing in the towel through so much adversity and to continue pushing to keep his hope alive of proving himself. I expect big things from Deron, and I hope I’m not wrong more for him than myself or the team. I like his attitude, perseverance, and persistence. He deserves a healthy shot to show people why he was so highly touted in high school. Stay healthy and put in the work, Deron!

First of all, I will admit my fault and offer you the apology you deserve for placing words such as hate and despise into your mouth. I do owe you an apology for this, and I am sorry. However, it does appear to me you like to harp on this player in particular (you do with Green as well, but you've based your judgment on him with far more evidence) more so than any other, and I think your reasoning is a bit premature and somewhat naive. Like I said, and you said it yourself about your own children, nearly all teenagers are on social media platforms looking for some sort of attention. I don't like it either, but I refuse to judge a teenager for it (I think it's just the reality of this and future generations). And, to be clear, I am calm. My words may come off as harsh at times, but I would like to assure you I rarely have animosity towards anyone and that includes you. So, please don't feel as though I was attacking you. The reason I mentioned your post seemed "ludicrous" to me is that I doubt Facetime is what is selling this player, or any other players for that matter. What is far more likely selling this player, and most others, is the amount of attention he receives from the coaching staff. I highly doubt the method of delivery matters. To say someone "either wants to play for Indiana or he doesn't" may be true for a kid who grew up watching Indiana, but for the majority of recruits (especially considering the success of Indiana in these youngsters' lifetimes) they know very little about Indiana and have no prior loyalty. I would guess it VERY MUCH IS about the attention they receive from the coaching staff. And, in this particular case, the attention from one coach just happens to be coming by way of Facetime...and, perhaps the amount of time Penny has given Lester is paying off (or, as we have seen conjectured again and again on this forum, perhaps there are other methods of payments too?). Anyway, I do apologize for placing words into your mouth. I hate it when others do that to me, so please accept my sincere apology.