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I think XJ, TJD, Race and Miller all lead in different ways. I agree we need Xavier to be more consistent and level headed though. Tonight was so frustrating. I'm hoping we see a different attitude vs. Nebraska.

I like the idea of TJD being used a little more in space as a change of pace. I think TJD is fit for the job of being the team's primary leader. He isn't perfect though. He doesn't have to be. We've got a seasoned bunch of guys, they all carry themselves differently. Not sure what exactly you're taking issue with from him? At the end of the day, these are our guys and I feel pretty good rolling with them.

Just got back from the game. Boy, was that a pitiful showing. I mean really - some of the ugliest basketball we’ve seen in a while. I will take the blame for having jinx’d us on this one. Only explanation I have for why this team looked so different from the one that beat North Carolina. Miller Kopp kept us in this game for a while - he really doesn’t get the credit he should and we are going to really, really miss him when he moves on. Having JHS today wouldn’t have changed the outcome, I don’t think. But we definitely did miss him, no denying that. We were getting sped up, and it was causing turnovers/making it hard to get into a rhythm (refs didn’t help, not blaming it 100% on them, but definitely didn’t help). It felt like the one chance we had to turn the momentum was preempted by those back to back TV time outs, just after we tied it/went up 2. JHS helps us play the game at our pace without getting sped up. Relying on X as the primary ballhandler/perimeter threat isn’t going to get it done. While we’re on the topic of X - I love his energy. But he’s got to keep his head. He was losing it at a few points with the calls and the crowd, and when he got flustered, the team got flustered. CJ Gunn came right in, and right out (after causing a 4 point swing) because the coaches couldn’t get him to calm down. At a certain point they looked ready to get back on the bus and go home. Then they REALLY looked ready to go home after TJD somewhat intentionally got foul #5. He was fed up. He also seemed to be sore/stiff and needed to be stretched out a lot at halftime - looked like he was pretty uncomfortable and taking a pounding. You have to give Rutgers credit, they brought it today. Race - you’re a Hoosier through and through. But if this team is going to go far, everyone has to play their role and play it well. Yours is not shooting 3s. Let’s let today be a one-time deal on that front, please. Today, everything could’ve gone better for the whole team. It was a tough game to sit through, and losing to a program like Rutgers just chaps my @$$. There’s no excuse for us to come out the way we did tonight. I’m not going to pretend to know enough that I could legitimately criticize Woodson’s decisions, but anyone with eyes can see the things we have to clean up, and clean up soon, if we’re going to have the kind of year we’re capable of: free throws, turnovers, perimeter shooting. We’ve also got to figure out a way to get TJD going when he’s being double and triple teamed in the post. And hope we make it through B10 conference play healthy enough to make noise in March (won’t be easy if today is any indication). The team is talented. It’s still early in the season. Things didn’t go our way tonight. Let’s learn from it, move on, and come back better. We have to come out better through these next 4-5 games if we’re going to maintain any semblance of respect on the national level this year. I’m cautiously optimistic they will get it done… even though I’ve been following this program long enough to know better. Okay, time to drink some brown liquor and forget that **** show

Looked like a lot more outside the arena before we got in. Wow that was an ugly half of basketball. Miller basically single-handedly keeping up in the game. FTs not falling, turnovers, yuck. All things considered, surprised we're only down 7. Let's come out strong in the second half here.

Not quite 50/50 but 60/40ish would sound about right

JHS has a very noticeable limp. Also, X has been grabbing at his hand a few times in warm ups, doesn't look like anything serious though. Just worth a minor note

Still a lot of time before tip off, but... Assembly Hall, the RAC is not

He's looking ready to go so far, but haven't seen him move full speed just yet. Keeping an eye on him in particular now

Appreciate the warm welcome. Been a reader for a while, first time posting today - too excited to see this crew on the floor to not post. Don't want to jinx it, but I think we're going to kick some serious a$$ today. This year feels different... we'll see. If I overhear any interesting nuggets from the bench, I'll be sure to share in the thread. Looking forward to sticking around for a while

Will be sitting behind the visitor's bench this afternoon. First IU game I'll be at in person since 2018. Let's GO HOOSIERS!!!