Tasmanian Devil

Agree he’s not the defender - at least at this point. Not sure how you define “dog”, but the kid doesn’t run away from the spotlight and embraces challenges. As an 8th grader he had the balls to go after Lebron in a shooting match. Yeah, he lost, but how many junior high kids would do that? His body needs to catch up to his game. But before it’s all said and done he’s going to be an all-time Hoosier fan favorite.

Bingo

You also have to consider who Smith had down low when assessing his defense. When you have Edey backing you up you can afford to play more aggressively on the perimeter.

I’ve seen both. Gabe is much better than Hulls. He’s not the shooter Jordan was but he’s a much better overall player..

Oh, I agree he’s not the athlete that Jalen is, or NBA athletic. But he’s athletic enough, and he can play. Anything that he lacks athletically he more than makes up with in his basketball, knowledge and savvyness.

What was Vic ranked? Sheehey? What was Donte DiVincenzo ranked? rankings only means so much. You can either play, or you can’t. Cupps can play.

If you think he isn’t athletic, you obviously haven’t seen him play.

Let me chime in here. I had heard the Cupps vs Smith comparisons all season (Smith, to his credit, had a better season just completed than I thought possible) and, to be able to get my own perspective, went to watch Centerville play against Anderson March 4th at UD Arena in Dayton for the OHSAA State Tournament. Cupps - in my opinion - is better RIGHT NOW than Smith. He is a better athlete (although he obviously will need to get stronger to not hit the freshman wall Smith did late in the season), is better defensively (long arms on a 6-2 frame) and is a better ball handler. No, he hasn’t been the scorer Smith was in HS, but that was IMO due to the role that he played for the Elks. He is a pure point guard with outstanding floor awareness and vision, and confidence to boot. I have no doubt he will provide meaningful minutes next year. Here is a great article about him. Folks, we’re getting a winner. You’re going to love this kid. https://www.si.com/college/indiana/recruiting/next-generation-indiana-signee-gabe-cupps-coachs-son-with-unwavering-determination

Keep your friends close and your frenemies closer!

I’d take both in a heartbeat.

Would we rather have him or Love?

Too bad Sampson couldn’t behave himself. There’s a lot to like about his coaching.

Yep - that’s the one. Looked on YouTube for a clip of that but couldn’t find it.

Remember when we were in Maui in 2015 and they had the coaches shooting on the portable goal?

In my opinion, what separates everyone this time of year is great guards. Athletic playmakers. Look at the 4 teams left. All have guys who can score the ball and make plays. Who did we really have that could do that?

Well played, sir!!

A post like this is why a puke emoji is needed. ;)

It’s amazing just how much college basketball has changed in the last couple of years. Allowing kids to transfer immediately without restrictions has essentially created a free agent market. Good to hear we have good connections on this one. I’ve got to believe reputation (development of guys to the next level) and connections are going to be vital as the landscape around CBB continues to evolve.

What do you think our chances are with Love - or is it too early to tell?

Hey, if you want to tell me “please, let’s not let the discussion in this thread go off the rails”, I’m fine with that. But there’s absolutely NO REASON to be a jerk about it. And, no, this is my last post on the subject in this thread; I don’t want to deliberately derail a topic. Just as I would never want to deliberately do/say something offensive to someone - especially over a message board discussion.

My intent wasn’t that we SHOULD go after the guy. I agree Ball State (or that level) is a better fit for him . I was only trying to start a conversation about HOW we should develop a roster - especially when it comes to utilizing the last scholarship. I was trying to get a feel from the board on IF we should fill those spots from the portal OR if we should look to develop guys in-house. This is a message board. Isn’t it a place to discuss how we feel about how we operate as a program?

I only put his name out after hearing it mentioned on here. No, I really DON’T think that he’d be someone our staff would/should pursue. Just was trying to get a feel from the board on how many would want to go the route of “developing” a guy with the last scholarship - typically a guy that’s not going to play much. You do realize speculate means “form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence”, right? I have NO idea if the staff would even entertain the thought of looking a the kid. But a discussion on it isn’t allowed? Geez . . .

Agreed. One thing this tournament should have convinced everyone of: You need athletic playmakers. With the group I mentioned previously, you have an adequate amount of post/power forwards that with the right personnel could help create some 4-out lineups that would be tough matchups for the opposition.

Let’s speculate . . . We convince Love, Ware, and Ledlum to become Hoosiers. Assuming no one else leaves, with Sparks already on board that’s 4 of the five spots filled. Do you: 1) Try to get another combo guard/wing? 2) Bring in Doughty from Ben Davis?

Why isn’t there a pissed-off emoji?!?