skhoosier2

My expectation for DDV first year...have the team competitive in every game, finish top half of the conference, and make the NCAA tournament (not a play-in). Given what Louisville and UM both did last season, I don't think this is unrealistic to expect. Making the tournament and being competitive in B1G will help propel recruiting and continuity in the program. If he establishes culture and shows he can win, the recruits will come.

I've had two Beagles that barely bark. Our first beagle took a year to bark. The other is more of a whiner. LOL outliers...shows its possible...

Good pickup especially because he has time to develop and adds some class balance/depth.

Yes exactly. It's not about back to the basket 5, it's really just a defense issue as to who is going to guard the Purdues/Michigans that have multiple big men that will dominate us inside the paint if we don't have anyone that can guard them. I look forward to the new type of play we will be seeing. I am just hoping we get another big or two that can protect the rim but doesn't need the ball in their hands a ton.

This 1000% he's the one guy I really want on our team above other recruits that may be better. I hope he gets the waiver or wins a law suit. He brings so much to the team and his heart and effort for IU show on the floor. I really long for the day we have Indiana kids on the floor again that had a dream to wear the candy stripes. I know NIL makes things different but I still like to think there are kids that grow up hoping they will play for IU...

Great addition. Big he has more than just this year of eligibility. Could end up being a really solid piece to build around the following year.

CDD and staff are really cooking. Roster is really coming together.

Seems like our staff is rolling now. Looking forward to seeing how our team comes together.

This is great news! Hoping Conerway is next...

Any word on how Conerway’s visit went or is he still on campus?

I was hoping we could get 1 of the 2 so if we land both that would be fantastic. They absolutely would pair well together. It would be such a change to have a strong backcourt...what we have been missing for years.

It does seem like many, many programs have as much or more to spend as we do. I can't lie and say I'm not a bit concerned at this point. There is a long way to go and once the other teams fill out their rosters obviously, we will look more attractive to many because those more attractive programs no longer have space. I think it is imperative though we have at least a tournament appearance this season in order to start attracting more players to the program. I do feel CDD needs to prove himself and put IUBB on an upwards trajectory before we are going to be able to compete with those bigger programs for better players. Plus, now that we have more of a staff in place I expect that will help with the recruiting. Not ready to panic or be completely dismayed at this point like some, but I don't think expressing concern is unwarranted.

Saw the same thing on twitter…

NBA connections got Mike Woodson players. Putting guys in the NBA was what he was selling.

Oh I agree. Money isn’t enough at this point because most can offer the same it appears. We will get there. It’s just going to take patience.

He’s taking the visit. My assumption is the same. There are still plenty in the portal but I think money and playing time just aren’t enough for these top prospects. DD has to prove he can win and put IUBB on an upward trajectory before we can compete with these top programs for sought after portal prospects.

Sampson with the masterful coaching job down the stretch. Duke had Houston on the ropes and just kept letting them hang around. For most of the game, Duke’s talent was too much for Houston to handle. Epic meltdown and great win for Houston. Should be a great game Monday night.

Yea the affinity for color red was a bit strange and made me think he was just throwing out what he’s read.

I hope Houston/Sampson but if I was betting…Duke’s talent.

Saw that. A lot of posters questioning why he’s commenting yet only staying 1 year himself. Not a fan of social media posting from athletes like this. Stay classy but I understand that’s what young adults do.

I think that should be expected. We have good NIL to spend and Kelsey, Pope, and Dusty all did it in their first year. I’m of the mindset it shouldn’t take years to build with the portal. It would be great to have 4 year players. I hope we get some but that doesn’t appear to be the norm anymore with $$ being a motivating factor. Let’s hope CDD can get some guys in the portal that stay multiple years that can help develop a winning culture.

That’s exactly how I feel. Would love to see a B1G or BTT winner at some point but as long as I see IU’s name consistently in March that’s where I’m at right now with my expectations.

Yes agreed. I find it a little concerning myself nobody followed him. Is that a red flag? I’m unsure at this point but without the announcement of a full staff and players rejecting us with money to spend there is a tiny part of me that is wondering how this is all going to shake out?

I never believed the hype on Stevens. I never thought he was even a possibility. My top candidate was Dusty. I can see why he stayed at UM. It just sucks we held on to Woodson and let the opportunity to get Dusty last year slip away. CDD was not on my radar as I was really hoping we would get McCollum however I am excited about the hire. I do think he probably can recruit the portal a little better than McCollum at this point and may attract a higher-level player due to his offense. But I felt McCollum was probably the better overall basketball coach that with the right staff surrounding him could navigate the portal and get some good players. It will be interesting to see how both pan out over the next few years. At the very least, I would expect us to be more competitive and make the tournament without being on the bubble next season. By all accounts, DeVries can coach and that is an upgrade from what we've had to watch these last 8+ years.

It loads fine for me.