How far away is IUBB from being elite again?

[Hoosierfan2017 25,093]

3 minutes ago, southernindianahoosier2 said:

I think I should change the topic from “how far is Indiana away from being an elite program” to “how out of touch with reality is the older fan base with what’s required to be elite”….  Can anyone in here name one thing where Indiana was the market leader in innovation, execution for anything surrounding the program? 

We were the (self-proclaimed) leader in NIL for a few days last year. 

[Stuhoo 90,176]

5 minutes ago, southernindianahoosier2 said:

I think I should change the topic from “how far is Indiana away from being an elite program” to “how out of touch with reality is the older fan base with what’s required to be elite”….  Can anyone in here name one thing where Indiana was the market leader in innovation, execution for anything surrounding the program? 

Fair enough -- it's great to be cutting edge and to have leaders with effective foresight. That is a fantastic mindset for success.

Now let me flip the question. The current top five teams in college basketball are Purdoo, UConn, Houston, Arizona, and Kansas. Purdoo has the worst NIL and media program imaginable, and I cannot imagine that Houston has much going on. UConn  isn't notable either. Kansas and Arizona are big names, but I'm not sure what their Adidas advantage over IU is.

What do they have in common? Great coaches that are established and instill a culture of basketball toughness, both mentally and physically.

[southernindianahoosier2 1,056]

2 minutes ago, Hoosierfan2017 said:

We were the (self-proclaimed) leader in NIL for a few days last year. 

We were a LEADER in the student athletes bill of rights…. Which no one followed lol..

 

side note I do actually love the part that we guarantee scholarships to get an education if the sports thing don’t work out for someone. But also - does that provide a bad incentive that student athletes don’t work as hard as they need? Idk 

[southernindianahoosier2 1,056]

1 minute ago, Stuhoo said:

Fair enough -- it's great to be cutting edge and to have leaders with effective foresight. That is a fantastic mindset for success.

Now let me flip the question. The current top five teams in college basketball are Purdoo, UConn, Houston, Arizona, and Kansas. Purdoo has the worst NIL and media program imaginable, and I cannot imagine that Houston has much going on. UConn  isn't notable either. Kansas and Arizona are big names, but I'm not sure what their Adidas advantage over IU is.

What do they have in common? Great coaches that are established and instill a culture of basketball toughness, both mentally and physically.

I think the issue is we can’t attract a top coach because there’s no foundation established by the admin.

The coach shouldn’t have to worry about things like the shop or game day experience.

[Dave from Dayton 4,075]

Indiana is one NC Championship banner away from being elite again.

When IU's team and coaches win multiple tough games in a row and give a constant refuse to lose attitude, then IU might be considered among the elite.

When IU shows an offense that can consistently beat other teams showing varying defenses like zones and rebounding edge, then IU might be considered among the elite.

It would really be nice to have a couple of ball handlers that could play PG at an elite level.

I could go on...about shooting, defense, taking advantage of matchups, high basketball IQs....

 

[Loaded Chicken Sandwich 9,313]

20 minutes ago, Stuhoo said:

Fair enough -- it's great to be cutting edge and to have leaders with effective foresight. That is a fantastic mindset for success.

Now let me flip the question. The current top five teams in college basketball are Purdoo, UConn, Houston, Arizona, and Kansas. Purdoo has the worst NIL and media program imaginable, and I cannot imagine that Houston has much going on. UConn  isn't notable either. Kansas and Arizona are big names, but I'm not sure what their Adidas advantage over IU is.

What do they have in common? Great coaches that are established and instill a culture of basketball toughness, both mentally and physically.

Purdue also has a Bigfoot. Teen Wolf and Air Bud both proved that fury and/or mythical beast make basketball teams great. 

[JSHoosier 22,240]

28 minutes ago, Hoosierfan2017 said:

We were the (self-proclaimed) leader in NIL for a few days last year. 

It lasted that long?  Seems like we proclaimed ourselves the leaders then got lapped a few hours later.

[Loaded Chicken Sandwich 9,313]

1 hour ago, Golfman25 said:

I think this is an important point that is completely overlooked by the Uniform/swag/gameday side show.  And I think that Woody's idea of seemingly playing an "NBA style" offense if successful in the Big 10 might help change that as others will copy.  One can hope, right?  

The Big Ten is doing everything in their power to not allow that to happen. 

[reconmkd 4,750]

59 minutes ago, HoosierAloha said:

It’s okay guys, don’t fret, we’re further behind being elite because we knew this team wouldn’t be competing with the top of college basketball.

Interesting take


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Not really an interesting take, nor an excuse for the 3 losses, just one based in the reality that we brought back a majority of a team that barely made it into the Tourney last season. A team that was really one dimensional on offense, plugged in 2 great freshman and are expected to automatically contend with the top teams. I bleed IU basketball, been a fan for a long time, but I also try to remain rational. Yes, we got our a$$3$ handed to us by 2 of the top teams in the country and at butgers.  I really wasn't expecting us to go on the road (something certain players have struggled with for years now) and beat Kansas. I only expect to improve on last season and things have improved in some areas, except we still have a glass jaw when playing outside of Assembly Hall and sometimes while we are there too.

Are we close to elite, probably, I mean we are still a top 25 team, we have national exposure, many high ranking recruits with some interest, a seemingly solid NIL program running (not quite sure how to evaluate just yet). Things I am looking for as the season progresses: More wins outside of AH, shaking the deer in the headlights games, TJD to make a d@mn jump shot, no more flat starts, 40 mins of fundamental basketball each game, stop over helping on defense, increase off the ball movement, consistency ... all things this team can improve on and get them closer to that elite status.

[IU Scott 2,375]

3 hours ago, monskisprodigy said:

Not trying to be cheeky. But by this comment, do you agree then that IU should do the things that Elite level recruits want, to attract them here, to improve our roster and have a team that can knock down those 3 balls? If the talent level we currently have on our roster isn't getting it done, what can we do to bring in better talent? 

I think that is the point people are trying to make...It is basic recruiting at any level in, any industry...You do everything you can to recruit elite talent and ensure you are competing with or exceeding your competition. If they are doing something that is allowing them to be more attractive, you better darn sure jump on the wagon. 

And what our uniforms look like doesn't have anything to do with getting top recruits.  If it does then that tells me a lot about the mentality of today's players.  If they care more about how they look than how they play then that might be a reason why college basketball is in decline.

[IU Scott 2,375]

2 hours ago, southernindianahoosier2 said:

I think I should change the topic from “how far is Indiana away from being an elite program” to “how out of touch with reality is the older fan base with what’s required to be elite”….  Can anyone in here name one thing where Indiana was the market leader in innovation, execution for anything surrounding the program? 

Just wait until us old fans are gone or leave due to the product we see.  After us who have been fans all of our lives you will see a decline in interest in IU.  It seems today the attention span is less than it use to and more things to do it will hurt IU.  Also if your team don't win right away today's fans turn their back and find something else to do.

[Rico 3,587]

3 hours ago, monskisprodigy said:

I hear you, but with NIL, Social Media, etc....I just don't think its that simple anymore. The other stuff matters more now than it ever has. The landscape of major college sports has changed and is continuing to change. You can dig your heels in and get left behind, or adapt. 

Fair enough.

A lot of what you say is really out of my realm because I am old.  I am also wise enough to let the younger generation make their marks.  I have been known on occasion to ask my 31 year-old son for help with my smartphone.  lol

[southernindianahoosier2 1,056]

Interesting… seems like IU cutting corners again. But at least trying 

[monskisprodigy 2,310]

55 minutes ago, IU Scott said:

And what our uniforms look like doesn't have anything to do with getting top recruits.  If it does then that tells me a lot about the mentality of today's players.  If they care more about how they look than how they play then that might be a reason why college basketball is in decline.

People seem to be focusing on just jerseys...but again, I also don't think this is 100% true. The overall gear, which includes uniforms, are one of the many small things that provide additional tools in helping recruit elite recruits. If you think they don't care what the uniforms, gear and overall swag looks like, we probably won't ever agree there, which is totally fine. 

Again, I am in no way arguing jerseys help 'win' games. But I think all of the small stuff does help attract the recruits we need which will then help us win games...And to be clear, I have admitted a couple times that I'm not sure how far we are off, truly. But I also want to turn every stone over to help Woody land the top recruits we are recruiting and getting to visit. 

To say something positive...I would note that I think social media is important to these kids and a tool they are utilizing constantly...IU Men's basketball Social Media Presence I think has drastically improved over the last couple years. I think there is still room to grow, but I am happy with some of the steps they have taken to increase and modernize posts. I'd like to even see more behind the scenes, player interviews, practice clips, highlighting facilities/resources, etc. 

[IU Scott 2,375]

12 minutes ago, monskisprodigy said:

People seem to be focusing on just jerseys...but again, I also don't think this is 100% true. The overall gear, which includes uniforms, are one of the many small things that provide additional tools in helping recruit elite recruits. If you think they don't care what the uniforms, gear and overall swag looks like, we probably won't ever agree there, which is totally fine. 

Again, I am in no way arguing jerseys help 'win' games. But I think all of the small stuff does help attract the recruits we need which will then help us win games...And to be clear, I have admitted a couple times that I'm not sure how far we are off, truly. But I also want to turn every stone over to help Woody land the top recruits we are recruiting and getting to visit. 

To say something positive...I would note that I think social media is important to these kids and a tool they are utilizing constantly...IU Men's basketball Social Media Presence I think has drastically improved over the last couple years. I think there is still room to grow, but I am happy with some of the steps they have taken to increase and modernize posts. I'd like to even see more behind the scenes, player interviews, practice clips, highlighting facilities/resources, etc. 

I have plenty of IU apparel and think they are very nice. I have two shirts that probably is that 1/4 zip the kid was talking about and they are really nice.

[Loaded Chicken Sandwich 9,313]

1 hour ago, IU Scott said:

I have plenty of IU apparel and think they are very nice. I have two shirts that probably is that 1/4 zip the kid was talking about and they are really nice.

So when are you signing your LOI?

[rcbowla 8,281]

Interesting… seems like IU cutting corners again. But at least trying 

I wouldn't mind seeing things worn on occasion. I like the all white. I'm 40 so kind of old but not really. I believe changing up unis isn't a bad idea but I also don't think it's going to change the product on the court. I will say if we went to something like this then in later years when we wear the throwbacks that nostalgia would have more of an impact imo.

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[JSHoosier 22,240]

2 hours ago, southernindianahoosier2 said:

Interesting… seems like IU cutting corners again. But at least trying 

Not going to lie, I like those jerseys. Simple and clean.

[IU Scott 2,375]

1 hour ago, Loaded Chicken Sandwich said:

So when are you signing your LOI?

Holding out for more NIL money. From the looks of it our football team might need some players with tomorrow being signing day

[TheWatShot 15,565]

4 hours ago, IU Scott said:

And what our uniforms look like doesn't have anything to do with getting top recruits.  If it does then that tells me a lot about the mentality of today's players.  If they care more about how they look than how they play then that might be a reason why college basketball is in decline.

Why do these discussions always lead to "either/or" scenarios? What about players who want to play their best AND look their best?