On Yogi’s Recruitment and the Impact of Social Media (Plus a Message to the Naysayers)

[DocLibby 761]

 

Yogi’s 5th grade AAU picture

I decided to give this blog post to the fans. I gave the readers an opportunity to ask me some questions this time around.

 

Question: What was Yogi’s recruitment like? (via @MisterFindley)

As many of you know, recruiting started fairly early in the Ferrell household.

 

Once the article placing Yogi at the top of the fifth grade hoopers list was released, things became a bit different.

 

No, the colleges did not start calling and setting up unofficial visits, but the AAU games became a bit more crowded. He was recruited at that time … by other AAU teams.

 

A mini-recruiting frenzy you could say. Some good. Some bad.

 

Yogi definitely had a target on his back. It was good to see things die down after he was removed from the AAU circuit. He took time to be a kid and interact more with his siblings.

 

Serious inquires from colleges started late in middle school. It started with a letter or two, mainly showing the beauty of some of the campuses.

 

There were some incognito visits by assistant college coaches hidden deep in crowds full of fans (yup, I saw you).

 

Or, a friend of a friend who knows somebody… who knows somebody … who coaches at a particular university. (But no, no rules were broken, so don’t go calling up the NCAA regulations board.)

 

As the years passed, the interest grew. I had to sift through mail that was no longer my own. This was Yogi’s mailbox now. I think I opened more mail than he did.

 

It was exciting to see the interest from pretty much every Big Ten school. Florida was definitely high on the interest list as well.

 

We heard from schools as far away as University of Seattle (I think I may have “accidentally” misplaced those letters) and as close as Butler. I can’t say that any one school was overzealous or pushy.

 

Nevertheless, it was some relief that Yogi verbally committed to Indiana at the beginning of his junior year at Park Tudor. Some recruiters said “It ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings,” and this of course meant that the calls did not completely stop until he signed his letter of intent to play at IU.

 

Recruiters obviously have been able to sway some individuals or families into reconsidering their college, but Yogi never second guessed it. He wanted to play with Cody Zeller, his AAU and Adidas teammate. Yes, Cody helped to sway his decision.

 

As they say, the rest is history.

 

Question: How does social media impact teams, players, and families? (via @Brock_Iseminger)

Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (among others) are giving people a whole new sense of bravery, believing it allows them to utter every positive or negative thought they have about Indiana Basketball and its players.

 

 

That old saying of “If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say it at all” has gone out the window.

Despite the fact that we love Yogi so much, it does not stop the opposition from digging in when they can. I’ve read everything from “How could anyone name their kid Yogi?” to “Why won’t he get a haircut?” and “What a ball hog!” and “He is so overrated!”

 

Then some things even get down right personal and racially motivated.

 

Yogi is heavy into social media, as most young adults are, but he is not at all influenced by the negative words. Fortunately, I have a young man who doesn’t let too many things or people get to him.

 

He is truly a down to earth kid. He is genuine.

 

When it comes to his game, he is harder on himself than any one person or negative comment could ever be. He understands that he is only as good as his last game.

 

Anti-fans will use the veil of social media to unload their frustrations no matter who it hurts. Coaches understand this. They have even gone as far a banning players from interacting online in any capacity.

 

We all know the recent story of Iowa coach Fran McCaffery, who demanded his team shut down their Twitter accounts until the end of the season after a fan and a player did some mud-slinging.

 

Of course, I don’t get the same attention Yogi does, but if you’re messing with him, you’re messing with me … and I’ve done my share of using Twitter to lash out. It’s easy to get emotional, and I have fallen victim to it.

 

Some may remember the one-way exchange I had with Jeff Rabjohns when he leaked the story of where Yogi would be attending college. Jeff and I are friends now (so don’t try to start anything), but I was guilty of inappropriately unloading on Twitter because it was an easy outlet.

 

It felt good at the time (really good actually), but it was probably an exchange that I should have been handled with a bit more tact.

 

And a few words on the game in Madison (plus a message to the naysayers)

I lulled myself into a false sense of security by halftime on Tuesday night during the IU-Wisconsin game.

Perhaps I was still nibbling on the success we had at Northwestern.

 

We played well for 20 minutes against Wisconsin. Actually, we played well for 40 minutes, but we failed to adjust our defense after they changed their offense. It was like listening to “The Song That Never Ends.” Or in our case “The Game That Never Ends.”

 

The season drags on. This loop, sports fans, is on repeat. The second half has become our enemy. My signature is on the imaginary petition for no halftimes that was started by Assembly Call’s Andy Bottoms.

It’s so hard to look away, and on some nights it is difficult to watch the games. However, I will continue to support this team, like a faithful fan should.

 

Sure, it’s easier for me because I have a son who shines, but I challenge you to hang in there for better days. Adopt Yogi if you must.

 

I fear the crowd is getting restless though.

 

I am beginning to feel like Will Smith in the movie “I Am Legend” as the ravaging fans come out as the night falls on this very talented team. I am searching for the few folks who haven’t had the life sucked out of them.

 

Naysayers, please spare the true fans your commentary. Say something nice or don’t say it at all.

 

 

[url=http://doclibby.net/2014/02/27/recruiting-social-media-naysayers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=recruiting-social-media-naysayers]View the full article[/url]

[Hwy 1 2,053]

Oh those last few sentences... :)

[HoosierAloha 30,102]

I absolutely love reading these blogs. It gives great insight into what the parent of a D1 athlete is feeling.

As far as this team, win or lose court time is very important. The pieces are there for this team to be very good next year if they just "click." For selfish fandom reasons I hope all returning players spend the summer locked in Cook Hall getting shots up and fundamental drills completed with precision. However, as part of a team that had to be extremely tight, I know that individual and team growth can happen off the practice floor too. Here's to hoping the team gets even closer over the summer.

Thanks for the post doc!


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[Geometry Hoosier 1,218]

Enjoyed the post Doc. We are very fortunate Yogi chose IU. Make sure you keep all of Yogi's recruitment letters. I just looked at some of mine from 22 yrs ago. It sure brought back some neat memories.


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[Josh 13,229]

Excellent post.  I enjoyed reading this very much.   :)

[iufaninand 1]

DocLibby,  I appreciate your posts and I can't imagine the highs and lows of having a son play basketball at a great institution like IU.  I'm sure that one of the reasons that Yogi chose IU was due ot the fact he understood, that with success, he will be remembered forever in the lore of IU Basketball.  The other side of that is true, but I'm sure that a competitior like Yogi doesn't even consider the negative.  I think we as fans are so passionate for this team that we live and die with each game just like you do.  I'm sure that our perspective is not always the most rational, but we are fans.  Your son seems like a great kid.  I hope that he is and remains as proud to wear the candy stripes as we are to have him in them.  Our team would be in REAL trouble if he was not leading it.  Here's to a couple more years of Yogi at the helm :)

[mdn82 26,344]

Not much I can say about that, but wow..  Thanks for that!

[schoosier 3,740]

Doc, thanks for answering my question relating to his announcement being spoiled. Your mention of his emotions shown on his expressions has really made me pay attention to those now. I could tell he was injured on the play he went out of bounds the other game. I hope he is doing well and tell him all alumni and fans of Indiana University thank him for his dedication and hard work. We all want him and the team to do well.

[WayneFleekHoosier 51,351]

Best post I have read on a messageboard, period........ Extra periods for emphasis.

I can fully imagine the stresses Yogi faces, and I think he does it with Poise. Here's to hoping we can put it all together next season and contend.

Interesting comment about our defense not adjusting in 2nd half. We clearly went "deer in headlights" when they started hitting shots. We need our players to be "hate to lose" players like Yogi. I am afraid a lot of our guys are not that way.

[HoosierAloha 30,102]

[quote name="WayneHoosier" post="42363" timestamp="1393526144"]Best post I have read on a messageboard, period........ Extra periods for emphasis.

I can fully imagine the stresses Yogi faces, and I think he does it with Poise. Here's to hoping we can put it all together next season and contend.

Interesting comment about our defense not adjusting in 2nd half. We clearly went "deer in headlights" when they started hitting shots. We need our players to be "hate to lose" players like Yogi. I am afraid a lot of our guys are not that way.[/quote]

This....

I think this is a big reason for some of our second half collapses this year. I believe it comes with experience and maturity. The team is getting that experience and what happens in the offseason will determine how this team competes next season. If Stan Rob, Williams, and Vonleh can develop that killer instinct I can see IU competing for championships next season. Always good to be a Hoosier but I truly love watching individuals grow and the whole become greater than the sum of the parts.


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[Mogwai Tolbert 3]

Being an IU Fan is a solid commitment. It yells from the rooftops that we are NOT fair weather fans, friends, or parents. We are and always will be the greatest FANS in Indiana!

Having a commitment speaks volumes to our character intended  to inspire greatness. We have important roles as Dedicated & Committed Fans. It helps shape the lives of young men (and women). It helps build and shape a belief they have in themselves including the belief they have in their teammates and coach. Everything works together!

Sound too profound? Let me make some PROFOUND SOUND for you fair-weather fans:

<stomp with rhythm>  Dedication,

<stomp with rhythm> Commitment, 

<stomp with rhythm> Perseverance.

                                             D.C.P. ! 

It should never be taken lightly!  Win or Lose,  WE ARE Loyal IU Basketball Fans!

 

"100 Loyal Fans have More Power than 1000 Fair-weather Fans. D.C.P.!!!!! " (me)

[HoosierRob 1,042]

Still hanging in with you doc

[kaylarened 57]

I cannot tell you how much I enjoy reading your posts. LOVE IT.


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[Dalton26 17,208]

So if you say something negative about the team you aren't a true fan? That's hilarious. I'd say being realistic vs always saying the team is just fine makes you more of a "true fan" because you're willing to be honest. Good article but that last bit was way off point in my opinion.


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[Hovadipo 61,427]

I love the I Am Legend analogy, Doc. One of my favorite movies ever.


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[Hwy 1 2,053]

So if you say something negative about the team you aren't a true fan? That's hilarious. I'd say being realistic vs always saying the team is just fine makes you more of a "true fan" because you're willing to be honest. Good article but that last bit was way off point in my opinion.


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Why is it that guys who spend  much of their posting efforts in criticizing anything and everything they can dream up the first to get upset when someone criticizes their constant and often overboard criticizing? Seems like they should be able to take a little criticism back to me. I'm confused.

[JSHoosier 22,210]

Why is it that guys who spend  much of their posting efforts in criticizing anything and everything they can dream up the first to get upset when someone criticizes their constant and often overboard criticizing? Seems like they should be able to take a little criticism back to me. I'm confused.

People act like the critics don't support the program, and it's not true in any sense.  There is a big difference between supporting the program and pretending everything is roses and rainbows.  I'm critical because I want the program to do well, and the things I'm critical of have cost the team wins in the past and will cost the team wins in the future if they aren't fixed.

[Hwy 1 2,053]

People act like the critics don't support the program, and it's not true in any sense.  There is a big difference between supporting the program and pretending everything is roses and rainbows.  I'm critical because I want the program to do well, and the things I'm critical of have cost the team wins in the past and will cost the team wins in the future if they aren't fixed.

 

 

 

Please tell me just how much good all your criticizing has done? All I can see is it makes the forum a miserable place to visit for those who don't think constant criticism is a wonderful thing.

[Dalton26 17,208]

[quote name="Hwy 1" post="42439" timestamp="1393549246"]Why is it that guys who spend much of their posting efforts in criticizing anything and everything they can dream up the first to get upset when someone criticizes their constant and often overboard criticizing? Seems like they should be able to take a little criticism back to me. I'm confused.[/quote]

I'm realistic. I call it like I see it. Oddly as much as you hate the negativity you complain about it even more. You complaining about it to the extent you do is much worse. If you don't like people being realistic don't read it. I've never in my life seen someone that acts like such a baby over peoples views of the team like you do. Grow up and join the real world. Not everyone is going to post the way you want them to. I'll criticize or applaud the team when I see it's warranted.


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[JSHoosier 22,210]

Please tell me just how much good all your criticizing has done? All I can see is it makes the forum a miserable place to visit for those who don't think constant criticism is a wonderful thing.

It's just a message board.  Sticking your head in the sand and pretending everything is fine doesn't do any good either.  This place is for discussion, and that's what we're all doing.  It'd be an awfully boring place if everyone just wanted to see rainbows.