My Boy Yogi

[HoosierTrav 8,086]

The difference in the talent between those two is pretty large. Which one is he?

 The talent gap between the two guys is pretty large? I disagree. They are basically the same exact player. I haven't looked at either guys statistics this season, but they have always been almost mirror images of each other statistically from college into the pros.

 

To answer your question: 

Yogi is more like Felton when it comes to perimeter shooting and very similar to Lawson in that he's very strong but not quite able to post other guards. His speed and quickness is on Ty Lawson's level and Yogi is naturally a more gifted facilitator than both Felton and Lawson. Defensively he's just like both Felton and Lawson. EXTREMELY underrated defensively.

[jonz44 814]

^ 1 hundy... what does yogi have left to show the nba? His a:to ratio is outstanding, near 90% free throw shooter, basically unconscious from deep, can take almost anyone to the rack with his burst and strength.. All he can do is start shooting 60% from 3 on the season. Yall saying yogi has no chance at the NBA after this year are not watching the games, don't understand the game or just want him back next year for selfish reasons.. I'm totally okay with the last reason, I get it..

I'll be honest. I wanna see him come back for selfish reasons. He's really damn good and I enjoy watching him! Lol

[hoosierpap 14,300]

Also funny (or maybe not) that the Blackmon 1 n Done talk is gone. I'm worried about Troy leaving as much as I am Yogi though. Both are playing very well. I'm enjoying this season and think this off season could be incredibly interesting. I am begging to get Troy, Yogi, and Blackmon back but will settle for 2 of the 3.

Blackmon is almost a lock to be back, or that's the word. IU was strong as any with Iverson but didn't offer bc that is where it was coming from.

[BGleas 8,328]

I don't understand those saying Yogi's draft stock could only go down next year? I'm not saying it's probable, but if Yogi came back, along with Troy, JBJ and the core of this team, and Yogi led them on a Shabazz Napier/UConn type run, he could get into the first round. I don't think we'd need to even necessarily win the title, but just have a great season (highly ranked/Big Ten title contender) and make a run (Elite 8 or Final Four) and he could get in there.

It only takes one team to fall in love with you.

[biteoftheapple 4,115]

Currently Yogi is #41 on draft express ranks. JBJ is 43. At those rankings, it is hard to declare for the draft.

[schoosier 3,630]

Totally agree that if we somehow make a run to elite 8 and Yogi is a dominant player throughout that run he can solidify his draft stock as a first rounder and in that case yes he probably should go.  But if it looks at all like he is going to be in second round or undrafted (which is where it stands now) then he should stay.  The extra year will not be a deal breaker for NBA teams if they like his skillset.
 
I disagree completely that the only place his stock can go is down.  All you need to look at it is Shabazz Napier for evidence.

Crean couldn't take the consensus #1 team in 2012 to the elite 8. Just curious how you think we could somehow make it this year? Its not a knock, but what are you basing this on?

[AKHoosier 7,347]

Yogi would probably be the best PG in college basketball next year, and if everyone comes back, we should be a top 25 team all year.

[Uspshoosier 50,704]

Crean couldn't take the consensus #1 team in 2012 to the elite 8. Just curious how you think we could somehow make it this year? Its not a knock, but what are you basing this on?

consensus #1? Louisville was the number#1 overall seed in 2012 and kansas was the 2nd number 1 seed. The committee set up that March bracket with us the 3rd best team entering the tourney I wouldn't say that was concensus
Any team can get hot in March and make a run
Did u pick uconn last year to win it all? I know I didn't but people said they would be dangerous because of guard play

[Stuhoo 85,601]

I'm being a devil's advocate here, but what more could Yogi possibly show in his senior year that would prove to the folks in the NBA that he is ready?  He's exceptionally strong for his size, his shot is NBA ready, he is a great passer, he is a great ball handler, he doesn't turn the ball over, his shot selection has improved, he has become a proven leader, and he has shown a great sense for the moment and when to turn it on offensively.  Unless he is expecting a growth spurt, it's going to be hard for Yogi to raise his NBA stock at this point, but an injury, off the court issue, or statistical regression could really hurt it.

 

I really want Yogi to stay, but I completely understand the rationale for him leaving.

 

 

A few recent examples from the B1G of guys who had "no more to show" at the college level, left early and to just go undrafted or drafted in 2nd round:

 

LaQuinton Ross (undrafted, now in Europe)

Deshaun Thomas (drafted 58th overall, now in Europe)

Glenn Robinson III (drafted 40th overall, sits bench for the T-Wolves, hasn't played more than 1 minute since 1/26, has only played over 10 minutes once the entire season)

 

I just don't see Yogi viewing this as something he would want enough to forego something special next year.  He can be National Player of the Year, All-American, set the IU school assists record and lead the fastest offense in the country.  Why give that up to go to Europe or ride the pine in the NBA?

 

 

And there you have the two sides of the decision/the two ends of the spectrum for Yogi and his family.

 

Interesting to me that our friend Doc Libby 'liked' both of these posts.

[TheStillman 991]

Crean couldn't take the consensus #1 team in 2012 to the elite 8. Just curious how you think we could somehow make it this year? Its not a knock, but what are you basing this on?

It's the tournament. Matchups matter and anything can happen. Look at some of the current bracket draws for this year and tell me you can see in some of them IU pulling off 3-4 wins. Anything is possible in March

[jonz44 814]

Chances are he will go in the second round, but if he stays another year, he won't get drafted at all. Age is a huge thing in the NBA Draft and him being 1 year older can be the difference in being drafted or playing in Europe.

If he continues playing like he has been he's gonna get drafted.

Not saying I think he should leave. On the contrary I'd much rather see him stay. He's playing the best point guard I've seen at IU in a long time.

He seems much more confident and knowledgeable in his role this year. Just has a different aura to him. He knows he can hang with pretty much anyone he has to go against and is probably better than 99% of them.

It's fun to watch somebody who is really good and they know they're really good.

[schoosier 3,630]

consensus #1? Louisville was the number#1 overall seed in 2012 and kansas was the 2nd number 1 seed. The committee set up that March bracket with us the 3rd best team entering the tourney I wouldn't say that was concensus
Any team can get hot in March and make a run
Did u pick uconn last year to win it all? I know I didn't but people said they would be dangerous because of guard play

If I remeber correctly we were ranked #1 most of the year, so I won't debate semantics when you're talking about tournament seeding. The fact was that team underachieved come tournament time (Big and Ncaa), and what gives anyone confidence to say Crean will take this years team to the final 8 when he couldn't the 2012 team? How many times in his career has he been to the final 8?

[BGleas 8,328]

I think we're capable of an Elite 8 run, but I'd also be pretty shocked if it actually happens. It's certainly not probable or anything I would predict. 

 

With that said, how far this team goes is irrelevant compared to what happened in 2012. The two teams and scenarios are completely unrelated. We may get favorable matchups this year, and our shooters may get blazing hot. In a 1 and done tournament anything can happen, especially with the way we can shoot the ball. 

 

If I remeber correctly we were ranked #1 most of the year, so I won't debate semantics when you're talking about tournament seeding. The fact was that team underachieved come tournament time (Big and Ncaa), and what gives anyone confidence to say Crean will take this years team to the final 8 when he couldn't the 2012 team? How many times in his career has he been to the final 8?

[Josh 12,927]

If I remeber correctly we were ranked #1 most of the year, so I won't debate semantics when you're talking about tournament seeding. The fact was that team underachieved come tournament time (Big and Ncaa), and what gives anyone confidence to say Crean will take this years team to the final 8 when he couldn't the 2012 team? How many times in his career has he been to the final 8?

 

Every year players change.  Matchup change.  Tournament upsets happen.  Crean's changed coaching philosophies.

 

The only thing that doesn't ever change is your broken record postings.  Not everybody is as jaded and pessimistic as you.  It can happen

[coonhounds 10,103]

Every year players change. Matchup change. Tournament upsets happen. Crean's changed coaching philosophies.

The only thing that doesn't ever change is your broken record postings. Not everybody is as jaded and pessimistic as you. It can happen

it can happen but with this team we had a better shot at the last power ball jackpot! We have no size and dont play consistantly good enough ball to make a run if we get in.

[Josh 12,927]

it can happen but with this team we had a better shot at the last power ball jackpot! We have no size and dont play consistantly good enough ball to make a run if we get in.

 

Just like last year's champions.

 

I'm not predicting or even expecting it.  But to completely dismiss a possible tournament run is too close minded for me.

[TheStillman 991]

It is all about matchups.  Yes we do not have much size but in Lunardi's most recent bracket IU is an 8 seed in a bracket with San Diego State as the 9, Gonzaga at 1, Wichita at 4 and Oklahoma State at 5.  None of those teams would overwhelm us with size outside of Gonzaga but we also have a PG who can matchup with Pangos.  We definitely have a chance against them.

 

Let's see where we end up before dismissing any chance at a run.  I know some on here dismissed this team in August and with 6 games left continue to try to do so.  Well the rest of us are excited that we're in the tournament and have optimism for a run.  Join the party.

[jonz44 814]

Just like last year's champions.

I'm not predicting or even expecting it. But to completely dismiss a possible tournament run is too close minded for me.

well actually...UCONN had quite a bit more size than we do. Js

[coonhounds 10,103]

Just like last year's champions.

I'm not predicting or even expecting it. But to completely dismiss a possible tournament run is too close minded for me.

we both agree we are just wording different. I agree 100% there is a chance but the on court play will have to improve and play with intensity game in and game out. We dont do that now. Ask me in four games and I may say yes we are playing good and we have a chance but I also might say we are weak and might not even make the tourney. We have a tough road ahead purdue is playing great ball if we win that I will feel better.

[Uspshoosier 50,704]

If I remeber correctly we were ranked #1 most of the year, so I won't debate semantics when you're talking about tournament seeding. The fact was that team underachieved come tournament time (Big and Ncaa), and what gives anyone confidence to say Crean will take this years team to the final 8 when he couldn't the 2012 team? How many times in his career has he been to the final 8?

lots of teams "underachieve" In March it happens every year, that year it happened to a team we r both invested in. I'm sure duke fans thought they underachieved losing to us in 2002 and the list could go on.
the reason it stings with us more is that this was our first real shot at a final 4 in a while and we came up short don't pretend it doesn't happen to other programs. I have confidence in the team to get hot at the right time and have a little luck go there way anything can happen in March ( george mason, vcu)