T. Crean's '15-'16 Talent Pool One Of IU's Best, Ever.

[JSHoosier 20,213]

I think stars are the most useless thing from recruiting services

Only to an extent.  Ranking isn't a science and it's impossible to see every player enough times to get it completely accurate, so there will occasionally be a 3* that blows up like Vic.  However, usually they're a pretty good gauge.

[KelleyHoosh 2,263]

Right. I just think its kinda dumb to write off our bench since it "only has three stars." They can still be a talented group that contributes

[mdn82 25,510]

On stars I am of the opinion you have to have some 5* to win. History proves that. Beyond those stars you have to surround those stars with respective quality role players. Typically those are niche 4*. There are outliers like Vic but the Dukes of the world have used this formula successfully for years. Whether you underperform in the tournament is irrelevant for this discussion. This mold of a team consistently gives you a better chance. That is a start.

[HoosierHoops1 5,024]

I agree. The tournament performance is obviously yet to be seen, but this team is positioned as the kind that can make a deep run.

 

1. 3 5-star and possibly 2 4-star starters

2. A 5-star big man

3. An experienced Senior 5-star Point guard.

4. 2 experienced Senior grad transfers.

5. Competent back-ups at every position.

6. Decent athleticism.

7. Strong guard play.

8. 4 returning starters and one sometimes starter returning.

9. The ability to shoot the ball.

10. Decent overall from the stripe. 75%+ overall for returnees

 

If we can up the defense a fair amount, we'll have a chance for a special season.

[WayneFleekHoosier 48,370]

This ^^^^^

If it weren't for Creans track record, us fans and the media would be going nuts over our roster.

[HoosierHoops1 5,024]

This ^^^^^

If it weren't for Creans track record, us fans and the media would be going nuts over our roster.

That's true.

 

At least we know he can be carried to a final four

[jmsgws 2,181]

That's true.

 

At least we know he can be carried to a final four

He must have put on a lot of weight then, because I don't see him being carried to a final four anytime soon.

[HoosierHoops1 5,024]

I'd rather him coach his way there myself, but as long as we don't cheat, I'll take a final 4, push or pull.

[Bobman1 2,909]

I agree. The tournament performance is obviously yet to be seen, but this team is positioned as the kind that can make a deep run.

1. 3 5-star and possibly 2 4-star starters
2. A 5-star big man
3. An experienced Senior 5-star Point guard.
4. 2 experienced Senior grad transfers.
5. Competent back-ups at every position.
6. Decent athleticism.
7. Strong guard play.
8. 4 returning starters and one sometimes starter returning.
9. The ability to shoot the ball.
10. Decent overall from the stripe. 75%+ overall for returnees

If we can up the defense a fair amount, we'll have a chance for a special season.

All the components for a Nat'l Championship, just a matter of your last part.

[OliviaPope40 6,517]

I agree. The tournament performance is obviously yet to be seen, but this team is positioned as the kind that can make a deep run.

 

1. 3 5-star and possibly 2 4-star starters

2. A 5-star big man

3. An experienced Senior 5-star Point guard.

4. 2 experienced Senior grad transfers.

5. Competent back-ups at every position.

6. Decent athleticism.

7. Strong guard play.

8. 4 returning starters and one sometimes starter returning.

9. The ability to shoot the ball.

10. Decent overall from the stripe. 75%+ overall for returnees

 

If we can up the defense a fair amount, we'll have a chance for a special season.

I feel like we had this at one point take me back to 12-13.

[rebelhoosier848891 9,588]

Stars are important but only part of the equation---ask Wisconsin if "stars" make or break you. We've seen our share of high star players who have been busts. No denying they matter and they help-- but a program also has to get the glue guys and the players who are the right fit for the system----and then there's player development.  I'll take a Zeisloft any day of the week---and I think Max will be in that same category. Regardless of "stars"---this IU team has enough talent to make a serious push for the title.  Should be a fun season.

[jdailey1981 155]

Don't forget also, that many of the players from the 2012/13 team are still very active with the program and get involved on many levels. Vic and Cody are examples, and even Watford has been seen quite a bit lately.

[recker222000 1,010]

This may end up going down as the best team in iu history. Mr Bryant is that good!

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[WayneFleekHoosier 48,370]

This may end up going down as the best team in iu history. Mr Bryant is that good!

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easy to say in the off season, but I've heard this from several people i trust. Really excited to see this team. Unfortunately the BIG is stacked this year.

[recker222000 1,010]

I expect a final four!

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[JSHoosier 20,213]

This may end up going down as the best team in iu history. Mr Bryant is that good!

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You may want to slow down a bit there, one of those teams went undefeated.  Plus we had issues this past season that Bryant alone won't solve.

[recker222000 1,010]

Maybe but its going to be a big year! 30 wins possible.

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[ThompsonHoosier 3,414]

I've had high expectations before just to see us lose to some teams we shouldn't (i.e. Northwestern) so I'm not getting my hopes up. I would rather be pleasantly surprised than get my dreams shattered.

[JSHoosier 20,213]

Maybe but its going to be a big year! 30 wins possible.

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You've got a lot more faith than I do.  There's two key areas where I don't think we'll improve or improve enough for that to happen.

[Dalton26 16,892]

I'll believe it when I see it. I want to see us back up the hype.