DISQUS

HoosierKingdom · 1 year ago

This is great for IU. Coach Tom Crean and his staff are doing a great job targeting these high major, high character players. Some other recruiting tidbits, Josh Smith, possibly the top post player in the class of 2010, has interest in IU, although it may be hard to get him out of the west. Derrick Favors, perhaps the top post player in the class of 2009, has mentioned IU with the list of schools that has interest, although it may be hard to get him out of the south. While IU won't be very good this upcoming season and perhaps even next season, it's very apparent that it's not going to take as long for Crean to rebuild IU as some might think. While there may be a logjam in the back court for the next couple of years, it's good to see that the coaching staff is making an effort to target post players, which has been one of IU's weak spots for the past decade or longer. As for next year, some of the top targets include Derrick Favors, Roger Franklin, Christian Watford, Dante Taylor, Stephan Van Tresse, Shawn Kemp Jr., Jamil Wilson, etc. Even with everything that has happened this year, i'm still looking forward to this year and will be at many of the games (especially the game against UK at Rupp Arena, and i will be decked out in the cream and crimson with my face painted, lol). I believe this years team will surprise, as there are a lot of good to great shooters on the team (Dumes, Roth, Williams, Story).

HoosierKingdom · 1 year ago

I've seen Watford and Franklin play and i'm impressed with both, although i'd take Franklin over Watford in a heartbeat because of his work ethic, character, toughness and last but not least, his talent. With that being said, one player i have not seen is surprisingly Stephen Van Tresse. What are his strengths and weaknesses, what kind of impact could he make and does he have any upside or is he more of a role player like Capobianco and Pritchard.

Hoosiergirl · 1 year ago

Sweet! Sic 'em Crean

HoosierSmitty · 1 year ago

This is the hardest thing about growing up and getting more involved in recruiting than I ever was as a kid. I get all excited about players like this and then eventually deflated when they choose to go elsewhere. Not that this kid won't come to IU, but the chips are stacked against us, it appears. Hopefully it works out, as Crean has already shown he can pull off some minor miracles.

Regardless, I still love to hear about these guys, and if it weren't for ITH's great coverage, I wouldn't even have the chance to get pumped about some of these guys, whether they wear the cream & crimson or not.

Alex · 1 year ago

I think there is plenty of time to get in on Barnes -- he'll only be a junior this year -- but Crean and staff are definitely facing an uphill battle in his recruitment. He's arguably the hottest name out there right now and I just got a phone call telling me that over 40 coaches were watching him play tonight out at Male high school in Louisville. Anyway, it's nice to see that IU is in the mix for a talent like this and it looks like the coaching staff will make a habit out of pursuing (and landing) top flight prospects.

HoosierKingdom · 1 year ago

Which walk-on makes the biggest impact this season...

Daniel Moore.
Brett Finkelmeier.
Kory Barnett.
Broderick Lewis.
(Anyone else i forgot).

JerryCT · 1 year ago

Lewis becasue he will have to play given our guard vs bigs situation.

Can Taber revert to walkon if NCAA whacks our scholarships ??

CoveyDale · 1 year ago

i agree. Purdue wasted a scholarship on John Hart from Beech Grove (a kid that IUPUI asked to walk-on), and IU got a better player in Lewis without having to use a scholly.

Hoosiergirl · 1 year ago

Daniel Moore- why? His name reminds me of a good ol country boy who worked when he was a kid. :grin:

hoosier07 · 1 year ago

whether we land him or not, I agree with Smitty. Excited or let down, either way i love coming to ITH everyday and reading about the best recruits out there considering Indiana. If this is any kind of foreshadowing as to where TC intends on bringing this program, I think we're in for a GREAT future....

pacino · 1 year ago

Bobby Capobianco isn't a role player! He has polished up his game so much. His outstanding play for Indiana Elite has gained him national respect. I was at Pitt a couple of months ago and watched him single handly take over games. He has lost a lot of wait which is good because it has made im quicker in his low post moves and he has already been working with strength coaches to add more muscle mass to his strong frame. His one downfall is that he is only 6'8 but I think if he continues to polish up his game and get stronger he will be a definate threat at PF on the Big Ten level.