DISQUS

GFDave · 3 months ago

This link to Peegs has four video interviews with Capo, Elston, Hulls and Watford:
http://indiana.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=975824

What a great group! They handle themselves very well and seem to be genuinely nice kids. Capo was extremely impressive to me: outgoing personality and great communication skills. Watford was relaxed and accessible. It seems like he would be easy to get to know and get along with.

This is going to be a very easy team to root for and I'm looking forward to the season getting started.

aerialM · 3 months ago

nice! they all seem like really good guys; well-spoken, reflective & affable. I can't wait for the season to start. I've got this feeling, from who-knows-where, that, at the end of his career, Derek Elston is going to be one of my all-time favorite Hoosiers. I'm really excited to have him at IU...let's rock!

CreamandCrimson · 3 months ago

I am always kind of pessimistic about "eye-witness" reports. However, it is good to hear that Pritchard, Dumes and Jones are in shape. Just to clarify, Creek and Muniru have still not been cleared by the NCAA. It is a good sign that they are on campus but they haven't been cleared quite yet.
GFDave, I saw the interviews as well and could not agree with you more. These guys all seem like they will be easy to root for and great ambassadors of the IU program as we move back to the top.

Taskmaster75 · 3 months ago

Pfft, the important thing is taht they can still punch through a block of wood.

Hardwood83 · 3 months ago

Nothing but good news here. I know Bawa & Creek physically being on campus assures nothing, but will make me feel a lot better. Pritch & VJ3 both needed the development, I hope Roth tagged along to the weight room too.

bloomingtonian · 3 months ago

Christian Watford, Bobby Capobianco and Jordan Hulls have been in my restaurant a few times for lunch in the last week or so. They are real nice, respectful guys who clearly appreciate good food. Its good to see the freshman class hanging out together outside the gym. Can't wait for the season to begin.

because it's Indiana · 3 months ago

I love it....the incoming freshman have been spotted EATING! It has to be a good sign! We are passionate fans are we not?

JerryCT · 3 months ago

Listening to the interviews these guys are very impressive. All the more reason to trust the coach on his recruiting. Capo was especially good.

Sound slike TP is banging w DJ every day and VJ3 is becoming a real threat.

I really looked forward to seeing the last Sampson team but as the season got on I began to lose respect for the product on the floor. This year I feel a pride that I suspect will stay with me all season

Hardwood83 · 3 months ago

I've read a couple of sources now that say VJ3 has really improved his physique and game, exciting stuff. I'm trying not to allow my expectations get out of control, but the talent, skill and size upgrade from last season appears dramatic; with legit Big 10 players now at every position. Even with all the freshman it will be a more experienced team, since I expect Rivers, Dumes, Jones & Pritch to play a lot, especially early on. I agree with you, JerryCT, this should be an exciting season and for a whole differant reason then the recent past.

iumarine · 3 months ago

I am more of the pessimistic type. I would rather go into the season with conservative expectations and be pleasantly surprized when we exceed my expectations. That being said, I am not sure how many Big Ten games to expect to win. First, I expect the Big Ten conference to be really strong this year. Second, even though we now have talent for every position, we are inexperienced.

Last year we went 1-17. I currently project us as being in a position to win games against Northwestern, Iowa and Penn State especially in Bloomnigton. The days of the Big Ten consisting of 3 or 4 good teams and a number of cupcake wins are over. Any conference win is a good win. I am thinking 4-14. Now, I don't really know how to incorporate the Coach Crean factor. Also, playing in the Puerto Rico shootout may help to mature this team before we hit the Big Ten schedule. Hoping the Hoosiers will prove me wrong!

Alex, maybe it is time for a poll on projected Big Ten wins.

JerryCT · 3 months ago

I agree. But to improve your attitude consider that:

1) we lost 9 games by 10 or fewer points last year.

2) that Rivers alone can make about a 8 pt difference through reduced TO's, tight on ball defense and more assists even if he adds no net offense.

3) more and better players suited for their positions ( ie no Williams/Story at forward )

If you add 4 more net points for the roster you will see that we will enjoy a winning season

aerialM · 3 months ago

it's good to tap the brakes a bit w/our expectations. this year's squad will be much improved, yet from 6-25 it will be hard not to be somewhat better. the added athleticism and depth, coupled with the returnees' experience will help. Iowa is going to be terrible. I like our chances against Penn State & Northwestern as well. I think we'll be able to take an assembly hall game from the likes of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Plus a surprise or two on the road, who knows...6-12 Big Ten? 7-11?

MillaRed · 3 months ago

......and under no circumstances does Daniel Moore get meaningful minutes in a close game. Add 5 points!

Luke72 · 3 months ago

I really believe that this team will have a better than .500 season. It will be a tough Big Ten season but NIT would be my guess. They are all so well spoken. Be assured that Coach C recruits will be of outstanding character as well as good on the court! This only the beginning and I know there's room for another banner in the hall!!!

Luke72 · 3 months ago

Bobby going to be a fan favorite! Not the most gifted but he'll bring it every time he's on the floor!!!