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I really don't agree with this. If he brings in good quality players, who cares where they come from? Is the sentiment here really that Crean isn't a good enough recruiter to get talent from other states? Sure, I agree that if high quality talent from Indiana wants to come here, maybe we have an edge with them. But I don't understand why you suggest here that the only way Crean can restore the program is to restock it with local players. Surely that isn't the *only* way. Maybe it's the way you prefer, and maybe it's an easier way than some others. I disagree, though, that it's any more than an issue of convenience.
I think you took what I said and jumped to some conclusions. I never questioned Crean's ability to recruit outside of the state. He's already proven he can go get players like Watford and Creek. And I hope that continues to be the case. But I think we all can agree that one of the problems in recent years is the stockpile of talent from the state that has ended up elsewhere.
How would the hoosiernation feel if the next few Mr. Basketballs wore Duke, Wake Forrest, ILLinois, and North Carolina uniforms.
Finally it is just my belief kids who play in this state understand how much Indiana basketball means to this state better than ANY out of state Kid. DJ White was rare exception....he got it....
I look forward to Elston, Hulls, and Bobby C coming to IU.
See, but that's my point: if Crean goes out and gets talent, I don't care where it comes from. There seems to be this operating presumption that a top 10 talent from Indiana is somehow better than a top 10 talent that comes from somewhere else. I think this perception is extremely short-sighted. Look at North Carolina's roster this year, for instance - only one guy from North Carolina gets double digit minutes on that squad, and he's a role player. Clearly they're an elite program. I think that at least gives credence to the idea that it's perfectly possible and reasonable to recruit a talented roster from out of state and be a good team. But for whatever reason, that isn't good enough for this fanbase, and it honestly mystifies me as to why. I want to be careful to say I don't have a problem with recruiting instate per se - I just don't understand why many fans claim it to be some sort of categorical imperative.
...and not to nitpick, but you did say it was the only way, because you said it was "essential".
In other recruiting news...I read that Bawa has still been growing and is a legitimate 7 footer now.
UNC is LOADED, and Tubby has Minnesota poised for a conference championship in 2 years - wow, same time as Indiana. The Big 10 will be THE Premier Conference in 2 years - you heard it here first.
I live in the mountains of Colrado and am going to watch the Big 12 courtside for like $12.
If the centers Crean is bringing in can defend against the likes of Hensen & Zeller (UNC), Orton & Patterson (UK), Griffin & Gallon (OU), Cousins (UAB), Kelly & Plumlee (Duke), Vargas, Oriahki & Thabeet (UConn), Mullens & Koufas (The OHSU), Yarou and Cheek (Nova) +>>>>>>>>>> Maybe now you all get the picture. IU will become competitive, but as far as a deep run in the tournament is concerned do NOT hold your breath.
Tally Ho!
We funny IU fans seem to think that Indiana HS players like Oden, May, McRoberts, Harangody, Zeller, Shawn Kemp, Zach Randolph etc would match up pretty well with the guys you listed.........which is why we want them to stay and play for IU. We also want the best players from out of state because we also want to win.
Maybe you did not grow up in Indiana but we have a culture of basketball that creates legends out of kids that grow up here and then lead their state U to championships. Part of IU's return to success will include some of those legends being created.
While we fans will support and make legends out of DJ WHite from AL or a kid from the Bronx, most of us will follow an Indiana kid for 8 years through HS and college. That kind of relationship with the fans is special and needed for our program
Very well said....lest we forget Indiana Kids are the people who played a major role in hanging banners in assembly hall, if it ain't broke, then don't fix it.
Finally, Minnesota is still Minnesota...c'mon people lets not get crazy here.
You are too sentimental, OSU is a recruiting haven and their alumni are rabid. With IU being on probation for 3 years and our facilities being average do not expect Crean to work miracles.
As far as the fans following a player for 8 years - way to go - if it happens. IU is not UK as far as fans go, plus Assembly Hall sucks for seating. I think the Sampson thing happened because of the way they dawged Knight - bad karma.
I grew up in Indiana and went to school there, but after the Davis era I have tempered my passion for the cream and crimson.
Go Hoosiers forever!
Josh Smith has 19 medium interest universties, Harrison Barnes has 20. So Jerry CT, you sound old school and I bet One million $$$ you voted for McCain.
Let go of the days of old and embrace the great players and potential for awesome basketball in the future.
Snatch the pebble from my hand grasshopper and . . .