The Eye Test

  After last weeks whirlwind of events surrounding the men's basketball team at Indiana University it is finally nice to talk about basketball. I listened to the first exhibition game on the radio, with the Hoosier Nation famous Don Fischer on the call. The Hoosies pulled away in the 24 point win. It was nice to have Indiana basketball back. Since it was a radio broadcast, I was unable to give the team the eye test. Well tonight I saw the game, and the broadcast by the students, both were given the eye test.

   So before the game started, everyone who would be tuning into the game knew that Hanner Perea was our only big man playing tonight. So he had to pull more than weight down low. After two quick fouls, I was a little bit concerned. Hanner was able to control his foul situation for the rest of the game but it did make me wonder. The Hoosiers did struggle on the boards tonight, how would we have done if Hanner was in real foul trouble vs a team like SMU or Wisconsin? I can't wait to find out.

   I also saw the crowd gravitate to an early fan favorite, Tim Priller. It was Hoosier Nation at it's finest when Priller entered the game in the first half. You could feel and hear the love that he received from his peers in the student section. Just imagine the roar if he throws down a two handed dunk vs Iowa ala Tom Pritchard style. That is what I want to see from the freshman. He should be in Bloomington for a while so give it some time Hoosier fans.

   I also witnessed, as usual, a solid game from number 11, Yogi Ferrell. The young man is a stud and we have known this for a few years now. His continual improvement is necessary for this team. He does have some shooters this year to help him out but he has to be the leader on and off the court. But that is obvious to everyone in this basketball crazed state.

  It was fantastic to see Colin Hartman play, and to play very well. He had a very solid game and a couple of blocks. A couple of steals. A couple of three points shots hitting nothing but the bottom of the net. He played so well that my wife said "everyone who wears number 30 for IU is good." So I asked her why and she replied with "because Matt Roth wore number 30 also." Fair enough, to step on the floor at Assembly Hall you have to be good, so she made a good point. Colin played so good I was ready to nominate him as player of the game.

   But the player of the game goes to Rob Johnson. The freshman DID NOT MISS. He was perfect from the field, ran the fastbreak, handled the ball and played the game almost perfectly. He did it all without missing a shot. Congratulations Robert Johnson you played a bell of a game.

   The play of the game goes to the "Sloppy Janitor", Mr.James Blackmon Jr. His first half baseline dunk/flex is definitely deserving as the play of the game.

   My eye test also caught one of the U of I players sporting a haircut straight out of the movies. That movie would be "Dumb and Dumber." Until next time, Hoosier fans.