Season Prediction from the Balcony- T-3 Days

Good evening fellow Hoosiers…tonight, almost at the cusp of the start of the season, I sit and ponder how our beloved team will handle another season under Mr. Crean in the wake of a very difficult off-season. Many of us are skeptical, others are optimistic, some neutral. I'm not writing this to debate opinions between fans or put myself in one of those categories (although I do fall into one…).

Many of you probably saw the great Ken Pomeroy and his rankings that were released last month with the Hoosiers coming in at #26. Honestly speaking, I was somewhat surprised and took a couple days to think about what we should really expect this season. As a fan of Indiana basketball I expect our team to make the tournament every year. I feel that the bar has been continually lowered by our fans but it's time for everyone to realize this tradition and program garner so much respect around the nation and we should expect nothing less. Heck, I think a Sweet 16 appearance is wonderful, but this program's expectations should be well beyond that phase of the tournament. That said, let's see the hand we have been dealt below and what my predictions are:

B1G Play- 8-10.
Overall- 19-12
Tournament Outlook: VERY suspect. Depends how B1G play & conf. tournament pan out. Need some big wins to solidify the season.

If the Hoosiers are able to get a few major wins in the B1G and improve the conference record, we could definitely make it in. Furthermore, weak as it may be, they must take advantage of the out-of-conference schedule and take care of business in that category. If Louisville can go down in the Hall it would be a massive boost for a tournament resume and certainly a confidence boost for this young team. I'm predicting a loss against PITT but you never know. I think by then we will have a very good indication of where this team is heading down the road and into conference play.

Of course, I absolutely dread making predictions on our team, because I don't like predicting losses…but if I played on emotion I feel my prediction would be far off to say the least...Feel free to share your thoughts and comments on the schedule & predictions as well. Sleep tight Hoosier faithful.


*Schedule pulled from ESPN

DATE	OPPONENT	RESULT/TIME	RECORD/TICKETS
Fri, Nov 14  W	vs    Miss Valley St	7:00 PM ET Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Mon, Nov 17  W	vs Texas Southern	6:00 PM ET Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Thu, Nov 20  W	vs #22 SMU	8:00 PM ET Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Sat, Nov 22  W	vs Lamar	8:00 PM ET Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Mon, Nov 24  W	vs Eastern Washington	7:30 PM ET ESPNews	Conversation | Tickets
Fri, Nov 28  W	vs UNC Greensboro	9:00 PM ET Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Tue, Dec 2  W	vs Pittsburgh	7:00 PM ET	Conversation | Tickets
Sat, Dec 6  W	vs Savannah St	7:30 PM ET Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Tue, Dec 9  L	vs #8 Louisville*	9:00 PM ET	Conversation | Tickets
Sat, Dec 13  W	vs Grand Canyon	5:00 PM ET Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Sat, Dec 20  W	vs Butler*	2:30 PM ET FOX Sports 1	Conversation | Tickets
Mon, Dec 22  W	vs New Orleans	7:00 PM ET	Conversation | Tickets
Sat, Dec 27  W	vs Georgetown*	12:00 PM ET	Conversation | Tickets
Wed, Dec 31  L	@ #21 Nebraska	TBD Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Mon, Jan 5  L	@ #18 Michigan St	7:00 PM ET Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Sat, Jan 10  W	vs #20 Ohio State	TBD	Conversation | Tickets
Tue, Jan 13  W	vs Penn State	7:00 PM ET Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Sun, Jan 18  L	@ Illinois	1:00 PM ET Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Thu, Jan 22  W	vs Maryland	9:00 PM ET	Conversation | Tickets
Sun, Jan 25  L	@ #20 Ohio State	1:30 PM ET CBS	Conversation | Tickets
Wed, Jan 28  L	@ Purdue	9:00 PM ET Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Sat, Jan 31  W	vs Rutgers	3:15 PM ET Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Tue, Feb 3  L	@ #3 Wisconsin	7:00 PM ET	Conversation | Tickets
Sun, Feb 8  L	vs #24 Michigan	1:00 PM ET CBS	Conversation | Tickets
Wed, Feb 11  L	@ Maryland	9:00 PM ET Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Sun, Feb 15  W	vs Minnesota	7:30 PM ET Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Thu, Feb 19  W	vs Purdue	7:00 PM ET	Conversation | Tickets
Sun, Feb 22  W	@ Rutgers	TBD	Conversation | Tickets
Wed, Feb 25  L	@ Northwestern	7:00 PM ET Big Ten Network	Conversation | Tickets
Tue, Mar 3  W	vs Iowa	7:00 PM ET	Conversation | Tickets
Sat, Mar 7  L	vs #18 Michigan St	TBD

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.

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God Forbid Kids Be Kids

Well folks, it's that time of year again. Time for cold weather, time for the holidays to creep up on us, time for the flu to plague the nation...and time for Indiana basketball, which means it's also time for me to go on a rant.With the latest string of bad luck our beloved program and players have had, I'd say I have plenty to rant about, but before I do that, let me first say that Devin Davis and his family are in my prayers, and I wish nothing but the best for them. Now, on with the bitchfest. There have been several things lately concerning our fan base that has severely upset me. Everything from blaming Coach Crean for the players' behavior, to saying Emmitt was drunk, and our team has an alcohol/drug problem, and the basketball team is "out of control." .......Seriously....? I understand, that to play ball for Indiana University means you will be held to a higher standard, players are to conduct themselves in a respectful, honorable, humble way. Those high standards are what makes me love Indiana Basketball. At the same time, though, we have to remember that they are not only kids, but college kids, at a top ranked party school. They are treated like gods on campus. I don't know about you, but when I was their age, I did some SERIOUS partying, and I had nowhere near the celebrity status these kids have. They are going to make mistakes, sometimes big ones. How are they going to learn from their mistakes, if our fan base doesn't allow them to make any? I say let them be young and make mistakes, BUT they should also learn that if they are going to party and put themselves in that position they need to do so responsibly. They have to realize that everything they do will be criticized. Coach Crean can't be there to hold their hand 24/7, but he can execute some Bobby Knight discipline. I'm sure Coach Knights teams were far from sober, and done their fair share of partying, but they  didn't get caught, and they still won games, because the General put the fear of God in them. To say the program is out of control is obsurd, lacking discipline, yes, but nowhere near out of control. We, as fans, and supporters of IU Basketball, need to give these kids some breathing room, let them be kids, these are supposed to be the best years of their lives, but sometimes the fans can make their lives a living hell. That's a lot of unneeded stress, along with the stresses they already have, such as their classes, and practices, and games, and being away from home. That's a lot for somebody to deal with on a daily basis, and they don't need our B.S. Added on top of it. Anyway...that's my opinion, you can take it or leave it, I'm just hoping we all can overcome this speed bump, and have a great season. GO HOOSIERS!! ....end of rant.....for now....

Hoosiers

  As a kid my neighborhood was covered with basketball goals, there was one at every other house. Driveways and backyards filled with kids pretending to be Steve Alford, Damon Bailey, Calbert Cheaney and Reggie Miller. (I know Reggie played at UCLA) I remember hearing stories from my father & grandfather about basketball in the state of Indiana. About how the state highschool tournament was the only one of its kind in the nation. I remember wanting so badly to play highschool basketball in Indiana.

  Of course people don't stop dreaming after highschool. Indiana University and Coach Bob Knight, I would have wanted nothing more to be on your team. I understood it was a long shot, but I would gladly sit the bench the first few years while the general molded my game to have what it takes to be a Hoosier. To me that was as good as it could possibly get. An Indiana boy playing highschool basketball, then wearing the candystriped pants and playing for the  greatest coach on the greatest team.

  I never got an offer from Coach Knight but that is not the point. I eventually landed at Vincennes University, not on the basketball team, but I did stay in the same dorm as the ball players. In fact the guys right next door were on the team. One of the players, who was on a full ride scholarship, failed a drug test. He was then dismissed from the team, scholarship revoked and moved back to Georgia to be with his girlfriend and young son. I remember him saying how he let his family down, he was the first in his family to attend college. He was going to graduate and be a role model for his son. Instead he smoked marijuana, in his own dorm room.

  Basketball can take these young players far in life but what will take them farther is good decision making and a good education. Have you ever heard the saying "it takes a village"? Parents, coaches, friends, teachers and others are needed in the growth of these young men. Helping guide these players in the right direction, and the right direction is not where the 2014 Hoosiers are headed.

  I just do not understand. I do not understand the thought process of these kids. I do not understand the actions or lack there of by the coaching staff. I do not understand how these young men can attend Indiana University and not know what it means to be a Hoosier. As soon as the players at Indiana put on the jersey and lace up there shoes they are knowingly representing the entire state, tradition and expectations that is Indiana basketball.  Fair or unfair, it is what it is.

  No one in this state is expecting to go 40-0. We are however expecting a clean program with players who want to be Hoosiers. As fans we are also expecting them to win, and while winning, to display characteristics of class and hard work. We are also expecting our coach to lead these men toward success and mold them into players that future generations will hear success stories about. I do not want to tell my children stories like the one above that happened at VU. I want to tell them stories like the "Watshot." I want to tell my grandkids about Banner 6, 7, and 8.

  I can't tell those stories for multiple reasons. I have no grandkids. I cannot tell those stories because they haven't happened yet. I cannot tell those stories with the team going direction that is going in.

  The 2014 Hoosiers need more than leadership and role models. What this team needs is Hoosiers. Hoosiers leading other Hoosiers. Hoosiers having each others best interest in mind at all times. Hoosiers that want nothing more than to be successful as a TEAM. Hoosiers who know what it means to be a Hoosier. Hoosiers who know what it takes to be Hoosier. Hoosiers who know the work put in by players before them paved the way for their future success. Hoosiers that buy into their coach and Hoosiers who know what Indiana basketball means to millions of its fans.

  I wish this team nothing but success on their journey to becoming Hoosiers.

In my Opinion

   Just like most of you probably did, I woke up this morning to the awful news of an accident involving Devin Davis. But unlike a lot of people who were quick to voice their opinions all over message boards and the Twitterverse, and quick to place blame on others, I took  a different route and decided to wait, calm down, and then look at the facts.

   I am not going to blame this on Crean. I am not going to blame this on Devin. I am also not going to blame this accident on Emmitt Holt. I am not going to place blame on anyone because I don't know the facts.

   Here are a few of the facts that I do know.

   Accident is defined as an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury.

   Some things are bigger than Indiana basketball, family, friends and your health are just a few that come to mind quickly.

   Some people are calling for Coach's job because of the accident of last night. Others are blaming the kids who were involved in the accident. Without knowing the facts how can we be so quick to point a finger?

   Another fact is this was an accident and unfortunately accidents do happen.

   Instead of pointing my fingers and placing blame on others, I am gonna pray. I admit that I am not the most religious man that you'll ever meet but I have seen the power of prayers. I am not going to be selfish and pray for the return to glory of Indiana basketball. I am gonna pray for the health of Devin Davis, pray that his injuries can be overcome, pray that his health will continue to improve daily and pray that his friends and family are there to support him while he recovers. I am also going to pray that other Hoosier basketball fans do the same.

   No matter your opinion on Indiana basketball, the coach, turnovers, no matter what your opinion is on college kids drinking and what standards that they should be held too. The fact is Devin Davis and Emmitt Holt are Hoosiers and so am I. These players/kids need our prayers during this time. What they do not need is our opinion.

A Central Question

As the Hoosiers approach a new season, we have all witnessed early flashes of a promising backcourt and versatile wings. This backcourt includes outstanding new freshmen James Blackmon Jr. and Rob Johnson, a solid, now right-handed Stanford Robinson, and the addition of Nick Zeisloft to the mix. The uber-athletic Troy Williams will return (hopefully for a couple more seasons…) as well. This year, we all know what we will get from the guards…but the question remains about our inside presence as we approach this critical season in Tom Crean's tenure. Let us examine 2 primary options for this role: 

Hanner Mosqueara-Perea- Averaged 2.8 pts & 2.1 rebounds last year. Athleticism through the roof, but hasn't reached that polished level that we all hoped for early on. Threat of a mid-range jumper still isn't there, but he is slowing down once he receives the ball in the post. Security of the ball and patience will be paramount for him this season. I don't believe I am alone when saying this MAY be the year we see some more consistent and smoother play from the Columbian. 

Jeremiah April- A signing completely unforeseen and out of the blue. Standing at 6'11, he is going to be a work in progress that could use a few lbs. At Joy Christian, the lanky big man averaged 11 pts, 6 rebs & 2 blocks a game. One benefit is that he possesses a decent mid-range shot, but to be somewhat effective in the post not much more is needed. Am I expecting him to be Cody these first years? Absolutely not. Just add some weight, a little bit of athleticism and he could surprise us. My worst fear? Another Peter Jurkin.

Devin and Emmitt aren't mentioned here because they are somewhat different players than HMP and April. However, they could provide similar services moving forward, just to a lesser extent in terms of the center position. This season, anything could happen. We have solved one issue in shooting, but the impact of Luke leaving may have been a little larger than first anticipated. Here's to hoping for a balanced Hoosier offense heading into a very important year for the program. Highlights of April are provided below for those of you who haven't had a chance to see him play.