MoyeCowbell

It's worth pointing out that Reneau and Ballo's minutes aren't likely to be carbon copies of one another. Yes, they will share the court together (and it remains to be seen how they compliment or contradict the other), but it's likely that the minutes will be staggered in many ways. Just because we have both doesn't mean they'll be subbed in and out at the exact same times, so each will have an opportunity to be a post focus. More than anything, the team needs to be malleable next year. Yes, we need shooters, and it looks like that is being addressed. We also had success with two bigs, and perhaps Reneau is the one to expand his footprint a little more so that Ballo can own the low paint.

Yeah, this wasn't at all a drag on the fans, which are (for the most part) consistently great. It's definitely on the team to hold court and make other teams fear playing here. No more Harper-esque antics.

This might not be an expectation, but more of a strong desire: I would love SSAH to be an intimidating venue for opposing teams again. No more getting punked on our own floor.

It's way too early for me to have expectations on the exact results. I do have expectations about process though, both from players and staff. With the money the players are pulling in (and I'm not begrudging it), I expect that they do the work. I expect that they represent the University in the best way, both on and off the court, and they do everything in their power to make INDIANA a force to be reckoned with. I expect that they work their asses off over the summer to be the best basketball players they can be. I expect each and every one of them to understand their roles, adapt when asked, and do what the staff needs them to do to be successful. If it's the "little things" and not scoring, don't care -- do it. For the staff, my expectations are to take whatever recruiting energy they have been using and apply that to the season. Treat each game with the same high level of urgency and importance. I expect CMW to adapt when necessary; take suggestions, not be so prideful or staunch in certain approaches if they clearly aren't working. I expect him to keep each player accountable on (and off) the court. Nobody is too good to sit on the bench if they're not doing what they need. I expect him to coach better and take more accountability for being the leader of this program. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. I expect the pursuit of excellence. And the results will hopefully take care of themselves.

Completely valid to withhold excitement until we see how CMW uses the pieces he's assembling. However, to be underwhelmed with the addition of two top players in the transfer portal (of which one is rated #1 by many) is a bit of a head-scratcher. Both players fill a need and the staff isn't done. There' still four more spots (with one likely already being filled by a talented scoring guard).

Speaking of Big Man U... While he never played for Woodson, let's not forget that Tijan Jobe walked so Oumar Ballo could fly.

If Woodson and Co. fill the rest of the scholarships, that means four more names. Assuming Carlyle is a silent lock, who are the other three?? One more big and two wings?

Tick Tock -- Grid update time!

Boom.

When you little scamps get together, you're worse than a sewing circle.

The key code is simple: See who picks up the tab.

There really aren't enough Hook-3s in the modern game. For shame.

Can we move this convo over to the "Zachry Cheyne Edey // Canadian Taxes & U.S. NIL Discussion Thread" please?

Pope could very well work out in a positive way, but his hire is not exactly getting the glowing write up from ESPN:

And certainly with the Big Ten seemingly getting larger by the minute, this rings even more true.

If you're asking about the 'era of comparison', it's most likely '75 to '94, with multiple Big Ten titles and deep tournament runs as the benchmarks. That's the easy, surface-level way to compare and contrast. But I would venture to say the bigger element(s) are the ways the teams play; not just fast/slow, inside/outside, motion/sets, but the general understanding of the game at such a high level that the entire squad can adapt at a moment's notice. RMK's teams (mostly) had a very high collective basketball IQ and could exploit other team's weaknesses like no other. They also had a way of exploiting their own strengths too, and could play with a certain synergy that would overwhelm teams that had to rely on one or two stars. He assembled multiple compatible and complimentary parts that brought out the best in one another. Knight's best teams played smart, but they also played incredibly tough. They were tenacious and unrelenting with their defense (and if a player wasn't, ass-meet-bench), and they took care of the ball. They were looking to make the best possible play in any given situation. Fundamentals over flash. Even his weaker teams showed how effective that was: the mid-90s Michigan teams with Tractor Traylor, Mo Taylor, Maceo Baston, et al -- I remember watching how bouncy those guys were, just dunking everything down low and thinking, why can't we do that? But then we'd beat them with a well-rounded attack and realize it didn't matter as much. (To be fair, the game has changed and I do believe you need more athleticism now). All of those elements culminated into what we think 'INDIANA' means now. There is a pride from those in the state (and those who've adopted it) that goes into a resolute way of being. It's a standard that when we're at our best, it's not "we have to play them", but "they have to play us".

This kind of info should be behind a paywall.

I am on record saying/feeling that Woodson isn't the answer. That being said, I will give him and the staff props here. They did what they needed to in a fairly short amount of time. I hope Tucker finds his footing and is put in the best possible position this upcoming season.

Damn, that's a lot of kids. Must be a lot of Marvin Gaye being played at night.

I don't think it's an unreasonable ask of fans to learn (how to spell) our player's names. Initials can work for brevity, but unless the nickname is what the player goes by (Yogi) or has leaned into on their own accord, just give the respect to the name they have and spell it out.

We're not saying the talent is equal in any way, but rather there are elements of their games that appear similar. That's it.

There's a haphazard-ness to Blazi's game that reminds me a bit of Troy Williams. Just that desire to fly all around the court and then bang on someone. And I don't see that as a negative. Sure, he's rough around the edges. And maybe given the lack of certainty of more established players on the roster at this point in time, including him isn't the best decision, but I do think having someone capable of creating havoc is a nice element for a team to have. If nothing else, it provides a level of entertainment, which is the reason we all watch.

Hopefully 'isolation' is in regards to sets on the floor, and not "the only recruit we're able to sign and bring in." I kid, I kid.

I'm happy for Ware. It seemed like there was a lot of external criticism -- fair or not as a result of how his Oregon tenure ended -- but he always seemed to handle himself well and represent IU in a classy way. I'll definitely be rooting for him.

KD torched us... can't say I care much for his attitude; that said, he's probably one of those guys you love having on your side and absolutely hate playing against.