Bustout

No. Heard from a friend who follows closely and has some ties to their athletic dept … but perhaps his source is message board on this.

I get the impression that social media debacle rubbed Fears camp the wrong way. Also, word from Illini fans is IU was big time negative recruiting against Illannoy on visit and that also didn’t sit well with them (particularly his father). Could be complete BS - I don’t think Matta has anything good to say about Illinois (and Illinois would feel same). Just what I’ve heard

Under normal circumstances and previous years, I would completely agree with you. But the NIL has the potential to be a major game changer. For instance, what if he’s a projected late 1st rounder and he can make $750k next year, finish his schooling, be on a F4 team and have an opportunity to improve his draft stock? The 30th pick is slotted around $1.6mm. And if he thinks one more year can help him develop by playing … the 20th pick, by comparison is around $2.2mm Probably still unlikely, but the NIL becomes a variable now in these decisions. It’s no longer a matter of leaving all the $$ on the table - the NIL closes the gap. But like another poster said, it’ll all probably depend on his draft projection first and foremost

If the talent is there to make a F4 run, I wonder if TJD will consider a 4th year now with the NIL?

Luckily Coach Woodson will make a change if he sees fit. Definitely something to keep an eye on - especially with Dane and Matta’s experience.

Without knowing him, hard to say he wasn’t passionate about the job. Early on he talked about the phenomenal history of IU. And every year he always talked about the fans and their passion, best in the country, etc. I think he could’ve been passionate about the job, but it’s just his outward personality didn’t reflect any of that. Unlike a guy like Musselman who acts like he’s in Hollywood at Arkansas.

He’ll definitely coach again and will absolutely be a P5 coach. His main flaw at IU was recruiting Dayton-type players to IU. The IU job has a short-leash compared to many other schools. He’ll be back. I really think a 180 was pulled on him in the end. There were reports of him leaving the year-end meetings with Dolson/Admins as being encouraged about having another year. Then, one or two days later, he’s fired. He knows basketball. He didn’t get to IU on accident. The IU experience was a big lesson for him and he’ll adjust going forward … both in recruiting and going to a place with a longer leash. Recruiting-wise - that first class unfortunately doomed him. Looked great on paper, but never came to fruition. Could be lack of developing guys. Could be bad luck. Could be a combo. Also what handcuffs were on him early when maybe he could’ve brought McKinley to IU? We’ll never know. He knows b-ball. He’s a good coach. Didn’t work out here. He’s not the next Belichick, but other very good coaches don’t succeed at places too. It happens. Didn’t work out here, but doesn’t mean he sucks.

I actually read that article and came away thinking he may be the only one recruiting and playing by the rules down there. He mentioned something to that effect about recruiting the state of Indiana after he got fired and how he never touched anything like that ... I wouldn’t doubt it down there.

Archie always complimented the fans and really seemed to appreciate the fan support. If the reports are true, I’m led to believe he was told he would have another year and perhaps a 180 was pulled behind his back after that meeting. If that’s the case, I could certainly understand his beef with the administration, etc. but something acknowledging and thanking the fans - i thought he would’ve done that.

Was Franklin really attached to Archie? Does he not think he’s excel under Woodson? Does he just want a fresh start? He always seemed like an Indiana kid ... so not sure what else he’s looking for unless he really loved Archie.

Gotcha. I may have been looking at Races original ranking of like 125-150. Either way, it was Archie’s downfall. Indiana, bottom line, should be recruiting top-100 guys nationally with a few 5 stars mixed in. To boot, Romeo probably doesn’t come to IU or Kansas and Louisville don’t get into trouble. I do hope Lander stays though.

Only lander was top 50. Geronimo and Race were over 100. that was the issue with Archie - recruiting. His three best players were from the state of Indiana. His only top 100 guy other than that was Jerome Hunter. His program wasn’t attracting national talent - mainly his offense.

Here’s the $10mm question... what about a guy like Muss? Was he even spoken to? Was it get Stevens or IU guy with the buyout money? Did Woodson get a token interview and blow Dolson away and earn it on his own merits? I’m optimistic about the result and the hire ... just curious the process how we got here. And in full disclosure - I complained that IU didn’t interview any other candidates when they gave the team to Tom Allen!

Why Fife? Just curious. People suggest the other guys on the MSU staff are considered better than he is. Lewis intrigues me more personally.

What’s odd is - most people would’ve been relatively happy with Matta ALONE. OK - health is an issue. And it may be risky long-term. but the guy is taking an OPS-type job plus Woodson plus three more assistants. How is this a bad result on paper?!?

I do too. I honestly laughed about this a few weeks ago. But as it’s settled in and the fact we’re going back to the Knight Era ... in a way - it’s actually where we belong. There is a certain professionalism/standard about Indiana basketball when Knight was in charge. We’ve slowly moved away from that. Now - I don’t fault Crean for trying his best and accepting an extension. Nor do I blame Archie for anything. But now that we’re back with Woodson ... it feels like we’ve been missing it the whole time in a weird sort of way. Success still could’ve been attained here, but dare I say ........ Dakich was right the whole time?!? Sorry! Maybe not specifically with Alford. But I think Dakich was actually right.

As much as we dogged TJD during the season at times, I actually appreciate the fact he’s hanging in there to see who IU hires. He could’ve thrown his name in the draft a week ago. Hats off to him for showing some IU heart.

Keep ... the ... faith ... alive!!!! (at least were back to talking about Grand Slam candidates)! Beard or Muss anyone?

Recruiting is a major piece of it obviously. But at this point, he’s so respected, his recruiting would consist of one phone call to each kid. Who is going to say no?!?!!? Ha

The biggest mystery in all this will be how close the sides were ... if at all? Did Dolson really secure $10mm to get Stevens? Or - did Dolson secure $10mm because there is a free agency off-season and IUs offense was no longer an attractive product nationally and the product/brand was stuck in neutral? Or somewhere in between? If there were any legs to the Stevens stuff and IU came through, I find it hard to believe he’s the type of guy to use IU for a raise. Just my opinion. I’m sure there was mutual interest (and there still could be, nobody knows), but part of me doubts he said “get the money and I’m in .... oh just kidding”

Probably a lot of feelers put out there. I’m sure there was some smoke to them pursuing Stevens. If it is in fact a closed door, probably have more serious conversations once teams likes Texas Tech, Arkansas, etc finish their seasons. Those coaches don’t want distractions now - but likley have given a preliminary indication that they’re wiling to sit down and talk after the season. I’m sure Dolsons plan A was to get Stevens. But Im assuming he has a plan B and C. And ultimately - this was definitely the year to do it give the free agency off season. Archie’s brand unfortunately wasn’t attracting national talent. So on to the next candidate(s).

There are plenty of coaches still coaching. No need to rush this at all. Plus they’re all in your backyard. You can have a deal done in 24 hours.

Im very intrigued by Musselman and think he will get a payday soon. He’s not a typical up and comer, assistant coach type guy. Plus, he coached with Keith Smart before - wonder if he’d consider a reunion. People claim he’s an offensive guru. Hes all about building culture - albeit - he can come off a little over the top. But he’s ALL OVER social media. So offense + a big personality ... complete 180 from Archie. He’s from Ohio. Knows the mid west. His dad coached at minny. So he’s very familiar with IU b-ball. I know Beard has a GREAT resume, but for some reason, I’m a bit hesitant / overly sensitive. Probably because he’s a defense-first guy and so was Archie. in the end. Probably can’t go wrong. But, if word on the street is that IU is willing to pay 7mm+, I wonder if feelers go out to Bennett, Donovan, etc. Most likely not.

I don’t see Archie going right back into B1G personally. I could see him at Marquette or Cincy. Build them back up. Build up his resume again. Cincy is probably an easier conference.

People previously speculated some boosters there wanted Crean back