Fundamentals

Some of the early names are dropping off: Swider, Gurley, etc.  It’s certain IU is snooping where we may not know, but I still would love to see Marcus Carr and/or J Mashburn Jr. in IU uni next season.  

Watched a bit of the 3A game with Trey Kaufman.  Realizing this sounds like sour grapes, but he seemed slow, lazy...did I catch a bad segment?  He has size, but did not see motor for next level of competition.  

FWIW, only two players listed as “transferring” (code for in portal) still showing on website Verbal Commits are Lander and Geronimo.  That is a recent change in that Race and Aarman are no longer listed.  Not sayin’, just sayin’ 

Very anecdotal post: BUT...

a few springs ago, I watched the EYBL event in Westfield.   I was super-impressed by Cole Swider, who played for BABC AAU (Boston-area basketball club).  The lad can shoot, big time.  
 

He is 6’9, can play 3 or 4.  Just entered portal, and he will be a senior next season, but a quick fix as recruiting gets its momentum with new staff.  He never really got into the rotation at Villanova, but the kid can play. 

9 hours ago, Indykev said:

Is anyone at all concerned about Mike's close friendship with World Wide Wes and the talk that Wes can get IU into a lot of doors? or are you ok with it? myself i'm ok with it.

I approve of this message.  Have no issue with a person of influence pointing toward us as a destination for a recruit, but no payments or benefits, please.  

Guys, as a reminder, TJD’s dad Dale Davis, played for Larry Brown with the Pacers.  Woody knows what he’s doing.  

1 minute ago, BobSaccamanno said:

The guy to get to work on is Trey Kaufman. 

My mind went there, too. 

32 minutes ago, ledies22 said:

With this you'd think Mike Roberts stays on, no? I'm not as in tuned or knowledgeable to know or see the impact of what he has. But my opinion is that we could use that slot and fill it with someone better... idk.

Yeah, that is the tough part.  Not sure how Hunter and Roberts will be addressed.  

3 hours ago, Euroclydon said:

What do you want to see in assistants/staff?

A big time recruiter with relevant connections today, someone with recent success.

Someone younger would be nice but it is not the most important factor. I've seem others mention Michael Lewis. I read Kenya Hunter may stay on. I'd still like to see Dane Fife brought in as the lead/heir apparent.

An Xs and Os guy or a specialist on shooting. Again, someone with recent success.

Maybe another NBA coach/former player to appeal to recruits. This only works if they can truly coach or recruit. 

I like that Matta is on board to help Woodson navigate the college game. 

Keith Smart on the bench would be interesting, if he would be open to it.

It's wide open but will be crucial to have the right coaching staff surrounding MW. 

 

Agree with importance of staff.  Since we are committed to “IU guy” model, finish asst staff off with:

Mike Lewis

AJ Guyton

AJ Moye

Also, old-timers like Jack Keefer at Lawrence North will approve of this hire, and other long-time coaches of influence in State.  Big key is running an offense today’s player is excited to join.  

Welcome, Mike Woodson.  
 

Next, roster management.  Keep those we can, grab Mashburn Jr. from portal.  

As we wait ever so impatiently, the similarities of Saban to Bama saga and our current hope are too similar to ignore.  
 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.saturdaydownsouth.com/alabama-football/38-days-inside-story-of-how-alabama-hired-nick-saban/amp/

6 hours ago, madmax said:

Or perhaps Crean, the king of 500 word answers that mean nothing.

The most refreshing of all changes.  LOVE Archie’s low-key handling of all matters of his role.  Zero drama or spin.  And very steady roster compared to former times, and that is vital to building and sustaining. 

Oh, and meant to also add how pleased I am for adding a young person of CJ’s character, who didn’t need the ego strokes of stretching out his recruiting.  Seems like a quality family.  
 

Conversely, shame on you “Dan Dakich” Leary, who was convicted of embezzlement, for derogatory comments about the announcement.  The idiocy or stones on Leary are stunning considering the rather public stepping in shat he did.  

CJ Gunn reminds me, frame-wise, of one of my all-tume favorite Hoosiers: Greg Graham.  Long, rangy, tall for a guard.  I echo the above.  This guy will be a load as a Jr/Sr at IU.  

Archie’s get old, stay old will grow in power as the roster grows and gets stronger further down the bench. 
 

One area of growth from previous coach to now: depth.  The end our bench no longer has Grant Gelons.