Hoosierinbham

Bama's is very surprising to me. Not sure how they're 7th with 4 non-conference games. Texas is a name only, Utah State, ULM, and....Austin Peay!

Agree the coaching and development are vastly superior, but the 5 stars certainly help ( He doesn't make the playoff with our roster). Saban walked into a loaded talent situation with Alabama high school seniors his first season. Most were going to Bama anyway. Saban developed them and established his system. He's never looked back.

For sure. Bama will get theirs. But for the reasons you mentioned, it will be MUCH tougher. If South Florida, SoCal, and potentially Texas get locked down again, it will be more cyclical for Bama than plugging in 5 stars at every position annually.

Best post I've read in awhile. Riley at USC should give the B1G a solid second potential playoff team. His recruiting should allow them to compete annually. He'll also keep the top SoCal kids home, which will hurt Bama and some of the other schools that have poached that talent since Pete Carroll left.

We have a new OC and everything except the line personnel will be different on offense than last year. Defense should be better with Allen calling defenses. Total crapshoot, but I say 5-7 wins, with 7 coming from the optimist in me.

That's a great point on the passes, and no small thing. Putting passes in the shooters pocket, or utilizing proper entry angles to the post is vital for success. Great to see our guys having solid fundamentals and chemistry.

Love it. I get that it's a fun competition, but his stroke is high, quick, and smooth. If he can be a consistent deep threat on the wing, we are a dangerous team. His length and ability to put the ball on the floor is what we were missing on the wing last season. Looks like he's put in the time on his shot this off-season.

Agree with all of those. Barnes is way too low as well.

I'd take a Robbie Hummel all day long. Injuries derailed what could've been an even better career. He wasn't going to throw down highlight reel dunks on people, but he moved very well and really understood the game.

Love that Stoops called him out, and added they have won 4 straight post season games in football. Direct shot after the embarrassing St. Peters loss.

That would be great! We always had some good matches with Columbia City in the early-mid 90's.

Great summary. This gets me so fired up. Let's go Hoosiers!!

James Hardy IV. Interesting. I have Bama fans that know I went to New Haven asking me about Mylan Graham. I was just up there a week ago, but not much to report. It will be fun to watch him progress. Hope my Bulldogs get back on the winning path. Thanks for the article!

Good points. Very puzzling why the two players you mentioned left. And full disclosure, the 2 double digit loss years in conference for Wisconsin were within the last 5 years. So their trend doesn't look good. Davis saved them last year from having a rough season. Probably just bracing myself after years of letdown. I'm just sick and tired of losing to those udder tuggers!

Great analysis on Iowa, and I see your point on Wisconsin. But until the B1G stops allowing rugby basketball, system schools like Wisconsin and Purdue will always be in the mix.(Wisconsin has only had 2 seasons in the last 13 years they've lost more than 6 games in conference!) They recruit specifically for their system, which doesn't require elite level recruits. Tough, defense minded shooters that are willing to wait their turn until they gain experience in the system has proven successful. It also has proven to flame out in the tournament when games are called more consistent with the rules.

With a season to gain experience, strength, and perspective on life, I'm really hopeful for a big jump from him. He has all the tools to be an outstanding wing. If he puts in the work, he could be the shooter on the wing we need to make a serious run in March.

Agreed. And unfortunately Wisky generally outperforms expectations on an annual basis. Illinois has some talent if they can learn to play more fluidly again without Kofi. The B1G looks down overall, and we have the most talent and experience. We just have to prove it on the court.

With his strength and football mentality, you're probably right. He's not getting backed down, and would be a terrific shooter at the 4.

He looks like he has good drive, pulled well, maintains his block, and wanted to pancake everyone. I like nasty o-linemen. Welcome to IU!

Great point. Michigan and PSU can gear their offense/defense toward competing with O$U. Auburn and LSU have caught lightning in a bottle a couple years, while A&M or someone else takes out Bama after a bye week. Still, hard to argue the strength of the $EC top to bottom.

Pains me to admit that's true. It's been O$U and Clemson versus Bama and SEC #2 for that season.

You said the name out loud. Not cool. I remember EXACTLY who hit that layup!

Maloley's, Roger's, Scott's, and White Swan. Good memories.

Basketball and football previews and stats. Loved it. I still don't like Whitko and Steve Nicodemus because you beat my New Haven Bulldogs on a last second shot in Regionals. Heartbreaking.

Yes. Journal Gazette in the morning, News Sentinel in the afternoon. Memorized national champions, Heisman trophy winners, and baseball stats leaders for years because of those sports sections. Great memories.