College Basketball 2007-2008

[CubColtPacer]

Unnamed boosters were the ones who got us rid of Lavin and Dorrell. Granted those unnamed boosters were probably the reason we were saddled with Dorrell, but hey, they're both gone.

 

I hope your gut is right about Tony Bennett, Exile. :)

 

Do you see Bennett as a guy who can win a national title? Does he run the same type of system as his father or Bo Ryan does at Wisconsin?

 

I'm not sure that type of system will work at a top school. I love what Bo Ryan does, don't get me wrong. That system can win conference titles, and it can take ok talent and make great basketball teams out of them. Ryan is probably the best coach in the Big 10 right now. However, I don't see Wisconsin winning a national title with that system ever. It's simply too limiting to win consistently against the best teams in the country who don't make the kinds of mistakes that Wisconsin thrives on exploiting.

 

It's just a concern I have about Bennett. I'm not even sure I explained it well there.

[Guest]

Bennett has opened the offense up more than his dad did (but then again, I only paid attention to his dad's two years at WSU and I don't know much about Bo Ryan; for what it's worth, most every announcer and Pac-10 analyst seems to agree with me). Granted it's easier to open the offense up when you have upperclassmen like Low, Rochestie and Weaver and WSU runs a rather vanilla half court set and like to grind it out most of the time but he's much more creative than his dad. Bennett is a fantastic coach, I think he could win a championship if he could tap into a better recruiting pool. He was willing to open up his offense with the 3-star guys he had, he'd probably open it up even more if he had the type of recruits Indiana can get. I take it you were referring to his offense but his defense is a carbon copy of Ben Howland's aggressive man-to-man, double-the-post defense. Hell, his offense reminds me of Ben Howland's too.

 

Miller would be a hell of a hire, better than Bennett. And I do like Skiles in the college game, especially at Indiana since he has Indiana roots.

[snoodmonger]

Can anybody point me to any links regarding Scott Drew's recruiting questions? It would help in another discussion I am in.

 

No, sorry. All I have is what I've heard from coaches in the area. I know that holds very little water -- great, some random internet dude says he heard Drew was dirty. But high school coaches, en masse, think he's shady. I don't think that would bode well for in-state recruiting, much less IU's reputation post-Sampson. From what I've heard, I really, really don't want Drew.

 

Oh, I believe you. I was able to point the person to the story about how Drew uses negative recruiting, which isn't technically illegal but drives other coaches crazy.

 

 

that's the story i've seen. there are whispers of rule breaking, too, but i've never seen anything hard and fast.

[RynoRules]

IU pretty much has to travel tomorrow without the players who skipped practice today. Skipping practice is bad enough, but it's clearly a slap in the face of the remaining coaches and the entire university. I think you will see 3 scholarship players for IU tomorrow in Evanston. Gordon, Stemler and Mike White along with walk-ons Taber, Finkelmeyer and Ahlfeld.

 

 

Those players, particulalry DJ White, ought to be ashamed of themselves. They have sold out their teammates and decided to have a pity party for themselves. I hope that NBA teams are watching this. What a bunch of jerks.

 

And what exactly are they protesting? That Dakich - a Knight disciple - got the interim gig instead of McCallum, Sampson's guy? Yeah, that is exactly what the university needs, guys: another cheater.

 

Sampson is a horrendously arrogant man whose lack of scruples has finally caught up with him. He deserves to suffer, and the fact that some of these players are lining up with him says quite a bit about their character.

 

I also find the irony of Sampson and Knight's (presumably) ending at (relatively) the same time to be delicious.

[CubColtPacer]

IU pretty much has to travel tomorrow without the players who skipped practice today. Skipping practice is bad enough, but it's clearly a slap in the face of the remaining coaches and the entire university. I think you will see 3 scholarship players for IU tomorrow in Evanston. Gordon, Stemler and Mike White along with walk-ons Taber, Finkelmeyer and Ahlfeld.

 

 

And what exactly are they protesting? That Dakich - a Knight disciple - got the interim gig instead of McCallum, Sampson's guy? Yeah, that is exactly what the university needs, guys: another cheater.

 

\

 

 

It's not fair to call McCallum a cheater. The NCAA implicated 2 assistants along with Sampson (Senderhoff and Meyer).

McCallum was found to be completely innocent in the whole matter.

 

I haven't heard anything about Meyer being let go, which shows how much about PR this actually as.

[RynoRules]

IU pretty much has to travel tomorrow without the players who skipped practice today. Skipping practice is bad enough, but it's clearly a slap in the face of the remaining coaches and the entire university. I think you will see 3 scholarship players for IU tomorrow in Evanston. Gordon, Stemler and Mike White along with walk-ons Taber, Finkelmeyer and Ahlfeld.

 

 

And what exactly are they protesting? That Dakich - a Knight disciple - got the interim gig instead of McCallum, Sampson's guy? Yeah, that is exactly what the university needs, guys: another cheater.

 

\

 

 

It's not fair to call McCallum a cheater. The NCAA implicated 2 assistants along with Sampson (Senderhoff and Meyer).

McCallum was found to be completely innocent in the whole matter.

 

I haven't heard anything about Meyer being let go, which shows how much about PR this actually as.

 

I made that point inartfully.

 

My point is not that McCallum has proven to be a cheater. My point is that is that I understand why the University would rather have Dakich as the IC over a guy who has been with Sampson in both places that he cheated. If you are IU you are trying to distance yourself from Sampson.

[illiniguy]

Anyone who thinks those kids won't play tonight are crazy. IU waited to decide until they were through the tough part of their schedule. Once through, then they made their decision. They are trying to win a conference championship, those kids will play.

[illiniguy]

Jereme Richmond, Illinois star recruit for 2010, was kicked off of his high school team today.

[Keener98]

Jereme Richmond, Illinois star recruit for 2010, was kicked off of his high school team today.

 

 

:shock: Son of a. I heard he had some problems. So what now, probably a transfer to a new school? !4-15 year old kids who have been pimped to be the next great thing, usually never turn out well. Its a hell of a lot of pressure for a kid that age to handle.

[illiniguy]

Jereme Richmond, Illinois star recruit for 2010, was kicked off of his high school team today.

 

 

:shock: Son of a. I heard he had some problems. So what now, probably a transfer to a new school? !4-15 year old kids who have been pimped to be the next great thing, usually never turn out well. Its a hell of a lot of pressure for a kid that age to handle.

I believe per Illinois rules he has to move to a different school district now in order to not forfeit his junior year of eligibility. Not a good situation at all.

[NCCubFan]

Those players, particulalry DJ White, ought to be ashamed of themselves. They have sold out their teammates and decided to have a pity party for themselves. I hope that NBA teams are watching this. What a bunch of jerks.

Whoa; calling them a bunch of jerks is going way overboard. They reacted to a tough situation emotionally rather than logically. That makes them human, not jerks. They shouldn't have skipped practice; I'm not denying that. However, they did all reportedly show up for last night's walk-through. Had they followed through on their threats then maybe stronger criticism would be warranted. However, I don't think they can be faulted for showing support for their coach, even though the way they did so was misguided.

[illiniguy]

Anyone else hear on Gottliebs show last night when Bruce Pearl said that Indiana is a dream position? He also said he would be honoring his contract at Tennessee, but it is definately something for IU to think about.

[Exile on Waveland]

Anyone else hear on Gottliebs show last night when Bruce Pearl said that Indiana is a dream position? He also said he would be honoring his contract at Tennessee, but it is definately something for IU to think about.

 

Yeah, he definitely didn't rule out Indiana. Perhaps it's just a typical ploy for more money, but Pearl did just sign a new deal. Either way, he seemed to imply interest; odd for the day before No. 1 v. 2. Pearl did start his coaching career at D-II University of Southern Indiana, in Evansville. I seriously doubt Pearl to IU happens; I file that more under Pearl being Pearl.

[hawkeyecub]

Anyone else hear on Gottliebs show last night when Bruce Pearl said that Indiana is a dream position? He also said he would be honoring his contract at Tennessee, but it is definately something for IU to think about.

 

Wow.

 

I know when he was at UW-Milwaukee and a lot of people wanted him to replace Alford, those in the know suggested that Jim Delaney would do his best to make sure he didn't come back to the Big Ten.

 

I think Exile is probably right though. When Alford left he supposedly put out feelers and told those he still talked with in Iowa City that he would be willing to listen. Of course everyone knew there was no way he was leaving Tennessee. Barta called and got permission which appeased Iowa fans wanting him and he respectfully turned it down publicly which makes him look good. He doesn't mind using the media to help himself out.

[illiniguy]

Anyone else hear on Gottliebs show last night when Bruce Pearl said that Indiana is a dream position? He also said he would be honoring his contract at Tennessee, but it is definately something for IU to think about.

 

Wow.

 

I know when he was at UW-Milwaukee and a lot of people wanted him to replace Alford, those in the know suggested that Jim Delaney would do his best to make sure he didn't come back to the Big Ten.

 

I think Exile is probably right though. When Alford left he supposedly put out feelers and told those he still talked with in Iowa City that he would be willing to listen. Of course everyone knew there was no way he was leaving Tennessee. Barta called and got permission which appeased Iowa fans wanting him and he respectfully turned it down publicly which makes him look good. He doesn't mind using the media to help himself out.

Yeah, I am thinking he might be using it as a ploy to get more money from Tennessee. Plus it never hurts your recruiting to get your name out there. Either way I can't see IU making that move. They have to make a very safe hire with this one.

[RynoRules]

Those players, particulalry DJ White, ought to be ashamed of themselves. They have sold out their teammates and decided to have a pity party for themselves. I hope that NBA teams are watching this. What a bunch of jerks.

Whoa; calling them a bunch of jerks is going way overboard. They reacted to a tough situation emotionally rather than logically. That makes them human, not jerks. They shouldn't have skipped practice; I'm not denying that. However, they did all reportedly show up for last night's walk-through. Had they followed through on their threats then maybe stronger criticism would be warranted. However, I don't think they can be faulted for showing support for their coach, even though the way they did so was misguided.

 

I disagree. They could have showed their support any number of ways that would have expressed their frustration but not made them look like petulant children. How about a short statement to the media? A letter? An e-mail? If they can't be trusted to control their emotions (in part, a sign of maturity), then they could have spoken through their parents/guardians.

 

The long and the short of it is: they acted stupidly and aligned themselves with a cheater.

[NCCubFan]

Those players, particulalry DJ White, ought to be ashamed of themselves. They have sold out their teammates and decided to have a pity party for themselves. I hope that NBA teams are watching this. What a bunch of jerks.

Whoa; calling them a bunch of jerks is going way overboard. They reacted to a tough situation emotionally rather than logically. That makes them human, not jerks. They shouldn't have skipped practice; I'm not denying that. However, they did all reportedly show up for last night's walk-through. Had they followed through on their threats then maybe stronger criticism would be warranted. However, I don't think they can be faulted for showing support for their coach, even though the way they did so was misguided.

 

I disagree. They could have showed their support any number of ways that would have expressed their frustration but not made them look like petulant children. How about a short statement to the media? A letter? An e-mail? If they can't be trusted to control their emotions (in part, a sign of maturity), then they could have spoken through their parents/guardians.

 

The long and the short of it is: they acted stupidly and aligned themselves with a cheater.

I stand by my comments. I'm not disputing that what they did was wrong. What I am disputing is that letting their emotions get the best of them doesn't make them jerks. We're all human, and we all do stupid things at times and react emotionally rather than rationally. That doesn't make us jerks.

[pitchcs]

I guess I caught the books of guard this morning because I got IU over NW in a Pick 'Em situation.

 

IU is now -13

[snoodmonger]

boy, pearl to IU would be the one hire that could really drive the UI folks nuts.

 

 

What did Richmond do to get kicked off his team?

[illiniguy]

boy, pearl to IU would be the one hire that could really drive the UI folks nuts.

 

 

What did Richmond do to get kicked off his team?

Well he has been in trouble twice this year before this came out. Once for fighting with a teammate, once for missing a game for familiy reasons, then this. I would assume it is just three strikes he is gone and nothing major. But, since no one has came out and said the main reason yet, it is just an assumption.

[brinoch]

Anyone who thinks those kids won't play tonight are crazy. IU waited to decide until they were through the tough part of their schedule. Once through, then they made their decision. They are trying to win a conference championship, those kids will play.

 

Ummm.. yeah. Nice conspiracy theory. But no, that's not the case. I've said it before, and it is still absolutely true: IU was protecting itself against a lawsuit from Sampson. They bought him out and there is a specific clause in the buy-out that prevents litigation. IU can't afford a lawsuit. Their finances are only now getting back in order after McNeeley.

[Exile on Waveland]

Anyone who thinks those kids won't play tonight are crazy. IU waited to decide until they were through the tough part of their schedule. Once through, then they made their decision. They are trying to win a conference championship, those kids will play.

 

Ummm.. yeah. Nice conspiracy theory. But no, that's not the case. I've said it before, and it is still absolutely true: IU was protecting itself against a lawsuit from Sampson. They bought him out and there is a specific clause in the buy-out that prevents litigation. IU can't afford a lawsuit. Their finances are only now getting back in order after McNeeley.

 

IU forced a coach out when they're ostensibly tied for the Big Ten lead and then hired an interim against the protests of the players because they care about winning uber alles? Not a chance.

[Exile on Waveland]

Unnamed boosters were the ones who got us rid of Lavin and Dorrell. Granted those unnamed boosters were probably the reason we were saddled with Dorrell, but hey, they're both gone.

 

I hope your gut is right about Tony Bennett, Exile. :)

 

Kathi Bennett emphatically stated that leaving IU was her decision and was amicable. I believe her. However, I am less sure that Dick and Tony feel the same way (I've never talked to Tony before and never to Dick about this, though, so I'm guessing). I think Kathi was treated well here, and she was universally liked and respected. I do have a feeling his sister's history with IU could influence Tony's decision in one way or the other (if IU were to approach him). I'll be surprised if it ends up being Bennett.

 

I also have some of the same concerns that CCP does. I won't repeat everything, but I echo his feelings. What Bennett has done at Wazzou is nothing short of remarkable; however, I still prefer Brownell and Miller. Bennett would by no means be a bad hire, he'd be a good one. I just don't think he's the best hire.

[RynoRules]

Those players, particulalry DJ White, ought to be ashamed of themselves. They have sold out their teammates and decided to have a pity party for themselves. I hope that NBA teams are watching this. What a bunch of jerks.

Whoa; calling them a bunch of jerks is going way overboard. They reacted to a tough situation emotionally rather than logically. That makes them human, not jerks. They shouldn't have skipped practice; I'm not denying that. However, they did all reportedly show up for last night's walk-through. Had they followed through on their threats then maybe stronger criticism would be warranted. However, I don't think they can be faulted for showing support for their coach, even though the way they did so was misguided.

 

I disagree. They could have showed their support any number of ways that would have expressed their frustration but not made them look like petulant children. How about a short statement to the media? A letter? An e-mail? If they can't be trusted to control their emotions (in part, a sign of maturity), then they could have spoken through their parents/guardians.

 

The long and the short of it is: they acted stupidly and aligned themselves with a cheater.

I stand by my comments. I'm not disputing that what they did was wrong. What I am disputing is that letting their emotions get the best of them doesn't make them jerks. We're all human, and we all do stupid things at times and react emotionally rather than rationally. That doesn't make us jerks.

 

I agree we all let our emotions get the best of us. It happens, and it does not make us any worse than anyone else.

 

However, what they did reveals a major flaw in their characters, IMO. They essentialy threatened to abandon their teammates and the school because they did not get their way. That indisputably arrogant behavior makes them jerks, IMO.

[snoodmonger]

Those players, particulalry DJ White, ought to be ashamed of themselves. They have sold out their teammates and decided to have a pity party for themselves. I hope that NBA teams are watching this. What a bunch of jerks.

Whoa; calling them a bunch of jerks is going way overboard. They reacted to a tough situation emotionally rather than logically. That makes them human, not jerks. They shouldn't have skipped practice; I'm not denying that. However, they did all reportedly show up for last night's walk-through. Had they followed through on their threats then maybe stronger criticism would be warranted. However, I don't think they can be faulted for showing support for their coach, even though the way they did so was misguided.

 

I disagree. They could have showed their support any number of ways that would have expressed their frustration but not made them look like petulant children. How about a short statement to the media? A letter? An e-mail? If they can't be trusted to control their emotions (in part, a sign of maturity), then they could have spoken through their parents/guardians.

 

The long and the short of it is: they acted stupidly and aligned themselves with a cheater.

I stand by my comments. I'm not disputing that what they did was wrong. What I am disputing is that letting their emotions get the best of them doesn't make them jerks. We're all human, and we all do stupid things at times and react emotionally rather than rationally. That doesn't make us jerks.

 

I agree we all let our emotions get the best of us. It happens, and it does not make us any worse than anyone else.

 

However, what they did reveals a major flaw in their characters, IMO. They essentialy threatened to abandon their teammates and the school because they did not get their way. That indisputably arrogant behavior makes them jerks, IMO.

 

C'mon. That wasn't a character flaw. It was a bunch of teenagers freaking out and making empty threats. College players put a lot of faith in their coaches, and it becomes like a parent/child relationship. It's totally justifiable for a kid to react that way when they see someone they admire getting attacked, and they think they can help. Had they actually boycotted the season, that would be one thing. But some threats made in the heat of emotion don't reflect at all on those kids' character.