Sad Week for IU Fans

IU started out as a preseason #1 and won the regular season Big Ten title, even spending time at #1 during the season. They were a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but got knocked after making it to the Sweet Sixteen. It was an exciting season to be sure and confirmed Indiana’s return to relevance in college basketball.

This week is sad for many IU fans. Victor Oladipo had a monster season and put himself in the running for player of the year. It was obvious he could play at the next level. A few days ago, he made the announcement. He is going to the NBA.

Today, Cody Zeller made the same announcement. I, along with a host of Hoosier fans I’m sure, had hoped he would stick around for another year. I could say it was because I wanted him to get better. Selfishly, I wanted to see him in the Crimson and Cream for at least one more season to help IU continue to get better.

Here’s a copy of his announcement that was posted on Inside the Hall:

Cody Zeller confirms that he will make himself eligible for the 2013 NBA Draft: “Two years ago, I made one of the best decisions of my life to attend and play basketball at Indiana University. My experience here at IU has been unforgettable and has surpassed my expectations, making me even more confident that I made the best college decision. Attending and playing basketball for IU not only fulfilled my collegiate dreams, but it also has provided me with the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong goal of playing in the NBA. While I will continue to pursue my degree in the future, I believe it is in my best interest to pursue my professional basketball career in the NBA next season.”

Great ESPN Article on Indiana and Basketball

With Indiana basketball back in the national spotlight, ESPN did a great article on the connection between the state of Indiana and the game of basketball. The stereotype that you can find a basketball hoop on just about any stationary item in the state is reflected in this article.

The feature covers cities in Indiana, including Martinsville where John Wooden played high school ball and Indianapolis. It highlights not only John Wooden, but Bob Knight, Cody Zeller, Brad Stevens, Damon Bailey and more.

It’s a lengthy article and you can check it out on the ESPN website.

Here’s a couple quotes to whet your appetite:

“When I was growing up, you had your ABC, NBC, CBS and then you had Channel 4, the independent channel. Every Friday night, they’d have Indiana games and then Purdue games. So when I was a kid, that’s what you did. You’d sit there and watch.” (ESPN analyst and former Indiana player and assistant coach Dan Dakich)

“High school was more intimidating. You’d play in front of 7,000 people and three-quarters of them you’d know personally. That was pressure.” (Cody Zeller)

My senior year of high school, we were playing and every seat was taken and they filled in the track. It’s overwhelming. It really is Hoosiers. That’s why that movie makes so much sense.” (Jordan Hulls)

Go check it out! Go IU!

Basketball is Just Around the Corner

Saw this on Facebook today and it was a reminder that basketball is just around the corner.  While I’m glad football kicks off this week, hoops season is not far behind!

Great to see Zeller and I.U. on the cover.  Cody Zeller has been named to the preseason All-American team by the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook.  Go I.U.!

Good News For Hoosier Fans

Just read some good news for IU basketball fans…Zeller and Watford are staying in school!  Here is the article that came across Twitter from The Crimson Quarry.

Jeff Rabjohns of Rivals.com is reporting that Cody Zeller and Christian Watford are both staying put. This is magnificent news for Hoosiers fans across the board. There was little doubt that Zeller was going to return for at least one more year of basketball but at one point certain NBA scouts thought it 90% certain Watford was out the door.

This is huge for Indiana as they now for certain return their starting 5 from the tournament run and 6 of their top 8 players in terms of playing time and production. Add that with a stellar recruiting class that is scheduled to hit campus June 16 and the preseason #1 ranking that IU currently has looks like it could be a legit thing as we get to the season in November. Depending on what Shabazz Muhammad and Nerlens Noel do tomorrow when they commit, Indiana has a great shot at holding onto preseason #1 assuming they don’t both go to Kentucky.

IU #1 Preseason – a little too soon??

It’s just one day after the championship game and the first preseason poll for 2012-2013 is out.  Andy Katz has Indiana as preseason #1.  Isn’t it a little soon?  While I think it speaks volumes to where Tom Crean has helped bring the program, it seems a little early to be making such predictions. It does assume several players are leaving for the NBA from other teams and that IU is staying intact.  It seems early, but it sounds good to Hoosier fans.

Here’s what Katz wrote about the Hoosiers.  You can see his Top 25 here.

1. Indiana

Surprised? Putting Indiana No. 1 isn’t a reach, and it speaks volumes about how far Tom Crean has brought the Hoosiers. There was legitimate grumbling in the Hoosier Nation a year ago, wondering whether the rebuilding was taking too long. Well, IU had two of the more significant wins of the 2011-12 regular season and then reached the Sweet 16, where it pushed Kentucky as well as any team. Cody Zeller has to stay put for Indiana to remain No. 1 of course. But if Zeller is back, the Hoosiers — with nearly everyone returning and joined by another elite recruiting class — will be right there in the running for a national title.