Although it’s not finalized, the scuttlebutt according to The Indianapolis Star is this: Indiana coach Tom Crean will have two additional years added to his not yet finalized contract. The agreement between Indiana and Crean will keep him in Bloomington through the 2017-2018 season.

Crean would not talk specifically about the addendum to his deal, but offered this in a statement released Monday:

“As soon as the long-form contract is done and finalized, it will be released. To date, I’m comfortable with the progress and look forward to its completion.”

You should interpret the two additional years as added security for Crean from the IU brass since the man who brought him to Bloomington, Athletic Director Rick Greenspan, will be gone come 2009.

Editor’s Note: Don’t forget to submit your list of the top 10 Indiana players of all-time.