In what should be viewed as a breath of fresh air for the Indiana basketball program, Tom Crean will address the student body on October 6th and then participate in a Q & A session. Here is an excerpt from the release sent out earlier today by IU media relations:

Bloomington, IN – On Wednesday, the Indiana Memorial Union Board announced that Coach Tom Crean will give his first public address to the Indiana University student body on Monday, October 6 at 7 pm at the IU Auditorium. The lecture will be free to the public and will conclude with an extended question and answer session.

“For years, Union Board invited the men’s basketball coach to speak to students and preview the upcoming season,” Andrew Dahlen, Union Board Lectures Director, said. “Union Board is proud to revive this tradition as Coach Crean begins a new era in IU Men’s Basketball. The lecture will give Coach Crean the opportunity to address the team’s most passionate fan base. Students will get direct answers about where he wants to take the program and how he plans to rebuild it.”

In his remarks, Crean will discuss his vision for the IU Men’s Basketball program, recruiting highlights, his expectations for the upcoming season, and transitioning into his new position. He will also give his thoughts on leadership and what it means to be a Hoosier. At the end of his prepared remarks, Crean will take questions from students in attendance.

So rather than a tyrant who regularly berated the media or a man who refused to answer tough questions posed by student reporters (I’m pointing at you, Kelvin), Tom Crean is diving into his opportunity as basketball coach at Indiana and spreading positive energy around the program at every chance he gets.