Comments on: Hoosiers prevail in final tuneup, 72-54

By: Sallad

Sallad — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:33:46 +0000

I agree 100%. This team was smiling a lot, and congratulating each other–it reminded me of the last few games of the Sampson era, but this passion was or better reasons.

I think there's one more big positive for this team: Coach Crean. I was sitting on the court for the first game, and I could hear what he was yelling out to the players. He's very much a teacher, and it made me smile when I would hear his positive encouragement. When Tijan Jobe did something right, you could hear him saying, “That's right, Tijan! Good job, Tijan!” When this team hits the inevitable bumps in the road, Coach Crean is really going to hold them together.

By: RobertSchell

RobertSchell — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:23:42 +0000

Yeah, I've heard he broke it during practice, and I know he broke it last year while playing at Carmel, so, who knows if it'll just be temporary or long-term/overprotective like Rip….

By: silkyslim

silkyslim — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:24:23 +0000

In regards to the mask, it looks more goofy than Rip's & did Moore get hit in practice? Or is he trying to pick up chicks with his 'phantom of the opera' look? )

By: RobertSchell

RobertSchell — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:10:21 +0000

I was one of the few students who got season tickets, so I didn't have to worry about a bad “stream”, thankfully…

but, I agree with most people in that, we WILL need Taber on the court to help contribute on the defensive end with rebounds, Pritchard will be one hell of a player the more comfortable he gets down low, and this team will surprise a few people as the season goes on

Also, as it was my first game of the season, I was really impressed with the heart and hustle Moore showed on the court last nite…even if he wears the goofy Rip Hamilton mask

By: HoosierSmitty

HoosierSmitty — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:03:18 +0000

Jobe is not a very good player at this point. He just happens to be tall. I don't foresee him getting much time on the court during the season.

By: NC Fat Boy

NC Fat Boy — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:29:24 +0000

I also had problems with the stream. Time to move to New Zealand I guess.

From what I could see, it was very similar to the first exhibition. I thought it was good to see the team respond when Bemidji made a run at them in the second half. Moore and Finkelmeier will be sparks for the team.

Story and Jones both showed good athleticism, and yes, Pritchard should spend the next 3 days standing under the basket shooting layups over McLeod.

I think they are still offensively out of sink, but that should improve (especially if they have some success early, ie wins).

Tijan Jobe, we need to develop productivity from him on both ends.

J

By: cooper

cooper — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:43:29 +0000

Crean basically just has to play out the year and see who is good enough to get some minutes next year, because in all likelihood most of these guys won't see much time next year. As Pat Forde said today, Crean is coach of the year if IU wins double digit games.

By: JerryCT

JerryCT — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:04:28 +0000

I am developing weird sensations. Like I feel comfortable with Finkelmier on the floor and Pritchard playing a wing w Jobe and Taber in the game too along w a zone defense.

By: MikeyD

MikeyD — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:45:11 +0000

Same here in GA. I actually liked the coverage as well…showed the cheerleaders and fans so much more than the majors. just couldn't find the score.

By: Hoosier76

Hoosier76 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:03:34 +0000

Pritchard needs to do about an hour of the Mikan drill after each practice if he wants to be a solid contributor on the offensive end. He has the skills to be a hell of a player, he just needs to become much more comfortable around the basket.