I coached one of these players and against the other.....Teague, Teague, Teague. Strong, quick........this is a lofty comparison but Derrick Rose. Needs to improve jumpshot but I would take him at IU. SMith Rivera, very good player.......and would be great at IU....I believe we will land one, maybe not both....

"In order for Tom Crean to bring the program back to national prominence, it’s going to be essential to lock down the state of Indiana."
I really don't agree with this. If he brings in good quality players, who cares where they come from? Is the sentiment here really that Crean isn't a good enough recruiter to get talent from other states? Sure, I agree that if high quality talent from Indiana wants to come here, maybe we have an edge with them. But I don't understand why you suggest here that the only way Crean can restore the program is to restock it with local players. Surely that isn't the *only* way. Maybe it's the way you prefer, and maybe it's an easier way than some others. I disagree, though, that it's any more than an issue of convenience.

I never said it was the "only" way, but when you have top 10 talent nationally in your back yard, that has to be your primary focus. And rest assured, at the top of the priority list for Crean is getting guys like Teague and Smith-Rivera to Bloomington.

I think you took what I said and jumped to some conclusions. I never questioned Crean's ability to recruit outside of the state. He's already proven he can go get players like Watford and Creek. And I hope that continues to be the case. But I think we all can agree that one of the problems in recent years is the stockpile of talent from the state that has ended up elsewhere.

What was the knock on Davis....can't get in-state talent to come to Indiana. So he tried to win with the Strickland, Bracey etc. They were good players but you HAVE TO keep in-state talent here in Indiana.If a coach cannot recruit his state at the state's top basketball school, THAT coach in my opinion will NOT succeed!

How would the hoosiernation feel if the next few Mr. Basketballs wore Duke, Wake Forrest, ILLinois, and North Carolina uniforms.

Finally it is just my belief kids who play in this state understand how much Indiana basketball means to this state better than ANY out of state Kid. DJ White was rare exception....he got it....

I look forward to Elston, Hulls, and Bobby C coming to IU.

"But I think we all can agree that one of the problems in recent years is the stockpile of talent from the state that has ended up elsewhere."

See, but that's my point: if Crean goes out and gets talent, I don't care where it comes from. There seems to be this operating presumption that a top 10 talent from Indiana is somehow better than a top 10 talent that comes from somewhere else. I think this perception is extremely short-sighted. Look at North Carolina's roster this year, for instance - only one guy from North Carolina gets double digit minutes on that squad, and he's a role player. Clearly they're an elite program. I think that at least gives credence to the idea that it's perfectly possible and reasonable to recruit a talented roster from out of state and be a good team. But for whatever reason, that isn't good enough for this fanbase, and it honestly mystifies me as to why. I want to be careful to say I don't have a problem with recruiting instate per se - I just don't understand why many fans claim it to be some sort of categorical imperative.

...and not to nitpick, but you did say it was the only way, because you said it was "essential".

Hopefully we can land either Teague or Smith Rivera...better yet - both. That's the kind of news that would send Hoosier Nation through the roof.

In other recruiting news...I read that Bawa has still been growing and is a legitimate 7 footer now.

The tunnel-vision of delirious hoops fans in Indiana keeps me in stitches. Next year's class is stellar and Crean in ideal for the program. However, I suggest everyone kkep abreast of other programs in the conference and nationally B4 getting all excited.

UNC is LOADED, and Tubby has Minnesota poised for a conference championship in 2 years - wow, same time as Indiana. The Big 10 will be THE Premier Conference in 2 years - you heard it here first.

I live in the mountains of Colrado and am going to watch the Big 12 courtside for like $12.

If the centers Crean is bringing in can defend against the likes of Hensen & Zeller (UNC), Orton & Patterson (UK), Griffin & Gallon (OU), Cousins (UAB), Kelly & Plumlee (Duke), Vargas, Oriahki & Thabeet (UConn), Mullens & Koufas (The OHSU), Yarou and Cheek (Nova) +>>>>>>>>>> Maybe now you all get the picture. IU will become competitive, but as far as a deep run in the tournament is concerned do NOT hold your breath.

Tally Ho!

Not sure what your point is. Maybe the air is too thin up there in RIfle or Salida or Eagle etc.

We funny IU fans seem to think that Indiana HS players like Oden, May, McRoberts, Harangody, Zeller, Shawn Kemp, Zach Randolph etc would match up pretty well with the guys you listed.........which is why we want them to stay and play for IU. We also want the best players from out of state because we also want to win.

Maybe you did not grow up in Indiana but we have a culture of basketball that creates legends out of kids that grow up here and then lead their state U to championships. Part of IU's return to success will include some of those legends being created.

While we fans will support and make legends out of DJ WHite from AL or a kid from the Bronx, most of us will follow an Indiana kid for 8 years through HS and college. That kind of relationship with the fans is special and needed for our program

Jerry-
Very well said....lest we forget Indiana Kids are the people who played a major role in hanging banners in assembly hall, if it ain't broke, then don't fix it.

Finally, Minnesota is still Minnesota...c'mon people lets not get crazy here.

In the 1980s, yes. That idea is broken. The reason it's broken is because times have changed; it's suddenly very reasonable for kids to go to college halfway across the country and still feel close to home because plane flights are somewhat reasonable and cell phones are ubiquitous. I'm not sure that home schools automatically have the edge now that they used to have in that era. Now recruiting considerations are different. It's all about who can get you to the NBA, who can develop you best, who you'd be most happy playing for.

Interesting, cuz Roy Williams is getting top 50 talent from all over the USA and will probably be in the Elite 8 or better the next 6 years. The reast of the elite programs are doing the same and the competition for top 100 talent is immense. This is the internet age and the whole sport continues to evolve.

You are too sentimental, OSU is a recruiting haven and their alumni are rabid. With IU being on probation for 3 years and our facilities being average do not expect Crean to work miracles.

As far as the fans following a player for 8 years - way to go - if it happens. IU is not UK as far as fans go, plus Assembly Hall sucks for seating. I think the Sampson thing happened because of the way they dawged Knight - bad karma.

I grew up in Indiana and went to school there, but after the Davis era I have tempered my passion for the cream and crimson.

Go Hoosiers forever!

Last comment for awhile as I enter into my yurt for stellar meditation.

Josh Smith has 19 medium interest universties, Harrison Barnes has 20. So Jerry CT, you sound old school and I bet One million $$$ you voted for McCain.

Let go of the days of old and embrace the great players and potential for awesome basketball in the future.

If we're talking Indiana players, what's the word with the home-grown big man Michael Chandler?

That is nebulous. What school does he attend, what year does he graduate, and why did DeShaun Thomas sign with OSU?

Snatch the pebble from my hand grasshopper and . . .

DeShaun Thomas has only committed, he can't sign until the fall of his senior year.

a technicality and another grasshopper to enlighten. . .

I hate to be the bearer of bad news. I know personally Teague is not going to IU!!! He has only two schools in mind. The other school has not offer him a scholarship yet and won't because they will be loaded at his spot. So imagine what the other school could possibly be to make him and his bro both tell IU no?