Comments on: Tom Crean via Twitter: Bawa Muniru is eligible

By: Alex

Alex — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:34:21 +0000

His long term upside is obviously there, but to expect much from him this season would be a stretch.

The good news is his attitude and physical attributes are both outstanding. I think the best thing for Bawa would be to get a little “meaner” on the court and I think that's something you will see over time. He can become a presence over time, but he'll need to improve his hands and ability to finish around the basket more consistently.

By: MillaRed

MillaRed — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:52:41 +0000

Mission accomplished Alex, I have opened up controversy! It's kinda funny actually. We've reached a point where Bawa is finally eligible, yet we question his future.

The fact is, his future is a question mark. He is TOTALLY worth a flyer. But I feel very strongly that redshirting him is a mistake. IU'sreaching a point where every scholarship is worth gold. This is a good place to be people!

So I ask you Alex.....what are your short term and long term expectations?We're all on the same people. We all want a Thabeet, Mutumbo. Hell, I'll take a Jeff Newton!

Don't kill the messenger folks. The guy has question marks at this stage.

By: Taskmaster75

Taskmaster75 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:01:59 +0000

I can't see how he was highly regarded. He barely played basketball at all before going to UConn. He was the quintessential definition of a project that happened to work out.

By: HoosierSmitty

HoosierSmitty — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:26:08 +0000

I think we can all agree we're just glad the enigma that is Bawa Muniru is going to be a little less of a puzzle after Monday.

By: BFowler

BFowler — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:05:38 +0000

I was not trying to rebut any points you were making, I just posted there because your comment made me think. I do not remember the exact timeline, and it seemed like he was originally gong to a prep that was not accredited or something (I am trying to go from memory here). It seems like he (or a handler or some sort) chose one school then another.

But my bigger point is it seems like he could have found a better situation with help from people at Indiana who recruit “the program” as well as the player.

By: Diesel

Diesel — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:34:13 +0000

to clarify, by better I meant Jobe is better than last season, not better the Bawa

By: stevealford

stevealford — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:57:32 +0000

Thabeet was a very highly regarded 4 star recruit, not quite the same

By: Diesel

Diesel — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:18:35 +0000

I think people are saying that Jobe is better, obviously that doesn't mean he is a contributor. And all we are hearing about Bawa is that he is behind. Good points about Thabeet and Nazr. It just takes these big guys time.

By: Diesel

Diesel — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:16:15 +0000

Giving him a redshirt would not affect the scholarship situation until 2013-14. Zeller and Plumlee are in the 11-12 class I believe.

By: CreamandCrimson

CreamandCrimson — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:34:37 +0000

I see what you are saying and the university usually has their prep schools of preference. However, I believe that Bawa was already in his senior year of high school when he committed of high school. He was the last commitment. Again, I am not sure, but I think he was already going to this prep school when he committed and IU didn't have a chance to point him in a different direction.