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CSN Chicago: Indiana’s Crean goes above and beyond

Today, I received a call about Indiana basketball coach Tom Crean who is considered to be one of the better young coaches in the game and also one of the most focused and intense. The caller told me the story of a young man who is a freshman at Indiana and was finding his adjustment to college a difficult one. Crean saw the young man sitting in the lobby of the basketball practice facility recently and noticed him a couple of times as he went in and out of the basketball offices. He also noticed that the young man appeared to be very upset.

Crean invited the student into his office and proceeded to hear his story and counseled the young man on how difficult the transition to college can be and encouraged him to stick with it. He also introduced the student to the rest of his staff and he got him an opportunity to work around the basketball program as a member of the athletic department.

The young man had turned off his cell phone after telling his parents that he needed to take a walk and think and his parents were very worried when they were unable to reach him. When Crean inquired as to whether the young man had spoken with his parents recently the young man said no. Crean called the parents, gave them his personal contact information and told them he would look out for their son. After arranging for a job in the athletic department the young man is reported to be doing very well and has adjusted to life away from home.

  • IUeconAlum

    Way to represent Hoosier nation Coach! There is way more to Indiana than just winning.

  • IUeconAlum

    Way to represent Hoosier nation Coach! There is way more to Indiana than just winning.

  • IUeconAlum

    Way to represent Hoosier nation Coach! There is way more to Indiana than just winning.

  • IUeconAlum

    Way to represent Hoosier nation Coach! There is way more to Indiana than just winning.

  • Casey B.

    Look – Knight did some great things and some stupid things in his time here. He’s been gone for a decade. Can we move on?

  • Casey B.

    Look – Knight did some great things and some stupid things in his time here. He’s been gone for a decade. Can we move on?

  • Casey B.

    Look – Knight did some great things and some stupid things in his time here. He’s been gone for a decade. Can we move on?

  • Casey B.

    Look – Knight did some great things and some stupid things in his time here. He’s been gone for a decade. Can we move on?

  • Casey B.

    Look – Knight did some great things and some stupid things in his time here. He’s been gone for a decade. Can we move on?

  • Casey B.

    Look – Knight did some great things and some stupid things in his time here. He’s been gone for a decade. Can we move on?

  • Casey B.

    Look – Knight did some great things and some stupid things in his time here. He’s been gone for a decade. Can we move on?

  • Casey B.

    Look – Knight did some great things and some stupid things in his time here. He’s been gone for a decade. Can we move on?

  • Anonymous

    Sadly Casey we will move on once we start winning again.

    Maybe this year/Hopefully this year.

    Go Hoosiers.

  • Anonymous

    Sadly Casey we will move on once we start winning again.

    Maybe this year/Hopefully this year.

    Go Hoosiers.

  • Anonymous

    Sadly Casey we will move on once we start winning again.

    Maybe this year/Hopefully this year.

    Go Hoosiers.

  • Anonymous

    Sadly Casey we will move on once we start winning again.

    Maybe this year/Hopefully this year.

    Go Hoosiers.

  • Anonymous

    Sadly Casey we will move on once we start winning again.

    Maybe this year/Hopefully this year.

    Go Hoosiers.

  • Anonymous

    Sadly Casey we will move on once we start winning again.

    Maybe this year/Hopefully this year.

    Go Hoosiers.

  • Anonymous

    Sadly Casey we will move on once we start winning again.

    Maybe this year/Hopefully this year.

    Go Hoosiers.

  • Anonymous

    Sadly Casey we will move on once we start winning again.

    Maybe this year/Hopefully this year.

    Go Hoosiers.

  • Anonymous

    Sadly Casey we will move on once we start winning again.

    Maybe this year/Hopefully this year.

    Go Hoosiers.

  • Anonymous

    Sadly Casey we will move on once we start winning again.

    Maybe this year/Hopefully this year.

    Go Hoosiers.

  • Anonymous

    Doubt he expected any media attention also. In fact he probably wishes it hadn’t gotten any.

    So far all I’ve seen out of him is all the right things for all the right reasons.

  • Anonymous

    Doubt he expected any media attention also. In fact he probably wishes it hadn’t gotten any.

    So far all I’ve seen out of him is all the right things for all the right reasons.

  • Anonymous

    Nice story…come Monday Crean will probably find another dozen or so depressed freshmen sitting in the same lobby. Word travels fast:) Serioously…nice of Coach to take that interest.

  • Anonymous

    Nice story…come Monday Crean will probably find another dozen or so depressed freshmen sitting in the same lobby. Word travels fast:) Serioously…nice of Coach to take that interest.

  • Anonymous

    Nice story…come Monday Crean will probably find another dozen or so depressed freshmen sitting in the same lobby. Word travels fast:) Serioously…nice of Coach to take that interest.

  • Anonymous

    The exceptional academic track record IU had for decades created a fan base that really expects winners on the court and in the classroom.  As we know, there were a number of people unhappy during the Sampson era due to the rumors about missed classes and low GPAs. 

    Considering how much basketball means in this state, we really do expect a lot from a coach.

  • Anonymous

    The exceptional academic track record IU had for decades created a fan base that really expects winners on the court and in the classroom.  As we know, there were a number of people unhappy during the Sampson era due to the rumors about missed classes and low GPAs. 

    Considering how much basketball means in this state, we really do expect a lot from a coach.

  • Anonymous

    The exceptional academic track record IU had for decades created a fan base that really expects winners on the court and in the classroom.  As we know, there were a number of people unhappy during the Sampson era due to the rumors about missed classes and low GPAs. 

    Considering how much basketball means in this state, we really do expect a lot from a coach.

  • http://weeklycritiquely.blogspot.com/ IUfanPurduePhD

    I’m prone to place an extra emphasis on academics due to my chosen profession, but I was embarrassed after the GPA and APR scores of the Sampson era were published.  This is not pUKe (or Miami or O$U) — we don’t want to sacrifice everything in the cause of winning. A balance can be struck between class and court (as Bob Knight clearly demonstrated).

  • http://weeklycritiquely.blogspot.com/ IUfanPurduePhD

    I’m prone to place an extra emphasis on academics due to my chosen profession, but I was embarrassed after the GPA and APR scores of the Sampson era were published.  This is not pUKe (or Miami or O$U) — we don’t want to sacrifice everything in the cause of winning. A balance can be struck between class and court (as Bob Knight clearly demonstrated).

  • http://weeklycritiquely.blogspot.com/ IUfanPurduePhD

    I’m prone to place an extra emphasis on academics due to my chosen profession, but I was embarrassed after the GPA and APR scores of the Sampson era were published.  This is not pUKe (or Miami or O$U) — we don’t want to sacrifice everything in the cause of winning. A balance can be struck between class and court (as Bob Knight clearly demonstrated).

  • Rynefulton

    LOL….I love it.  What a jack a**.  Thanks again Kelvin for setting our Hoosiers back, and disgracing our teasured and historic program!

  • jacobdetroy

    Not my intention to insult the program and tradition that we are all proud fans of – please accept my apology.

  • BFowler

    I know I am entering the echo chamber here, but thanks for being a class act, Coach.

  • BFowler

    I know I am entering the echo chamber here, but thanks for being a class act, Coach.

  • BFowler

    I know I am entering the echo chamber here, but thanks for being a class act, Coach.

  • Q95

    we are so lucky to have this guy…

  • Q95

    we are so lucky to have this guy…

  • Patjhoward

    Wish that coach (who did many great things to help people but were not newsworthy) would have done something similar for a freshman from a small town – last name was Bird.

  • GBake

    Just a note, but everyone should be sure to actually click on the link and see the one comment on CSN Chicago’s page. Another very nice personal story from a lady showing Crean’s kindness.

  • Anonymous

    Coach Crean is winning in other ways with fans families and students… Representing the university well!!!

    Many years ago my parents were told to wait after the game at Assembly Hall and coach would be out to see them… with only a few folks left out walks Coach Knight… I still have the autographed team picture.

    I have had a situation myself that mimics this story.  My parents had taken me to an ISU home game, broken arm and all… I took a picture with me hoping to get an autograph… I went down before the game and asked about getting an autograph… ‘sure no problem wait down here after the game and coach will come out…’ Sounds great!!! It was myself and my parents… an assistant from the team, and we were the only people left in Hulman Center sitting and waiting…

    Out walks Steve Alford… He also signed the cast on my arm!  Pretty great experience… I think CTC is doing a great job to make sure this attitude continues and represents everyone well!!!

  • Anonymous

    Coach Crean is winning in other ways with fans families and students… Representing the university well!!!

    Many years ago my parents were told to wait after the game at Assembly Hall and coach would be out to see them… with only a few folks left out walks Coach Knight… I still have the autographed team picture.

    I have had a situation myself that mimics this story.  My parents had taken me to an ISU home game, broken arm and all… I took a picture with me hoping to get an autograph… I went down before the game and asked about getting an autograph… ‘sure no problem wait down here after the game and coach will come out…’ Sounds great!!! It was myself and my parents… an assistant from the team, and we were the only people left in Hulman Center sitting and waiting…

    Out walks Steve Alford… He also signed the cast on my arm!  Pretty great experience… I think CTC is doing a great job to make sure this attitude continues and represents everyone well!!!

  • Anonymous

    you neglected the rumors of drug abuse and other criminal behavior..i mean, c’mon..let’s get it ALL on the table if we’re going to open those wounds again.

  • Anonymous

    He probably did it because, at his core, a Dad is what he IS and coaching is just what he does. I bet the thought in his head was, ”if it were MY kid appearing troubled, what would i want someone to do?”  This is exactly the reason our excellent recruits talk about the “family atmosphere” that now surrounds IUBball.

  • Anonymous

    He probably did it because, at his core, a Dad is what he IS and coaching is just what he does. I bet the thought in his head was, ”if it were MY kid appearing troubled, what would i want someone to do?”  This is exactly the reason our excellent recruits talk about the “family atmosphere” that now surrounds IUBball.

  • Anonymous

    Well played. I’m gonna see if i can “like” it again;)

  • Anonymous

    Well played. I’m gonna see if i can “like” it again;)

  • Anonymous

    Seems you can’t “like” something twice. Clicking again will merely negate the original like.

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