• Diesel

    (Repost) Best part has to be Verdell and Derek doing impersonations of Guy. The boys are definitely popping the guns, especially Verdell who has gained 14 lbs and Derek looks big too. Bobby is sporting the nipple shirt, but Jordy kind of needs a booster seat, can't really see his guns. Good stuff, makes me really look forward to the season ahead.

  • HoosierDavey

    Are these guys looking a lot bigger or is it me? The weight room is paying off! And, does Bobby C. just look like a guy that wants to lead or what?! Gotta love the confidence!

  • BaseballBuc

    These guys are all definitely bigger and you can tell they are just really smart people. Great interview.

    By the way, I saw Josh Selby wasn't cleared to play. Good thing he didn't commit to IU.

  • Hey Alex, thanks for posting! Do you know if all the returnees will be doing press conferences at some point and they just split them up, or if they just picked these four guys to represent the team?

  • MillaRed

    Stuff like this just makes you proud to be a Hoosier fan. Thanks Alex.

    We have to give CTC credit. They say all of the right things and they believe in each other.

  • bluegrassHoosier

    Just makes me smile.

    Verdell with some guns? What's this world coming too.
    I love the character CTC has brought in to be the foundation of this rebuilding. The talent will come, but the foundation is clearly character and hardwork. Add talent to the mix and the program will take off.

    I, for one, am glad he did not take the shortcuts.

  • This will be it, I believe.

  • Thanks Alex! It just made me curious as to why these were the four guys. You gotta think Verdell is a leader this season and it appears that Capo is stepping into that role as well, and of course Hulls.

    I would think Watford would be a guy they'd want to get in front of the cameras?

  • JerryCT

    This may be the most likeable IU team in the last 20 years or more. It appears Capo is leaner…. a good thing ………..and Elston working on lower body ………. another good thing.

    I think CTC has done a great job of putting together the character guys we need to fully be proud of our team regardless of our record.

  • I'm getting pumped for the season watching these videos. I've said this here and on Hoosier Nation, but I don't think it can be said enough, this is the first time in 3 years of CTC's tenure that he'll have more players returning than new players in-coming.

    It is 100% clear by this press conference that it's already having an impact, and I think that will continue into the season and result in a much better season. It's amazing the difference that having veterans can have on a basketball team.

  • Plane1972

    I love these guys. They look like ol' fashioned gym rats. I'm getting a Rocky vibe from this team. Can't you just see Capo running the streets of Bloomington in an old hooded sweat suit, Chuck Taylors and cracking his fists on a side of beef.

    I also like the strategic roster spots for guys that will help the APR. Jeff Howard is 6'8″, 225 and graduated in the Top 10 of his class at Westfield. Crean is making great moves.

  • Like most of everyone else who has commented, this interview simply reinforces why I love this team so much. We're all in this together, and these guys know how committed everyone including the coaches and fans are to putting this program back where it needs to be. Its time to start focusing on what we have THIS YEAR with the guys we have on the court RIGHT NOW.

    I can't wait until we get back on the court one year smarter and bigger, with an actual center. Moving Derek and Capo back to 4 is big like they said.

    Is it just me or is it obvious the Derek Elston 1) is hillarious and 2) is getting huge.

    I was thinking about starting lineups last night after hearing what these guys were saying….. Thoughts?

    1 VJIII (Hulls) (Rivers)
    2 MO Creek (VJIII) (Hulls) (Victor)
    3 Watford (Roth) (Victor) (Elston)
    4 Elston (Capo Watford Tom)
    5 Tom (Guy)

    The starting lineup is Pretty huge. If Tom gets in foul trouble we're even bigger. The said Guy hits free throws. Who is this guy…?

  • Kelin Blab

    Sean….hearing more and more about Guy leads me to believe he may start with Tom backing him up. I said earlier…from the 5 spot between them both, if they could give12pts 12 rebounds, 8 fouls, and 3-4 blocks IU is in great shape.

    IU is looking at a very long starting lineup with 6'5ers at the guard spots, and 6'9, 6'9, 7ft.

  • FWHoosier

    You have to get excited after watching this. It seems that the program has been surrounded by a lot of questions and doubters this offseason and a lot of folks are concerned about how they will perfom this year. Leadership has been a question mark. Some have wondered whether these guys can get strong enough to compete against the big bodies in the big ten in one off-season. The newcomer Guy-Marc Michel has been a mystery with poeple saying he is just another project. People openly critized Tom Pritchard's efforts.

    I think this video starts to answer those questions and criticisms. It is obvious to me that these four guys were chosen for this interview because they are the developing leadership of this team. I expect VJ and JH to be vocal leaders and was impressed by Capo. DE really brings the energy and may be the glue that keeps them all together in adversity. It also great to hear that DE is working on his defense. As for getting strong…umm…just look at them. It sounds like they still have work to do in the gym but this is a vast improvement. Throw in GMM and this team can be very big and strong. All indications are that Guy can really play too. We still need to see him on the court for the doubters to largely disappear but I think he will be a real defensive presence. On top of that, it sounds like TP is working hard and dropping/shifting some weight and will come back ready to play.

    These guys did an excellent job at offering an early glimpse into how this team is coming together and you gotta be excited as an IU fan.

  • JerryCT

    Based on these interviews it is clear that it will be difficult before the season to factor in player improvement and Creek's rehab and then project a lineup.

    I record all the games I can then rewatch them when I have time . Last night I re-watched the first Michigan game which we won. Overweighting that game and factoring in improvements my comments on your lineup/rotations are:

    1. Rivers was the reason we beat Mich and Minn. We also used an offense that posted him both high and low. I doubt we can keep our best guard rebounder and defender on the bench.

    2. If #1 is true then Elston does not start but plays earlier and longer than last year

    3. Creek may not start early in the year as he works out his health

    4. No way Guy would have played much against Mich and chased Syms around the floor as TP, Capo, Elston were forced to do. Jobe got no minutes for example. He might struggle w Juan Johnson and Hummel ( when he helps ) . He is perfect however for Sampson3, Lauderdale and Tisdale near the basket. For Guy to unseat TP he will need to play real good help defense and defend quickness out on the floor when Jones and Hulls get screened.

    5. No place for Sheehey ?????

    The basic point there is that we have alot of lineup options and styles of play that seem to fit the players on this team. I think we can mix & match to any opponent unless they have 2 very quick guards ie MSU

  • Hey Jerry, not too sure about your #1 with Rivers. I think it says a lot that the only senior on the team wasn't picked when the staff decided who was going to speak to the media. That says a lot and the coaches definitely think these things through as opposed to just randomly selecting four guys. I'd be really surprised if his role ins't limited to start the season compared to last season.

  • GFDave

    I echo the comments from everybody regarding the type of kids we've got here. They are really great ambassadors of the program and I'm glad they're Hoosiers.

    The comments Bobby C made about GM-M were very, very encouraging. If he can live up to half of what was said about him, GM-M will be a very important player for us. Not only in the numbers he produces (I'll take 4 points, 5 boards and 2 blocks per game in 25 minutes of playing time), but also from the point that Capo made about his presence allowing everybody to slide over to their natural position. That will be a huge boost. Gosh, I hope GM-M can play.

  • Kelin Blab

    I noticed that too BGlea. I know there is a mystery around Guy and we want to see how Pritch is improved, but a huge question mark surrounds JR, his game, attitude etc. I would be interested to see how his bonding has been with these guys cause it seems they are on the same page on and off the court. JR gives me a D.Dumes vibe from the standpoint we want to cheer for him, we support him, but has he bought into the whole 'indiana' thing?

  • Kelin Blab

    I noticed that too BGlea. I know there is a mystery around Guy and we want to see how Pritch is improved, but a huge question mark surrounds JR, his game, attitude etc. I would be interested to see how his bonding has been with these guys cause it seems they are on the same page on and off the court. JR gives me a D.Dumes vibe from the standpoint we want to cheer for him, we support him, but has he bought into the whole 'indiana' thing?

  • Exactly. As someone that played in college (not at this level, and I know you did too) and someone that has a lot of experience in sports/basketball PR, it says a lot that CTC didn't pick his lone senior, who also happened to be his starting point guard for a bulk of the previous season, to be one of the four team representatives to speak to the media.

    Maybe it's because of his ankle injury, but we haven't heard much about JR all offseason, so I'm guessing it's not that.

  • Exactly. As someone that played in college (not at this level, and I know you did too) and someone that has a lot of experience in sports/basketball PR, it says a lot that CTC didn't pick his lone senior, who also happened to be his starting point guard for a bulk of the previous season, to be one of the four team representatives to speak to the media.

    Maybe it's because of his ankle injury, but we haven't heard much about JR all offseason, so I'm guessing it's not that.

  • jpniles

    ok… it is official, I am hopelessly optimistic. Between this interview and the interviews of VO, GMM, and WS earlier, I find myself giggling like a school girl when I try to imagine the ceiling for this team. I am officially throwing caution to the wind when it comes to optimism. Is there a possibility of being disappointed? OF COURSE! But I dont care anymore. I need to be excited about something, and this does it! Thanks for the post and giving hope to this Hoosier fan!

  • RAM

    Can Indiana only afford three microphones? It would be nice to hear these players a little bit better.

    Ram

  • JerryCT

    I think you are reading to much into this interview. Our best proven player in Watford was not there and neither was our most discussed player Creek. I think however and whoever determined the face of the team for this interview selected the guys most comfortable in front of the press….. period.

    My point w #1 has to do with actual play on the floor ie …. that w/o JR there are B10 games we were certain to lose. We should not forget that. Mich game was one of them. There was also the IL game at home when JR ‘s aggressive play kept us in the game.

    That said it should be clear to him now that he needs to compete on the floor for his minutes this year. I think he will respond.

  • JerryCT

    Is Kelin Zeller related to the former Kellin Blab ?

    Maybe , like Prince, you could develop your own symbol with a sound attached.

    I like the new name ……… even though at first I thought it was Helen Keller.

  • ArtistFormerlyKnownAs_Aceman07

    Okay, three things that really stuck out from this media session that I'm really exited about:

    1. Cook Hall – Obviously the weight room, open 24 hour access gym, and overall facilities are paying off because those four look to be in much better shape (bigger/stronger) than last year.

    2. The GMM talk – I love hearing someone say that he “hates to lose at video games” or whatever. I was undersized, not fast, and overall not an athletic person but I HATED to lose at anything (ping pong, pickup basketball game, whatever) and so I worked my way into a college scholarship and team leader. If GMM really hates to lose as much as they say, has the talent and does the things they are saying he does, and has the work ethic they say he has, then he should be a delightful addition to a team without a true center for years!!!

    3. All the guys seemed to look down to Verdell quite often before answering a question almost deferring to him before stepping up (Bobby C seems to step up a bit more than the other two) and that leads me to believe that VJ3 has officially assumed the team leader role and I'm fine with that. He has worked his butt off for now going on three years and has steadily improved and I think the other guys see that. If he takes another step forward and other players learn from him then it can only mean good things!

  • JerryCT

    You caused me to think that YES we should beat UM, PSU, Iowa,

    But we also proved last year we can beat Minn and now we have GuyMM to help out on Sampson3 and Iverson. Maybe we take 2 this year.

    We played IL down to the wire 2 times. maybe we steal one this year.

    Is there some reason we cannot seem to beat Wisky ? I think we can steal one this year.

    NW took us to the cleaners but there is no reason why we cannot beat them at least once.

    I feel OSU is vulnerable w/o Turner and PU is a rivalry where anything can happen.

    …………. I think I just talked myself into 2nd in the B10…………it must be time to stop the beer

  • eph521

    Great points all the way around… especially #3. Good catch.

  • Young Kelin Zeller

    Yep Jerry you just talked up 2nd in the big ten, but in each one of our examples, we were right there without Mo and others.
    + We will beat PU at least once
    + We will at least split with Illinois, Minny, and NW
    + We could sweep Michigan, Iowa, and PSU
    + We may upset OSU once at home
    + Mich St is still Mich state….

  • Anonymous

    You will know that IU is really back when NO ONE says “Mich St is still Mich State'” and in stead EVERY ONE says ” wait until we get Mich St at OUR PLACE!

  • Young Kelin Zeller

    Ahh Jerry…you noticed. This is kinda a trial run. I wanted to incorporate two recruits that I really want for 2011, with BJ Young and Cody…also alot of rappers have had success with the name Young something so what the hell.

    I hope Cody and BJ see what an honor this is as this name change comes with over 1900 comments. If this doesn’t get them to commit nothing will….unless we go Kentucky style and just pay the $200,000!

  • Young Kelin Zeller

    #3 is on the money. VJ3 is really one of my favorite IU players of all time. At his slight of build he still managed to just get better and if he makes it to playing at 190, he is going to be a load.

    Love what they said about Christian, he just plays.

    I know Bobby C will never be the flashiest or the most productive player at IU, but his value has just gone up in my book.

    Derek Elston just needs to work on one thing….A flat top and a goatee.

  • Jamesrey28

    After multiple games last year CTC talked about the “street fight” mentality he felt the team lacked, that they just got beaten up or outfought by some teams. You can tell that as much as he hates to lose, he can absolutely not tolerate feeling like his team was outworked and beaten up. That is why I believe in him as a coach. I mean look at these guys, I would go into a fight with these guys on my side, you throw in the largest player in the conference as your new center, and I think it is some of the other teams that will start to be intimidated by OUR size, strenght, and overall athleticism. I don't see us having 14 minute scoring droughts like last year when we have THIS many options waiting on the bench. I think legitamatly, on paper we are better than Northwestern, Penn State, Iowa, and MIchigan. I think we will be right there with Illinois, Minnesota, and WIsconsin, fighting for fourth. Anybody know when the new schedule comes out (I read somewhere the NBA's is August 10th)?

  • Fred

    Long time reader first time poster. This site is great.
    I’m impressed with the guys on this team…these guys are showing intelligence, determination, unity, work ethic. I’m fired up! These guys have bulked up and listen to them…these guys are intelligent, well spoken kids.
    My first thought after listening to these interviews was about the statements from some of the HS recruits (CZ) have made about choosing a school. Where they look at the coach, players, business school & the tradition.
    Hey gang, IU is in great shape. Go Hoosiers!

  • Smokeygl

    I love these guys! It's exciting to hear them talk, without all the braggadocio that so many athletes use. Their attitude kind of reminds me of the kids in the movie'Hoosiers'. Growing up in a small town in Indiana meant close relationships with the other guys on the team. I like that and believe
    it will show up on the court. UNITY is so important! Without that all the talent in the world won't
    mix. A Hoosier at heart in the heart of Florida.

  • ArtistFormerlyKnownAs_Aceman07

    Welcome aboard Fred!

  • walton

    So much to say. I think we will see the first 'real' team we have seen in many years at IU next season. You can tell the chemistry is there and they are turning into more of a family. That alone goes such a long way. I got that sense of separation Elston mentioned on the team last year and I don't think we will see that this year. This view is a true reflection of TC as a coach. I can already see the brotherhood they are forming with Crean being the father head. With a healthy Creek this team has a real decent chance of winning a lot more games this year and even making the tournament. Being able to do what Crean is doing will also go a long way into recruiting also. I mean who wouldn't want to play on a team that together works their butts off to get better as a player and as a team and have fun doing so as a family? Not to mention 'it's Indiana'!

  • it’s Indiana

    Don’t feel bad, I did a “Dean Scream” at the end of your post!

  • it’s Indiana

    Agreed! Well put Fred!

  • Young Kelin Zeller

    welcome fred, keep posting. I agree 100% they remind of the Cheney, Bailey, Nover, Grahm and Grahm group. Closenit, hard working. I can also see a sense of pride. I REALLY want to point out how much VJ3 means to this team and his level of commitment. This kid could have bolted twice after having two good years and going through two losing seasons but he has stuck with IU and will always be a fan favorite. Getting him and Big Tom to the tourney in the next two years is a must.

  • Anonymous

    Finally watched the entire videos, some thoughts:

    – Anyone else think Bobby C will be a coach someday? Jordy too?
    – I want to have dinner at Mama Elston’s house.
    – “Gee” may have only needed this stage and these teammates to be a force. Can you hear chants of “Geeeeee” at Assembly Hall?
    – Will and Victor will be contributors for sure. They have earned their teammates respect already. That says alot.
    – Jeff Howard was only mentioned 1 time (by VJ). I’d like to hear more about how he’s doing. Hopefully the silence isn’t saying something.

  • Young Kelin Zeller

    welcome fred, keep posting. I agree 100% they remind of the Cheney, Bailey, Nover, Grahm and Grahm group. Closenit, hard working. I can also see a sense of pride. I REALLY want to point out how much VJ3 means to this team and his level of commitment. This kid could have bolted twice after having two good years and going through two losing seasons but he has stuck with IU and will always be a fan favorite. Getting him and Big Tom to the tourney in the next two years is a must.

  • JerryCT

    I like it. Maybe I should change to Emcee Hanner.

  • Young Kelin Zeller

    Oh Jerry, that is priceless and that should be trademarked immediately… Emcee Hanner. The T-shirt sales would be huge!

  • ArtistFormerlyKnownAs_Aceman07

    I’ve read this post a few times now and thought about it BGleas and I have to say that, yes, I do agree wholeheartedly. When you stop and think about it there were more new faces who actually played last year than returning players. The only real returning players who actually got time as freshman were Roth, VJ3, and TP. Daniel Moore got some mop up time but that doesn’t really count. Then you bring in JR (transfer), CW, MC, DE, BC, BM (gone), JH, and some walk-ons and you had twice as many newcomers than returning players. Now reverse that. Everyone comes back for at least their second season and the only newcomers are Howard, Sheehey, Olidapo, and Guy. I agree that should really, really make a huge difference when it comes to the intangibles like team chemistry, etc.

    Logic says that the more new players than returning players spells doom no matter how much talent you have (unless you fork out a few hundred thousand dollars for 5 NBA 1st round picks ala Calipayoff). Add that to the fact that I have always said the largest improvement an athlete makes is between their freshman and sophomore years and this could be a surprising season. I say this because there’s always a major adjustment to the strength and speed of the game at the next major level and so usually athletes make the most strides in between that first and second year because they recognize these areas and “catch up.”

    So, add my freshman to sophomore theory to your more old than new theory and maybe we could be in for more like 20 wins this year instead of 15 or 16, although I’m still sticking with the 15-16 so I don’t look like an idiot at the end of the year . . . but it’s possible!

  • ArtistFormerlyKnownAs_Aceman07

    It’s alright man. Just hopefully drinking isn’t a necessity during the games this year! HA!

  • Hammer

    Excellent Interviews! Thanks Much