2009-2010 IU Hoosiers
Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 05:55PM 
Well, it's about time for my annual blog entry on this topic. Overall, I'm very pleased with the play of this group of Hoosiers and their coach Tom Crean. With the exception of the Iowa game and the first half of the Northwestern game earlier this afternoon, in which it looked as if the team had forgotten how to play, this season's Hoosier's have come to each game with energy and focus. Led by Verdell Jones, they have at times played not just well but brilliantly. They gave ranked Ohio State a run. challenged Illinois on the road, and nearly beat 8th ranked Purdue at home. If they hadn't lost Maurice Creek, their hot-shot freshman (31 points against top 5-ranked Kentucky), they'd be battling to be in the top half of the conference standings this year. They'd be knocking on the door of an NCAA bid.
Next year looks very promising. Verdell will return, hopefully with a little more weight on his bones. Tom Pritchard, Christian Watford, and Maurice Creek will be strong.
Crean typically has his guys ready to play with a lot of intensity. They have the fans behind them as well as some of the legendary players. They will do well and I suspect will be ready to challenge for a conference title the year after that.
On one level, college basketball can be looked at as a frivolous game. On another level, it is like any human endeavor. If pursued with heart and dedication, it becomes a worthwhile pursuit, building self-discipline, strength of character, and confidence. I like to see the Hoosiers win, really enjoy it, but anymore what I enjoy most is watching the kids grow and the team jell. It's been exciting, for example, to see a skinny kid like Verdell Jones, become one of the leading players in the Big Ten. It will be exciting to see how Christian Watford plays when he puts on another twenty pounds of muscle. It will be exciting to see how the team made up of these young players rises to the challenge as they mature and become seniors.
IU Basketball in IU Basketball 
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (7)
I made the statement before this season began: "this team will win some games that they have no busines winning and lose some some games that they have no business losing". What I knew was that their talent would allow them to play with at lot of good teams, but that their lack of experience, poise and leadership would leave them vulerable to almost everyone. Sometimes I really hate it when I'm right.
They have learned to play and play well, brilliantly at times. What they haven't learned yet is how to win, at least consistently. Even without Mo Creek, a missed free throw here, a turnover there down the stretch when games were on the line have made a cumulative difference in the season. As you said, they could be knocking on the door of an NCAA bid. If "ifs" and "buts" were candy and nuts..
With the parity in college basketball today, most games are decided in the last five minutes. That is when experience, poise and leadership are most important. With something like 86% of IU's scoring coming from freshmen this season, it's no real surprise what has happened. A coach once said that the best thing about freshem is that they become sophomores. I would just add: and the sooner the better.
I really thought IU had the game sewed up. Jeff was probably right in his prediction, however. They should have won that one, and didn't. But they will win some others where it doesn't seem as likely. So it goes. Sports.
This year could be painful to watch at times. Next year will be more fun, I suspect. I will be watching them too. A team that promising can be a joy to behold. Best wishes, IU fans. Keep dressing up for the games, too!
Jeff, you were right. I was looking forward to a great match-up, but I didn't see it. I see now that Purdue got ahead, but like you, I don't think it will last.
The thing that binds us together is our interest in the rivalry. We are in it together. I must say, until this last year or two, I never cared. You guys got me going with it, and I appreciate that. Best wishes as this tournament continues.