Sid I thought it was interesting myself, but I don't have near the insight that you do as a long time follower of both schools and Stu who went to Purdue. What I thought was interesting is that I thought in a lot of ways he was describing ND. He said Purdue can't recruit with the big boys in the B1G, well neither can ND. We rarely get a 5* player, we have to hope for some lower top 100 players. He said Purdue has to develop those kids, that's exactly what ND has to do. Jack Cooley was not a household name (still isn't) but he is one of the best players in the country now. There was criticism of Painter and even in Brey's best years there are lots of criticism in the way he runs the team. His lack of success in the Big East Tournament and many 1 and done's in the NCAA's. Lot of parallels.
Terry, I had not looked at like that (Painter vs. Brey), but you are right on point with your comparison. Very interesting indeed. The piece Stu cited above also is on point regarding IU's talent and maturity relative to Purdue's and the cyclical stars aligning clearly in IU's favor. I would add one more ingredient left unsaid. Purdue's senior leadership is D.J. Byrd, who is a very good BB player and, I'm sure, a good young man, but not the person I would choose based on my limited insight to lead a young team. Frankly, I am concerned about IU's ability to mix it up with Michigan this coming Saturday. This IU team is perhaps the quickest, best-shooting, and best-defending team in the B1G, but for all its success so far this young season, this team has not yet shown me the physical toughness necessary to go deep into the tournament. I don't mean to imply that they are not physically tough. I just haven't seen it yet. They will need to show it Saturday against a Michigan team that matches up very well with IU's best shooters and defenders. It should be a real donnybrook.
Nice win for the Hoosiers last night. May be a different story on their return visit to Chrysler arena.
What the hell is "we on" supposed to mean? Indiana played outstanding defense, which helped counter its 16 turnovers. IU forced Michigan to shoot from outside, and although Burke and Hardaway got hot at times, it wasn't enough to counter IU's ball movement and quickness on the inside. Cody Zeller dominated against Michigan's inexperienced bigs. All cylinders clicked for IU. It was exactly the right time for this to happen. We will lose again - more than once - before the season is over, but so will every other team in the conference. It's a real dog fight, as it should be. Question: Twice last night Zeller put back missed Oladipo shots and was not credited with rebounds for those put-backs. It seems to me that a put-back is a rebound and a shot even if it is in one motion. Does anyone have a comment?
That's Crisler Arena......but who's being picky. :wink: IU should be #1 in the rankings this week....followed by the Gators at #2. But in the end it's all about RPI....and NCAA seedings.
OK, I looked it up. The grammar reminds me of Ken "Hawk" Harrelson's home run call for the Chicago White Sox: "He gone." :lol:
Dave, Its a Michigan Ohio State thing. Brady Hoke refuses to call us Ohio State, its Ohio. I do the same thing for Chrysler Arena. Gators are looking good. Don :lol:
Another big week in the B1G.....Buckeyes go to AnnArbor Tuesday and the Hoosiers visit the the Schott Saturday...this will go along way towards sorting out the conference race. As of right now, I'd be thrilled to go 1-1.
Re: WEON...This year's team slogan: "When Everyone Operates iN-sync" Doesn't do much for me...but hey, it gives everyone else something to wonder "What the hell does that mean?" :roll: Michigan had a rough night in the Hall of Calls.
Just a nickname that's been bandied about over the years. Wasn't trying to start anything. Hall of Calls
Assembly Hall's nickname given affectionately by it's conference brothers! :lol: Not unlike coRUPPt Arena in Lexington....
Nail biter to the max at Crisler last night. The Wolvies could not miss a 3 and the Buckeye's frontline seemed to be able to score at will in the second half. M held serve on its home court but only barely. Next on tap are road games at Wisconsin and MSU Hard to imagine any team in the country has more depth in the frontline than the Buckeyes and Craft is simply an incredible competitor. Legitimate Final Four team.