Indiana

Tom Crean's Indiana Contract Finalized

Press Release — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:44:53 -0700

Bloomington, Indiana - Indiana University has officially signed Tom Crean to lead the Hoosiers men's basketball program to a 10-year contract that will pay him $600,000 per year in base salary and an additional $15.72 million in outside marketing and promotional income during the life of the deal. The agreement is retroactive to April 2, 2008 and expires on June 30, 2018.

"I left a very special situation at Marquette when Indiana offered me this opportunity," said Crean. "I wanted to make sure that if I left, I would be going to a place that would be a destination for my family and allow me to build a program for the long haul with the same security."

Crean also could earn an additional $560,000 per year in incentives should the Hoosiers win the Big Ten and NCAA Championships in the same season.

"I appreciate the confidence that President McRobbie and the University have shown in me by offering the two additional years to the agreement," said Crean. "It is a great responsibility to lead this program and I look forward to the challenge of bringing the program the respect it deserves. The process of restoring this great program is going to take a lot of time, more than probably any of us anticipated."

When Crean was hired in April, it was announced he had agreed to an eight-year relationship in a letter of understanding. Two years were added to the deal, not because of the NCAA's Failure to Monitor allegation, but because of administrative changes on campus.

Should Crean decide to leave IU he would owe the University $3 million after years one thru three of the agreement, $2 million after years four thru five, and $1 million for years six thru 10.

"It is very easy to sell the tradition that is Indiana basketball knowing that we are committed to IU for a long time and that the University believes in what we are trying to accomplish," added Crean. "I'm especially grateful for the way Rick Greenspan, former players, supporters and the entire Hoosier Nation have made my family feel welcome and helped us during this transition."

Daily Dribble: Bill Self & FC Barcelona

Shawn Siegel — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:06:21 -0700

Some quick college hoops thoughts for the afternoon before leaving for lunch..

Bill Self locked up a ten year, 30$ million contract yesterday. While this might appear to be an obscene amount of money, his agent probably could have done better. Tom Crean recently extended his IU contract to a ten year period.. which is probably worth something in the $22-24 million range. Crean has never even coached a game at Indiana, and doesn't have half the pedigree as Self.. nor is he coming off a National Championship game. While I wouldn't cry yourself to sleep worrying about Self.. he probably could have demanded more cash.

Last night I attended a soccer game between FC Barcelona and the New York Red Bulls of the MLS. As CHN isn't a bastion for soccer fans (though a couple of our writers are surprisingly big fans).. this is the equivalent of Duke taking on the women's team from Saint Mary's School for the Blind. The final 6-2 score line didn't really suggest how much better Barcelona (even without Messi) was than the Red Bulls (who are even bad by MLS standards).

People often ask MLS fans how they can be fans considering how low the quality is compared to the world's top leagues (England, Spain, etc, etc). This is the same question that college basketball fans might get when asked about the NBA, or D1 basketball vs D3, or women's ball vs. the mens.

I guess ultimately there's more to being a fan than simply watching skill and talent. There's something to be said for being loyal to whatever you happen to be associated with.. whether its your hometown team, your regional league, or your alma mater.

Lets face it, your spouse probably isn't the greatest person in the world.. but as the song goes, "Love the One Your With." Its no different than being a sports fan.. sure your team might not be the most talented, or even be in the most talented league.. but its your team, so stick with 'em!

2008 Maui Invitation Bracket Announced

Press Release — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:43:20 -0700

MAUI, Hawaii, Aug. 5, 2008 – The EA SPORTS Maui Invitational today announced the official bracket for the 2008 edition of the nation’s premier early-season college basketball tournament. Marking its milestone 25^th year, the eight-team competition will return to Maui’s ocean-front Lahaina Civic Center Nov.24-26.

Battling this year for the coveted Wayne Duke Championship Trophy, will be North Carolina, Notre Dame, Texas, Indiana, Oregon, Saint Joseph’s, Alabama and host Chaminade. Six of the seven Division I teams in the 2008 lineup participated in the 2008 NCAA Tournament, highlighted by North Carolina’s Final Four appearance and Texas’ run to the Elite Eight. The field also includes three former national champions – North Carolina, Indiana and Oregon – with 10 NCAA titles between them.

The ESPN networks will combine once again to offer live television coverage of all 12 tournament games. In addition, ESPN360.com will provide live simulcasts of the games televised on ESPN and ESPN2.

“Throughout its history the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational has become synonymous with the kickoff of the college basketball season,” said Tournament Chairman Dave Gavitt. “We look forward to commemorating the tournament’s 25^th year with another impressive field vying for Maui glory. Fans from across the nation can look forward to a memorable experience, on and off the court.”

First-round action tips off Thanksgiving week on Monday, Nov. 24, with Game One featuring Atlantic 10 team and Maui newcomer, Saint Joseph’s, led by coach Phil Martelli, against 2008 Elite Eight participant and three-time Maui team, Texas, under head coach Rick Barnes. The winner of this game will take on the winner of Game Two, pitting in-state rivals for battle as five-time national champion and 2002 Maui champ, Indiana, guided by new coach Tom Crean, will face head coach Mike Brey and Notre Dame, a growing BIG EAST force returning for a second appearance at the Lahaina Civic Center. Four-time national champion and two-time Maui titleholder, North Carolina, will hit the hardwood in Game Three, as Hall of Famer Roy Williams pilots his highly touted Tar Heels in a contest with 2008 PacWest Conference champion and tournament host Chaminade, which pulled off an upset over Princeton in Maui last year. The winner of that game will square off with the winner of Game Four, which pairs two teams making their Maui debut: head coach Ernie Kent will call the shots when former national champion and 2007 Pac-10 Conference titleholder, Oregon, plays against the Crimson Tide of Alabama, a Mark Gottfried-led team looking to make its mark in paradise.

The semifinals will take place Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Eastern time on ESPN, with the winners advancing to the championship game Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 10 p.m. Eastern (also on ESPN).

Poll: Who Will be the Worst Team in the Big Ten?

Shawn Siegel — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 07:58:11 -0700

Daily Dribble: Who Said Basketball Isn't Funny?

Shawn Siegel — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:32:52 -0700

Basketball is funny. I never really noticed it before, but things are getting out of hand this week.. there's just too much too laugh about.

The Yao Ming/Ron Artest spat.. in which Artest claims he is the paradigm of black culture, "I don't think he's ever played with a black player that really represents his culture as much as I represent my culture" is flat out funny. (I seriouslly thought the various Artest quotes came from the Onion, but they're actually real.)

The Indiana Hoosiers giving Tom Crean a two-year extension before he's ever even coached a practice is flat out funny. (Though a quick glance at the Hoosiers roster will give you a bigger laugh).

A pair of West Virginia ballplayers, including the decent Joe Mazzulla, charged with underage drinking and fighting with the police.. not really amusing at face value, but funny when you consider Bob Huggins is their coach.

Lastly, remember Tamir Goodman, the "Jewish Jordan"? He signed a contract to play in Israel yesterday.. again, amusing stuff. And this is all in just a 48 hour period.

DJ White: NBA Draft Profile

Jeff Fox — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 08:56:56 -0700

D.J. White

College: Indiana

Class: Senior

Position: PF

Height: 6’9”

Weight: 251lbs

Accolades: Second Team All-American – AP (08), Second Team All-American – CHN (08), Second Team All-American – USBWA (08), Big Ten Player of the Year – coaches & media (08), First Team All-Big 10 – coaches & media (08), Second Team All-Big 10 (07), Big Ten Freshman of the Year (05), Big Ten All-Freshman Team (05), Honorable Mention All-Big Ten – media (05), Fourth Team Parade All-American – high school (04), Alabama Gatorade State Player of the Year – high school (04), McDonald’s All-American – high school (04).

Scouting Report: One of the best, most experienced low-post players in the NCAA this past season.

Strengths: Strong in the post – knows how to use his big body. Good back to the basket moves – good baby hook. Very good rebounder. Good shot blocker. Long arms. Very accurate shooter – over 60% his senior year. Good passer out of the double-team. Double-double machine. Great turnaround jumper. Good face-up J. Extremely consistent his senior season.

Weaknesses: Has had past injury issues – missed almost all of sophomore year due to injuries. Not super athletic or quick. Doesn’t have very deep range on his jumper – only hit one three pointer in his college career.

Projected 2008 Draft Range: Late first round – early second round pick.

Consensus: D.J. White had a superb senior season and should go into the NBA pre-draft camps and workouts on a roll. He doesn’t have the off-the-charts athleticism, quickness or hops to make him project as a potential NBA superstar, but he should be an effective pro and could be a nice pickup for a team in the second round.

Stats: DJ White Stats

NBA Draft on CollegeHoops.net

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= Superstar/All-NBA Potential

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0 stars = Life in the Minor Leagues

NBA Draft: To Go or Not To Go

Jason Brubaker — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:18:16 -0700

The 2008 freshmen class may go down in history as one of the most talented classes of all-time. They breathed life into dormant programs (Kansas State), filled holes for dominant teams (UCLA, Memphis), and filled highlight reels (USC). In many case, they lived up to their extraordinary hype, and benefited not only their schools, but themselves, in their time on campus.

But with the season over, and the NBA lottery picks becoming clearer by the day, many of them are facing a tough decision right now: stay or go? The money is hard to turn down, but more than a few of these kids could use at least another year of college seasoning before they bound off to the pros. Here’s a list of who should be in and should be out of this year’s draft…although I doubt any of them will ask be asking my advice.

Definitely should

- Michael Beasley, F Kansas State: This one is a no-brainer. Beasley’s combination of size, athleticism and ball-skills have all but assured him of being the #1 pick in June. Beasley dominated the paint for the Wildcats, leading them to their first NCAA Tournament win since 1988. He finished third in the country in scoring at 26.5 points per game and first in rebounding with 12.5 boards per game. Better yet, paired next a to a solid big man in the NBA, Beasley will be able to showcase even more of his highlight-reel athleticism, as he won’t be confined to the paint as much. He hasn’t declared his intentions yet, but everyone knows he’s as good as gone. With his talent, Beasley has the chance to be a very special NBA player for a very long time. Latest Word: Going

- Derrick Rose, G Memphis: Again, practically a no-brainer. Rose has terrific size and athletic ability for a point guard, and his understanding of how to run a team has improved throughout the season. On an explosive team, Rose has learned when to look for teammates and when to look for his own shot, not as easy when it sounds when that team is also eyeing a national title. Rose has been at his best in the NCAA Tournament, being named the South Region’s MVP, while averaging just over 20 points and 6 assists per game. He is likely to declare, and shouldn’t fall out of the top three, possible even challenging Beasley for the top spot overall depending on the draft order. Latest Word: Going

- Kevin Love, F/C, UCLA: Love is slightly different than Beasley and Rose in that his stock is all over the board right now. While everyone loves his basketball IQ and toughness, others still say his lack of athleticism will hurt in the NBA. However, he’s shown tremendous leadership in the NCAA Tournament, putting the Bruins on his back and doing whatever is needed for the win. Another year in college isn’t going to give him a 40-inch vertical, and the risk of injury is always a concern. Love provides great intangibles, and with his post-season play fresh in scouts’ minds, he could become a high lottery pick, despite the doubts. Latest Word: Going

Hard to blame them

- Jerryd Bayless, G, Arizona: Bayless is an undersized shooting guard in the mold of Monta Ellis or Ben Gordon, so he’s definitely skilled enough to play in the league next season. However, as with all undersized shooting guards, scouts questions his play-making ability and willingness to set up his teammates for shots. With Coach Lute Olson scheduled to return next year, meaning the return to an up-tempo game, Bayless should get more of an opportunity to showcase some point guard skills, even with talented freshman Brandon Jennings coming in. However, if Bayless does declare, he shouldn’t fall out of the lottery, and could go top-10, due his lethal scoring ability. Latest Word: Going

- OJ Mayo, G USC: Mayo’s game has been picked apart more than anyone’s in this class, probably because he has been a national name since he was a 7^th-grader averaging 24 points a game for the varsity team at Rose Hill Christian in Ashland, Ky. At his best, Mayo is a terrific athlete capable of carrying a team on his back with his scoring ability. However, he still struggles with shot selection and decision-making, although these improved throughout the season. A bit undersized for the “2” in the NBA, Mayo likely needs to show some improved decision-making with the ball before jumping into the draft, but he’ll still be a high pick should he declare. His game could use another year of seasoning in college, but it’s hard to fault him if he does leave. On the right team with some veteran teammates, Mayo has the potential to develop into a great NBA player. Latest Word: Going

- Eric Gordon, G Indiana : For much of the year, Gordon showcased the explosiveness and scoring ability that made him one of the most highly-sought after recruits in the country. However, his play noticeably tailed off late in the year, as he struggled with shot selection and defense. The Hoosiers’ play mirrored Gordon’s, as a promising season ended with a whimper in a first round loss to Arkansas in the tournament, no doubt some of due to the Kelvin Sampson fiasco in February. Like Bayless, Gordon likely needs to show more point-guard skills, but he’ll still be a high lottery pick, so it’s hard to tell him to stay. Considering the uncertainty regarding the sanctions at IU, Gordon might be better served to make the leap and spend a couple years developing with an NBA team instead of on a depleted Indiana roster. Latest Word: Going

Need to come back

- DeAndre Jordan, C Texas A&M: Let’s see…7.9 points per game, 6 rebounds per game. Does that sound like a lottery pick to you? Me neither. Jordan undoubtedly has the potential to be a very good pro, given his size and athleticism. But no one can argue that has plenty of work to do before he gets to that point. Projected to go somewhere in the 6-12 range, Jordan is likely to leave, but I have a hard time believing he wouldn’t be better served spending another year in College Station honing his game and his work ethic than spending two or three years on the bench in Seattle or Memphis. Jordan will need plenty of coaching at the next level, and there’s no guarantee he’ll ever develop to his full potential if he leaves early. Jordan has virtually no offensive moves, and relies solely on his athletic ability to score points. With the right coach, he could follow the Andrew Bynum path to success in the league. However, he’s just as likely to become another Stromile Swift if he leaves now – a talented athlete who bounces around teams because his skills never developed. Latest Word: Going

- Bill Walker, G/F, Kansas State: Walker’s biggest problem to date seems to be between his ears. A ridiculous athlete, Walker could play right now in the NBA based on his hops and speed. However, a quick temper has hurt him this season, as he grows visibly frustrated when things don’t go his way, and he takes himself out of the game mentally when that happens. When focused, Walker has a developing perimeter shot and lethal slashing ability, evidenced by his 22 points against Kansas, 31 against Xavier, and 30 against California. However, he also took himself out of games by losing his temper, notably with one point against Texas and nine in a rematch with Kansas. One more year would certainly help Walker mature a little, and he could raise his stock to become a guaranteed first-round and possible lottery pick. Latest Word: Probably

- Anthony Randolph, F LSU: Randolph has the skill level to compete right now, but he is painfully thin and needs to add strength before trying to bang down low. Randolph, who is listed at 6’11” and 220 pounds, has solid post moves and the quickness to beat defenders off the dribble. He also has a solid jumper, and plays with a high intensity level. He’s an intriguing prospect right now, and some mock drafts have him going as high as the top seven. There’s no guarantee another year on campus will dramatically improve his size either, but like with Jordan, I’d like to see him spend another year on campus improving and playing than hunkered down at the end of an NBA bench. Randolph would be wise to look at the minutes Brandan Wright has received this year for Golden State instead of vying for a championship ring with UNC before he makes his decision. Latest Word: Going

- Blake Griffin, F Okalahoma: Griffin has a solid game right now, and there’s no question he’ll eventually be a good pro. But with some nagging injuries this year, as well as some erratic play at times, another year of school could help Griffin improve his consistency. Griffin is a tremendous athlete who has his motor running at all times, but his game could use a little polish before he heads off to the pros. Some have compared Griffin to Carlos Boozer for his physical style of play, not a bad comparison, but still a little premature. One more year to fine-tune his game, and Griffin could find himself as a top-5 pick in the 2009 draft. Latest Word: Staying

Tom Crean To Accept Indiana Job

Shawn Siegel — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:38:51 -0700

At the bottom of every sunken ship is a hidden treasure.. or at least that's what Tom Crean hopes. The nine-year Marquette coach is set to become the new Indiana Hoosiers head coach. The demise of Kelvin Sampson and the team's struggles under Dan Dakich are well documented, and it will be up to Crean to resurrect this once proud program. Unfortunately he'll have to do it without the help of DJ White & Lance Stemler (seniors), Eric Gordon (NBA Draft), and perhaps neither of Armon Bassett and Jamarcus Ellis (dimissal/suspension/who knows). This would leave freshman Jordan Crawford as the major only contributor with more than a 50% likelihood of returning. Even worse than the aforementioned departures is that top recruits Devin Ebanks and Terrell Holloway have requested to be let out of their letters of intent. On top of that, the Hoosiers are down one scholarship next year due to Sampson's "mistakes." All in all, Crean has some work to do.. but his impressive resume at Marquette suggests he can be successful. In nine seasons, Crean went 190-96 including a Final Four appearance in 2003. That great run was largely due to the dominance of Dwyane Wade. Without Wade around, Crean has never advanced beyond the second round.. including this season when Stanford knocked them out of the Big Dance. While Crean faces a can't win situation next year.. it seems like his Marquette replacement will inherent a can't lose situation. Team leaders Dominic James, Jerel McNeal and Wes Matthews are all juniors, and barring unlikely NBA Draft campaigns, should return for another go around.

Picture of the Day: Eric Gordon Following IU's Loss

Shawn Siegel — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 09:04:00 -0700

Thanks to our friends over at Icon Sports Media, we now have access to thousands of great college basketball photos to use on the site. Each day, CHN will feature a Picture of the Day, which might include a newsworthy, funny, or simply interesting subject. At the bottom will be a caption or headline that might be informative or amusing. The possibilities are endless!

Indiana's Eric Gordon

Following Indiana's early exit in the NCAA Tournament, Eric Gordon was obviously a bit down.. but I'm not sure what the Federal Prison poster was doing in the Hoosiers locker room.. perhaps it was in homage to Kelvin Sampson?

- Check out recent Pictures of the Day!

- Also check out the Cheerleader of the Day!

Coaching News: Change at UAPB and Other Tidbits

Shawn Siegel — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:17:49 -0700

A rundown of some of today's coaching news: - UAPB head coach Van Holt resigned after six seasons at the helm. The Golden Lions finished 13-18 this year, and Holt's overall record was 50-124. This record might not look good but consider that UAPB was 4-51 in the two seasons before Holt took over. - Besides the firing of Barry Hinson and Tim Welsh over the weekend, other relatively prominent firings in recent days include Toledo's Stan Joplin (just one season removed from being MAC Coach of the Year) and TCU's Neil Dougherty. - Yesterday I noted that Hinson was a candidate for Mercer's opening, and the Macon Telegraph reports the other interviewee so far has been Oklahoma assistant Bob Hoffman. - According to the Springfield New-leader, Michigan State assistant Mark Montgomery and Texas assistant Rodney Terry are possible replacements for the Missouri State job. - Multiple outlets in Chicago reported yesterday that former Bulls coach Scott Skiles will be interviewed for the Indiana job, but he is by no means the front-runner for the position.