I follow three boards, and I didn’t notice a great deal of anti-Crean reaction.

That would be welcome news

That one’s understandable, though–those Carolina kids are probably spending too much time in class to practice.

Individually we looked athletic, but nothing stood out in particular. We weren’t putting on block-parties the way we were early last year. We turned it over in transition because of the pace, but we also stripped the other team A LOT both in transition and to start the break. It’s all hard to pin down because of the style of play and the lack of a anchor under the basket. The younger guys lost there assignments a few times, but seemed to be learning. There were a few overhelp issues, but I think we should iron those out. So somewhere in the middle.

Did he tell you how IU might sign up both Kasongo and Holt, despite us having one scholarship to offer for 2014?

What we as a society have to realize is not to judge perception of the masses by twitter and social media. It’s an instant gratification or release of emotion. People don’t react well when something bad happens, but learn to put things into perspective after they get a chance to relax and think it through. I think social media ends up showing the worst quality of everyone.

Anyway…as Hoosier Pride mentioned, a team that hits 18 threes has a high chance of winning. What this loss helps us realize, even if it wasn’t intended to, is that we need better perimeter defense and hopefully CTC can focus on that over the next few weeks to really hone it in before the start of the season.

It was actually tied at 89 with 5 minutes left, then Ottawa ended the game on a bit of a run. I liked the things the guys said after the game about learning how to close out games and making sure that doesn’t happen again.

This year’s team seems to have a completely opposite mindset from last year’s in terms of team bond and focused thinking as a team to accomplish things as a united front. They’ll likely drop some of their games just because other teams might have more experience/overall talent at all five positions, but at least they hopefully won’t lose a ton of games because they threw them away at the end.

It was hard to judge from watching online; however, the zone seemed to be their best defense on this trip. The man-to-man, as has been noted, couldn’t stop anybody. I’m hoping that the zone develops as that could really help some on the defensive boards this year.

1. Great job ITH. The coverage from Canada, to the eye on recruiting back here (which apparently NEVER STOPS), to the game film breakdown – you all make this site the best it can be;

2. This trip was tailor made for April and HMP to participate in consequence-free games. What a disappointment (understatement). As someone who has dealt with international immigration issues, HMP’s situation unfortunately did not surprise me. A kid from Colombia, with papers to reside in America, trying to get a short term visa to Canada – the wheels of government turn sloooowwwwly no matter how early you start. Our front court will be our question mark (I will be less worried if we add another front court player; then we have more bodies to throw at the boards); and

3. We don’t need a true center or glass cleaner this year, just a couple of serviceable guys in the paint, because what video I did see has shown that IU can shoot the ball this year (some quick releases too). There is a LOT of confidence to score the ball; I felt like some of the guys not named YOGI were hesitant to take the outside shot last year. Does not appear to be a problem, at all, with this group. Cautiously optimistic.

Much in store for this season. I will, as always, tune in. Go Hoosiers.

I can only pass on the in-game observations from Herald-Times beat reporter Mike Miller….closing down shooters (this was the Ottawa game he was talking about…giving up 18 3’s makes that one obvious) and help defense was a problem at times. He thought the defense was very active but was hurt by not having a rim protector. I am curious about Troy Williams’ defense. His positional defense last season was a weakness. He has the athleticism and body to be a defensive nightmare for opponents and if can be a pretty good defender, I think he has a chance to be All-Big Ten.

Miller also said he was surprised by how active Nick Zeisloft was on the defensive end and that Devin Davis (which the stats show) did a better job of not fouling.

But it’s good to see we have folks who can shoot this year and that the attitude is better now that the kids who don’t want to be here have moved on. I think we’re going to learn that kids who can hit jump shots can make a coaching staff look awfully better.

I was sorry to see that not only was Hanner not on the trip to Canada, but April didn’t get any PT either. Can we keep an eye on the door to the courts of the SRSC and anyone schmuck who walks in 6’10” or taller gets immediately shuttled to Cook Hall for a workout?

agreed. any team that can knock down 18 three pointers with above average players and high bball IQ has a chance to beat just about anyone.

Any schmuck with an Internet connection can create a Twitter account …

Honestly I think the loss was a good thing cause it’s not like we got whooped the whole game. It was back and fourth til the 4th I believe. Showed them they can’t just rely on talent and athleticism, and that were really gonna have to hustle at all times on both ends. I’m sure they already knew that but now they understand it. Most importantly it gave this young team their 1st chance to bounce back together. I’m not much one for expectations, especially this early, but I think we can rule out this team going undefeated so its good to get that kind of experience when it doesn’t necessarily count.

I will now step down off my podium. But before I do…GO HOOSIERS !!