I qualified what I said by “metrics used”. That still doesn’t shame what they did. It also does put IU’s season in perspective. The youth excuse is just that, an excuse.

Not going to rehash this argument here and now. Perhaps we’ll revisit it once the season starts.
However, he’s the one responsible for the churn. So he has to take responsibility for the youth.
Why do I say that? Not to blame him; but rather to say that at the end of the day, the coach is ultimately responsible for whatever happens in the program.

I don’t want to hear it anymore. I want results. And the majority of Hoosier nation is probably at or near the same point I am.

Just remember Michigan was the youngest team by age, but not by experience, most of those guys had a season under their belt. IU’s team had several starters who’d never played college basketball. That’s the main difference.

You see it as an excuse and I’m not sure why. He is commenting on the makeup of the team and it is a factual statement. That being said, I just posted this on another article:

“We all want results. It is a factual statement about the makeup of this team. We haven’t lost any games yet and it isn’t being used as an excuse. In that context, I have zero problem with the statment. This foreign trip should really help mitigate the disadvantages associated with a young, but talent laden team.”

It’s a preseason excuse. Don’t want to hear it again this year.
Beilein took the youngest or second youngest (depending on metrics used) team in the B1G last year how far?

Is it BS or fact?

Tom, listen to his comments from yesterday. He’s already starting with that “young team” BS again.

There’s that half-empty cup. lol I think last season hammered all of our hopes/expectations, but I for one am going into this season with an optimistic mind-set. That not necessarily expectations of a final four, but a hope for a great season with a new & rebuilding team. Guess I’m hoping for another ‘surprise’ year. lol

Hopefully we will win those games we should win against northwestern, PSU, Rutgers, Maryland …

This makes me physically sick to say, but O$U always reloads, never drops off to much … Nor does MSU. I think the top 6 teams in the B1G will all be very good. Wisconsin, O$U, MSU, IU,
MN & Nebraska … Possibly Illinois

And somebody has to stink, it might as well be Maryland and Rutgers giving PSU a little competition for the worst team in the conference …

Being competitive top to bottom means parity within that conference. It doesn’t mean the best players or the best teams play within that conference. It simply means that the teams are evenly matched.

Add Butler to the mix and it’s a pretty strong, but still not top ranked schedule.

I like the direction the program is going as the schedule is concerned. Now, if we can make some headway with some 2015 recruits (particularly big men) and come up with a way to effectively use those big men I think things will be headed back in the right direction.

I think maybe IU made too quick of a rise from the ashes? I had them pegged for a five year plan and it actually took only 4. Then in year 5 IU was loaded with pro talent but maybe the cupboard wasn’t quite as full after all those guys left as some thought it would be. It’s possible that actually derailed the five year plan and delayed it to a 6 or 7 year plan.

I’m hoping that was the case!

Not trying to be negative or a smart-a__…have just decided to “preach realistic expectations” for this coming season..with a young team lacking established talent at the 4 & 5 positions. IU is going to need a lot of effort..some really good luck and unexpected good performances from developing players. Hey..it can happen.

I guess we will find out in the B1G/ACC challenge?

Agreed, but it sure would be nice to have another “surprise” year like 2012/13 this season with the Final Four in Indianapolis. Here’s hoping!

Don’t read to deep there OM. My post was in jest… My “attitude” as a fan is that we can win these games and therefore I expect W’s. However, I won’t go jumping off the bandwagon if we were to drop some.

I agree with this to an extent. Though, teams last year were rewarded by remaining in the top 25 without ever proving much if anything in the preconference schedules.

Maybe we should all adjust our antennas to some smooth jazz and relax, haha. No worries, they’ll lose some and win some. I think they’ll be frustrating at times, but I believe this team will find their identity at some point this season, unlike last year’s team.

If being the most competitive from top to bottom isn’t a correct measurement of the strength of conference then what is? I’m talking about a conference, not who has the best top 5 schools.