I’m sure it isn’t, but this is the first off season that they have had to work on their matador defense, and being told they need to get better on D during the onslaught of their very first season of B1G bball and having a whole off season to work on it are two different things. Plus having people that will control if they are drafted, where they might be drafted and that control the million dollar purse strings will probably make a bigger impact on them deciding that, yea I”m going to put the amount of effort into it that will make me noticeably better than the impact that others telling them that have had in that respect. Now, it shouldn’t be that way, but with people their age it’s kinda like when a parent tells their kid something is a certain way or that they need to be doing something a certain way. While the kid loves and hears what the parent is saying it may resonate and be taken more seriously when someone else they consider knowledgeable about the subject tells them the exact same thing.

You’ve proven my point, you are living in the past. You saw those 4 play last year, and you have ignored all indicators of an improved defense.

Defense wasn’t a problem “before” last year, and I don’t remember any specific talk about that prior to the season. Rebounding was a problem and they resolved that problem, just like they fix every shortcoming the following year.

I don’t like the way you sell everybody short, and I guess I’m just a little more optimistic than you. You are right, we will see. You have been so very critical of this team, I hope you are able to get past your bias and enjoy the games.

You really think this summer was the first time they were told to improve their D?

I’ve seen 4 of the 5 starters play and they were horrible on D. The past is a lot better predicter of the future than hope they magically change. Rebounding and D were all Crean talked about before last year too. We shall see

That’s right … missed that, thanks!

Point still valid though. 🙂

The fact that they were told that if they wanted to play at the next level they were going to have to prove that they could play defense a lot better than they did last year “should” be enough motivation for them to improve a whole lot all by itself, let alone all the other reasons.

Number 1, the answer to that one is the answer to the, how close to 30 wins can we get, question. Insert worn out off season line here…..we only go as far as our defense will take us this coming season.

Why not just go straight up balls-out 1989 Loyola Marymount? We already know IU can score, so just play it the way they did. Totally deny the ball–if you get beat run like hell the other direction and score before the other team gets back downcourt. lol

In agreement with you, but you listed Newkirk. He has to sit out this season.

The fact that those three have designs on going to the NBA is THE reason they should all be better defensively–because that’s what they (at least the younger two) were specifically told needed to improve.

With all due respect man, you haven’t even seen this group of guys play. Answers to your points.

1. Almost everybody. The question isn’t will they get better, the question is how much will they get better. As far as JBJ and TW not trying much harder … well that is just plain silly! The feedback both of them received included playing defense better. With millions of dollars and a pro career on the line, OF COURSE they will try harder! LOL

2.Again, last years news. There has been a focus all off-season on the defense, from the coaches to the individual players. All the players are older, more experienced, bigger, faster. I really and truly don’t get how anybody can think they won’t be better. Well, maybe an ostrich with it’s head buried in the sand. I’ll buy that one. LOL

3. Doesn’t have to be just a guard to harass the other team in a full court, or half court, press. Based on agility, speed, length, and/or experience, the players I see available for that chore are JBJ, Nick, RJ, Troy, Newkirk, Harrison (limited), OG (limited), and of course Yogi. Didn’t name Collin because I see him getting back with TB to protect our court.

Obviously everybody has an opinion, so we will all see how it works out when they start playing. Until then, GO IU!

1. Who expects D to be better? I’m asking I haven’t seen anything. Ferrell, Blackmon and Williams were all considering pro last year so I’m not sure they are going to try that much harder. I don’t trust a frosh center to stay out of foul trouble.

2. Again, they can’t keep guys out of the lane playing half court, why would full court be better? Then you worry Bryant is defending the lane and a frosh isn’t getting calls.

3. There are only four guards on the roster who will play: Ferrell, Blackmon, Johnson, Ziesloft. That isn’t much depth when 3 of them start.

I like press D, I just don’t with this team

Sometimes you have to. Because what we have been doing hasn’t worked.

This is really wetting my appetite for the real games!

I’d just like to see him without a boot! Unless it’s a figurative one, and he has it firmly planted on AJ Hammons’ caboose.

My impression is that Max is more defensive minded. I don’t expect a lot of offense other than rebound baskets, tip-ins, and some close in shots. But he really knows how to block out, set screens, and he definitely will not be moved easily by anybody. LOL

Max is a big boy for sure.

TB could be … Yogi said something to the effect that Bryant runs the floor “Zeller like”, and we know that already he is a banger. Can’t wait for the games to start so we can see these guys in action.

Cooper, you seem to be still dwelling on last years defense. There are three points to consider…

First — Most unbiased observers expect the defense to be better this year for several reasons, focus, NBA feedback, 5-star skilled center, returning players (stronger, faster, etc…).
Second — CTC and a couple of players have said plain that that there would be more pressure on the ball. Crean actually said (paraphrasing) that they would shadow the ball all the way up the court. Sounds like no free dribbling by the opponent this year. I like that.
Third — IU doesn’t really lack depth at the guard position, not as far as pressing is concerned. Don’t forget Harrison who is a good defender, quick, and loves to play defense. He may need a little extra weight, but he can pressure the ball nicely, and he’s not expected to be banging in the middle like a center. LOL