Disqus - Latest Comments for HoosierSmitty

Re: Report: Indiana and David Williams have parted ways

HoosierSmitty — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:55:37 -0000

Let's wish him the best. He has to have a nice upside or else Crean would not have considered him to become part of the Indiana basketball team.

For reasons that we can only speculate, the two are parting ways, and that's just how it happens sometimes.

I'm sure he'll land somewhere that fits him perfectly. Best of luck with your future, David Williams.

Re: Hoosiers cruise past St. Joe’s in final tune-up, 95-67

HoosierSmitty — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:31:02 -0000

I think we saw Crean run with his "regulars" a little more tonight, despite starting Jobe (which was nice for him).

I was very pleased with our ability to hit mid range jumpers...especially Watford and Jones. If slashers like that can nail those shots consistently, it opens up a lot of options as a team.

Elston subbed in often for Watford and Hulls was coming in for Rivers. That seems to be a fair assumption that's what will happen a lot this season. If those are our backups, I'm pretty happy.

We have to box out better. It was pitiful how many second chances we gave St. Joe - a team that we dominated size wise.

That and sloppy turnovers were a little unsettling from my vantage point.

Overall I'm pleased with the explosiveness and shot making abilities of this team.

Re: Game Thread: Saint Joseph’s College @ Indiana

HoosierSmitty — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:20:52 -0000

I'm pleased with Bawa tonight. I know it's just St. Joseph's, but remember, this kid is only a freshman. He can definitely help. He's WAY better than Jobe. Raw as hell, but still better.

Re: Game Thread: Saint Joseph’s College @ Indiana

HoosierSmitty — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:59:40 -0000

Um, so yeah, Bawa is definitely not terrible. Not great, but that's not a bad first impression in my book.

Re: Game Thread: Saint Joseph’s College @ Indiana

HoosierSmitty — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:40:24 -0000

I hope Crean gives a good hard look at what he figures to be his "usual" rotation. I'd like to see what some of these guys can do with extended minutes. Obviously if Dumes is still out/hobbled that will alter things. Plus you know Crean is going to have to give Bawa some real minutes that he might not get in other situations this year.

With guys like Watford and Elston, we have more versatility with our lineup. Our guards have good size (Jones, Rivers). I think we actually match up pretty well with a lot of teams this season.

So the poll has "finish about .500" listed. I was so torn because I really think 15-15 is the high water mark this season prior to Big Ten Tournament play. I don't see any reason we can't go 8-4 in the preseason. Winning 7 games in the Big Ten will be the big question mark.

My guess is we at least double our wins from last year and maybe sneak a few more in there.

Re: Pick to Click: Saint Joseph’s College

HoosierSmitty — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:11:45 -0000

I wouldn't mind having the Top 3 listed in the Pick to Click - just to know who else was close. Maybe Pick to Click Honorable Mention list.

Hopefully this wouldn't be too much work...since you already have to add up the point totals.

Re: Pick to Click: Saint Joseph’s College

HoosierSmitty — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:09:36 -0000

Reason for Hulls: He stands to get significant playing time, he takes good shots and makes them, gets assists, picks up steals, and appears less likely to make silly turnovers than others.

Re: Pick to Click: Saint Joseph’s College

HoosierSmitty — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:57:21 -0000

Jordan Hulls

Re: Tom Crean Via Twitter: Bawa Muniru is eligible

HoosierSmitty — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:26:08 -0000

I think we can all agree we're just glad the enigma that is Bawa Muniru is going to be a little less of a puzzle after Monday.

Re: Tom Crean Via Twitter: Bawa Muniru is eligible

HoosierSmitty — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:19:23 -0000

Has Crean indicated he's "the same as Jobe" at any time? Just curious. He seems a bit more athletic and able to contribute, but who knows. That'd be a bummer if he is just another Jobe (no offense Tijan).

Other big schools made a run at him, let's see what he can do on Monday.

If I'm not mistaken guys like Haseem Thabeet (UConn) and Nazr Mohammad (Kentucky) were considered "projects" as well. Maybe we'll get lucky with Bawa.

Re: Tom Crean Via Twitter: Bawa Muniru is eligible

HoosierSmitty — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:28:18 -0000

My Christmas wish list includes the following:

This year I want to see Bawa or Jobe throw down a monster dunk that a.) bounces off someone's head or b.) the sheer force of the impact sends the defender flying to the ground.

Is that too much to ask? Come on Santa...

Re: Tom Crean Via Twitter: Bawa Muniru is eligible

HoosierSmitty — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:07:24 -0000

Obviously he's a raw talent so he comes in with less experience, but in terms of what he's been able to participate in since he's been on campus, he's basically on par with the other players.

Re: Tom Crean Via Twitter: Bawa Muniru is eligible

HoosierSmitty — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:06:38 -0000

Why is he BEHIND all the other freshmen?

Other than NOT playing in our first exhibition game, what has Bawa missed?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but to my knowledge, he's been on campus all year, worked out with the team, been able to participate in the practices.

I'm not saying he's going to jump in and be a contributor, but he's been actively involved with the team leading up to his eligibility.

Re: Game Thread: Grace College @ Indiana

HoosierSmitty — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:04:23 -0000

In the 2nd half they seemed to zoom in on the action more, which made it better viewing. Not sure why they did that, but maybe somebody was actually looking at it from a real viewer's perspective.

And yeah, the scoreboard was terrible. I couldn't see that to save my life. But for a die hard Hoosier fan, I have to say it was worth it. I need the visual.

Re: Indiana struggles early, rolls past Grace in second half

HoosierSmitty — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:35:04 -0000

Random Thoughts:
1. I felt like Pritchard had more quickness than last year but hit your bunnies!
2. VJ III 2.0 looked solid at times...a much more confident player. I still love his length and reach.
3. Rivers looked for offense more in the 2nd half after playing a "distibutor role" in the first half. He showed he could take it to the hoop and finish.
4. Hulls is the perfect PG because he can distribute and also knock down the jumper at will, so he can't be left open. I was super impressed with Hulls and some of the heady plays he made.
5. Creek was unimpressive, but someone had to be out of all those guys. I thought he'd throw down on that fast break...guess not.
6. Watford is the real deal. He reminds a little of Jared Jeffries in terms of his body and athleticism.
7. I liked that Roth didn't just bomb threes....he had some other nice plays. I just want to see him hit every 3 he shoots. Is that too much to ask?
8. Tijan still seems clueless, but he tries so hard.
9. Elston was more athletic than I expected and ran the floor well. When he starts nailing that 15 footer, he'll be a huge addition to this team.
10. Bobby C can be a nice bruiser and banger but he has to stay out of foul trouble while doing it. He seems like the kind of guy who's going to be happy with a few offensive put backs per game while doing the little things a big man should do - like box out which we lacked last season.

Re: Tom Crean Via Twitter: Bawa Muniru is eligible

HoosierSmitty — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:50:17 -0000

Those guys could shoot it. There's not much you can do though when you're just outsized. Grace should have another nice season.

Re: Tom Crean Via Twitter: Bawa Muniru is eligible

HoosierSmitty — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:47:52 -0000

I think this is a major bonus for Bawa because he can play in our next exhibition game. Crean will be much more likely to give him some meaningful action in an exhibition game. If he's going to contribute, he'll need that valuable experience.

Re: Game Thread: Grace College @ Indiana

HoosierSmitty — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:09:38 -0000

I haven't been too impressed with the video feed. I mean it runs ok...but for 2.99 I guess I expected more. At least the audio is on pace with the video. I just wish it was a little clearer when I go full screen with it.

Re: Game Thread: Grace College @ Indiana

HoosierSmitty — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:07:45 -0000

It seems to me like Pritchard is a little quicker this year, but that might just be the competition he's up against right now. Otherwise, it's nice to see everyone getting in on the action. Watford looks like he has a nice stroke judging from his FTs. VJ III looks like a confident player this year. Nothing too incredible so far, but it's just the first game - and it's an exhibition.

Re: Pick to Click: Grace College

HoosierSmitty — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:17:32 -0000

If Dumes doesn't play then I say VJ III 2.0

Re: Pick to Click: Grace College

HoosierSmitty — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:16:26 -0000

Dang it....I thought that was probably the case.

Re: Pick to Click: Grace College

HoosierSmitty — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:50:01 -0000

Devan Dumes

Re: State of the Hall: October 26, 2009

HoosierSmitty — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:11:30 -0000

I'm basically broke, but if I can still find the money for a case of beer after a long week, I figured I can swing a $30.00 donation for now. Donation is now submitted!

Thank YOU for all you do to keep us informed! This site gets better all the time.

Re: State of the Hall: October 26, 2009

HoosierSmitty — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:43:58 -0000

Been a while since I've posted, but I haven't stopped reading. Just anxiously awaiting basketball season.

Maybe you can ask for some guest columnists or just get some "as we see it" info if we're able to see any of these guys in person ourselves when you can't make it. I know a lot of us on here take in some of the high school talent from around the state.

Many post their thoughts on the message board, but I'm certain some of us could donate some time as well as money.

Re: Open Thread: Should the ‘one-and-done’ rule be changed?

HoosierSmitty — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:22:49 -0000

Stern is a joke just like his league.