Fan enthusiasm this year seems down...

[IUclover]

Based on my metrics of gut feeling and activity on this forum, I'm sensing lower than usual enthusiasm this season. I'll lump myself into this group even though I stop by this forum every day and watch every game. I was actually pretty excited after seeing that we have what appear to be legit guards and Mbako looks to have improved since last season.

But, I think the X-factor is tuning into a game to see that nothing has really changed in regard to our style of play. Fortunately, we do have guards who are less shy to shoot 3s and Mbako is always ready to shoot. Then there's the lack of rebounding and deja vu from the past few seasons.

Does anyone else feel the same way? Is it the style of play and the assumed ceiling? Am I wrong that this forum seems kind of dead? Did users leave for other sites?

 

[T.M.P.]

Does anyone else feel the same way?

No. I prefer not to be prematurely malcontent based on a yesterday that's already passed and a tomorrow that hasn't happened or by applying movable predetermined measures of perfect proficiency made in an isolated bubble without considering the competition. I see reasons to be both pessimistic and optimistic, I prefer to be neither.

One day and one game at a time.

Now, if I was a UConn fan, today, yes I would feel that way.

 

[iubhounds]

I have noticed less posting on the basketball forum, the free side. I am sure not all fans migrated to the free football forums. I think is more of what you said, "nothing has really changed" ... this is the 4th year and yes it is only after a few games but it feels its the same show with only the names have changed.

After reading a recap of all the teams in this tournament, I found it interesting that even though 3 teams are ranked in the Top 25, most of the teams are projected to finish in the bottom half of their conference. I will watch the games this week but I don't have anywhere near the excitement I use to have in past years .. many years actually.

 

[dr.jb]

Based on my metrics of gut feeling and activity on this forum, I'm sensing lower than usual enthusiasm this season. I'll lump myself into this group even though I stop by this forum every day and watch every game. I was actually pretty excited after seeing that we have what appear to be legit guards and Mbako looks to have improved since last season.

But, I think the X-factor is tuning into a game to see that nothing has really changed in regard to our style of play. Fortunately, we do have guards who are less shy to shoot 3s and Mbako is always ready to shoot. Then there's the lack of rebounding and deja vu from the past few seasons.

Does anyone else feel the same way? Is it the style of play and the assumed ceiling? Am I wrong that this forum seems kind of dead? Did users leave for other sites?

I'll be excited as soon as I see some evidence on the court

to be excited about

 

[Cavanagh]

Next three days could make or break our season. Lou is a must win IMO.

 

[hookyIU1990]

I have noticed less posting on the basketball forum, the free side

Premie has even less activity than this one.

 

[HoosierJimbo89]

Woody is a mediocre coach: what is there to be excited about?

 

[Cavanagh]

Problem is everyone still thinks woody is gonna F it up, and he very well could. We have a ton of talent this year tho. Our top 8 is the best 8 I can remember.

 

[bsmitty08]

I have noticed less posting on the basketball forum, the free side. I am sure not all fans migrated to the free football forums. I think is more of what you said, "nothing has really changed" ... this is the 4th year and yes it is only after a few games but it feels its the same show with only the names have changed.

After reading a recap of all the teams in this tournament, I found it interesting that even though 3 teams are ranked in the Top 25, most of the teams are projected to finish in the bottom half of their conference. I will watch the games this week but I don't have anywhere near the excitement I use to have in past years .. many years actually.

Caryle has been a huge disappointment. Guard play after Rice needs to step up big time

 

[iubhounds]

Caryle has been a huge disappointment. Guard play after Rice needs to step up big time

And the injuries have started at guards ... Cups, Newton, with Galloway on a minutes limit.

 

[Liberty_Hoosier]

Best 8 you can remember since when? It really is arbitrary to decipher how much a coach/system/culture alters the outlook or ceiling of a team. There is talent on the roster and it is more balanced. NIL and the portal has made it a crapshoot. A lot of ugly basketball being played. Skeleton systems on offense w defenses not connected. By march some will figure it out. A lot of teams will not.

 

[iubhounds]

Problem is everyone still thinks woody is gonna F it up, and he very well could. We have a ton of talent this year tho. Our top 8 is the best 8 I can remember.

I will match up the 1981 IU best 8 with this one any day of the week. BUT it was a loooooooong time ago. I agree.

 

[kurt cloverdales]

Problem is everyone still thinks woody is gonna F it up, and he very well could. We have a ton of talent this year tho. Our top 8 is the best 8 I can remember.

it's a talented team but probably only 1 NBA type talent and he's a freshman coming off the bench

 

[Cavanagh]

it's a talented team but probably only 1 NBA type talent and he's a freshman coming off the bench

Mack will play in the NBA for awhile. Pretty confident he gets drafted this year

 

[IUclover]

Problem is everyone still thinks woody is gonna F it up, and he very well could. We have a ton of talent this year tho. Our top 8 is the best 8 I can remember.

This is how I feel. I’m over everyone standing around for 5-10 seconds while we force a pass into Ballo. Move the dang ball around and/or drive and let the bigs clean up.

 

[Martin Groundhog1984]

Based on my metrics of gut feeling and activity on this forum, I'm sensing lower than usual enthusiasm this season. I'll lump myself into this group even though I stop by this forum every day and watch every game. I was actually pretty excited after seeing that we have what appear to be legit guards and Mbako looks to have improved since last season.

But, I think the X-factor is tuning into a game to see that nothing has really changed in regard to our style of play. Fortunately, we do have guards who are less shy to shoot 3s and Mbako is always ready to shoot. Then there's the lack of rebounding and deja vu from the past few seasons.

Does anyone else feel the same way? Is it the style of play and the assumed ceiling? Am I wrong that this forum seems kind of dead? Did users leave for other sites?

We are a football school now……….

 

[abraxis]

Woody is a mediocre coach: what is there to be excited about?

Plus, Woody doesn’t have an attractive personality that holds people’s interest and commands media attention. Dan Hurley does. Bob Knight did.

 

[Bucket Getter]

Best 8 you can remember since when? It really is arbitrary to decipher how much a coach/system/culture alters the outlook or ceiling of a team. There is talent on the roster and it is more balanced. NIL and the portal has made it a crapshoot. A lot of ugly basketball being played. Skeleton systems on offense w defenses not connected. By march some will figure it out. A lot of teams will not.

That’s actually a pretty fair question. I have clashed with Cav a few times, but finally learned he’s in his late 30’s. Dude is a fan, no question about that. But he wasn’t on the planet yet for the first 30 years I watched (and fell in love with) IU basketball. Started with black and white VERY snowy small screen tvs. BK was still learning his trade as West Point. 😂 All that is to say, we all have slightly different POV. Let’s kick ass in the Bahamas!

 

[Bucket Getter]

We are a football school now……….

There’s no doubt about that. Any TRUE IU FAN would be ecstatic with what they’ve seen in Memorial Stadium this Fall. Most folks are traditionally ready for basketball to start by the 2nd or 3rd B1G football game. This year has been amazing in every way. Maybe most of all the difference a championship level coach makes.

 

[kurt cloverdales]

Mack will play in the NBA for awhile. Pretty confident he gets drafted this year

he's an NBA shooter but has serious lack of athleticism issues. let's see if he can continue his play against good competition.

 

[kurt cloverdales]

Mack will play in the NBA for awhile. Pretty confident he gets drafted this year

watch the Houston v Bama game, it's the ugliest, most boring 80-point overtime game I've ever watched. Mack would have a tough time getting shots off against those teams

 

[IUfan1957]

Next three days could make or break our season. Lou is a must win IMO.

I'll give us the edge by under 10. Louisville's an up and down the floor team who shoots a lot of threes (30-40) only connecting on around 25%. The way we are guarding the perimeter; this game scares me. Go Hoosiers!

 

[hookyIU1990]

Tonight I watched my nephew lead all scorers and add 10 boards over 3 qtrs in a 39 point win. Great start to the week.

 

[Chicago-bound Hoosier]

Win the Bahamas tourney and you’ll see it return.

 

[zeke4ahs]

I will match up the 1981 IU best 8 with this one any day of the week. BUT it was a loooooooong time ago. I agree.

What about Yogi, Juwan, OG, James Blackmon, Robert Johnson, Nick Zeisloft, Max Bielfeld, Thomas Bryant, Troy Williams….and Tim Priller! Man that team was loaded and boy did they stink it up in Maui! Lost two out of three. I was just looking at pictures of all those guys and hard to believe we lost a game. Two guys still in the pros, Yogi and Juwan played some . Shooters, ball handlers, two capable centers.

 

[ndhuntington]

There’s no doubt about that. Any TRUE IU FAN would be ecstatic with what they’ve seen in Memorial Stadium this Fall. Most folks are traditionally ready for basketball to start by the 2nd or 3rd B1G football game. This year has been amazing in every way. Maybe most of all the difference a championship level coach makes.

Yes!!

 

[Cavanagh]

I'll give us the edge by under 10. Louisville's an up and down the floor team who shoots a lot of threes (30-40) only connecting on around 25%. The way we are guarding the perimeter; this game scares me. Go Hoosiers!

I told my buddy if they get hot in the ball room will be a long afternoon. If not, we will smoke em.

 

[GeorgeStrait IU]

What about Yogi, Juwan, OG, James Blackmon, Robert Johnson, Nick Zeisloft, Max Bielfeld, Thomas Bryant, Troy Williams….and Tim Priller! Man that team was loaded and boy did they stink it up in Maui! Lost two out of three. I was just looking at pictures of all those guys and hard to believe we lost a game. Two guys still in the pros, Yogi and Juwan played some . Shooters, ball handlers, two capable centers.

Zeke, plus their bodies were out of this world. All of them. Well, except Zeisloft and PRILLER. lol. I recall watching that IU vs UK rd2 game at a friends house and their grandma (90s at the time) didnt know basketball from horse shoes and she said "The red team will win, look at their muscles compared to the white teams". Then we all looked and was like... Damn...

 

[GThomas]

IU has a playoff-contending football team ... and the hoops team has played three cupcakes and an average SC squad. It's fairly evident which team is more worthy of fan attention.

 

[chaser23]

IU has a playoff-contending football team ... and the hoops team has played three cupcakes and an average SC squad. It's fairly evident which team is more worthy of fan attention.

Yet here you are again in the wee hours of the morning.

 

[bdhman]

Agree with the seeming lack of interest and enthusiasm for IU basketball. I suspect reasons are 1) Woody fatigue and knowing that despite the talent, this team will not win the B10 or advance to Sweet 16 (or better), 2) we are still in utter disbelief at the football season and the way Cigs has totally captivated our interest, 3) college hoops in general is now a game many old timers hardly recognize based on the style of play, and 4) knowing many of the players are getting paid (some alot $$) changes the dynamic for fans; almost seems like NBA-lite.

I still watch and root, but with less enthusiasm than in the past.

 

[Cavanagh]

Agree with the seeming lack of interest and enthusiasm for IU basketball. I suspect reasons are 1) Woody fatigue and knowing that despite the talent, this team will not win the B10 or advance to Sweet 16 (or better), 2) we are still in utter disbelief at the football season and the way Cigs has totally captivated our interest, 3) college hoops in general is now a game many old timers hardly recognize based on the style of play, and 4) knowing many of the players are getting paid (some alot $$) changes the dynamic for fans; almost seems like NBA-lite.

I still watch and root, but with less enthusiasm than in the past.

Not buying the $$$ changes the dynamic for the worse.

Cig bought a team and has created the most interest ever over night. All about winning.

We win three in a row starting today? IU bball will be the hottest thing since Knight.

 

[kkott]

Plus, Woody doesn’t have an attractive personality that holds people’s interest and commands media attention. Dan Hurley does. Bob Knight did.

personality doesn't matter, unless you win. Brad Stevens isn't super engaging, John Wooden was not bursting with personality, nor is Pop or Steve Kerr. Gotta win baby!

 

[kkott]

Not buying the $$$ changes the dynamic for the worse.

Cig bought a team and has created the most interest ever over night. All about winning.

We win three in a row starting today? IU bball will be the hottest thing since Knight.

I actually think the success of Cig and the football team is going to hurt CMW. No one, including me, thought a turnaround of a football program who'd stunk was possible on the level they've done it. If that's possible on an 80 man roster where 22 guys start, it highlights what you could do with a bball team and resources. I'd give Woody an A (maybe A-) assembling the talent for the team. Coaching gets to be the question.

 

[bsmitty08]

Not buying the $$$ changes the dynamic for the worse.

Cig bought a team and has created the most interest ever over night. All about winning.

We win three in a row starting today? IU bball will be the hottest thing since Knight.

Did he buy this roster? Most are from James Madison.
What he did well is found a QB for his system and brought in 13 of his guys to set the culture in the locker room.

 

[Tammany Hall]

There is hardly anything NBA-lite about college bball. It’s a totally different game than the NBA. And it is still the usual chaotic basketball played by 18-22 year olds in front of tribal college fans. As with years past we’ll get to see which can coach can get their kids to gel/improve over the course of the season.

NIL is barely noticeable. Watching the games you wouldn’t know the players are getting paid (what they’re worth) unless someone told you.

Same goes for college football. There is NIL now, but it is as popular as ever.

 

[hookyIU1990]

There is hardly anything NBA-lite about college bball. It’s a totally different game than the NBA. And it is still the usual chaotic basketball played by 18-22 year olds in front of tribal college fans. As with years past we’ll get to see which can coach can get their kids to gel/improve over the course of the season.

NIL is barely noticeable. Watching the games you wouldn’t know the players are getting paid (what they’re worth) unless someone told you.

Same goes for college football. There is NIL now, but it is as popular as ever.

It's the transfer portal that is changing the sport, not NIL.

 

[bsmitty08]

It's the transfer portal that is changing the sport, not NIL.

^^^^

 

[Tammany Hall]

It's the transfer portal that is changing the sport, not NIL.

Yea. It has turned over the rosters more for sure, which isn’t great for fans. I do think the roster turnover trend really started awhile back when a lot of the good players started going pro after a year or two. The ‘80s era is long gone.

 

[Cavanagh]

Did he buy this roster? Most are from James Madison.
What he did well is found a QB for his system and brought in 13 of his guys to set the culture in the locker room.

And paid them all more money this year than you have ever made in your life. Yes. That’s buying a team.