One year does not make a legacy

[TR32]

Today we see a published commentary on the "legacy" left by Romeo Langford. I've got some tough news to share- there is no legacy.

Romeo is Noah Vonleh, is Robert Vaden is Luke Recker. He didn't lead, he didn't win anything, he didn't graduate, and he sure as heck doesn't deserve a "legacy" at Indiana University. That is just how it is, and it was 100% his own decision.

The kid isn't a bad kid, and like many before him he was a tremendous talent, but it stops there. The pages are short in this book. Player of the week? Ok, great. We already know about that.

Indiana lost mercilessly last season. Romeo was a big part of it, and that is what will be remembered most There is no changing it. At least not for perhaps decades.

 

[82hoosier]

I have to strongly disagree with your post. Luke Recker made a much larger contribution to Indiana basketball.

 

[i'vegotwinners]

Today we see a published commentary on the "legacy" left by Romeo Langford. I've got some tough news to share- there is no legacy.

Romeo is Noah Vonleh, is Robert Vaden is Luke Recker. He didn't lead, he didn't win anything, he didn't graduate, and he sure as heck doesn't deserve a "legacy" at Indiana University. That is just how it is, and it was 100% his own decision.

The kid isn't a bad kid, and like many before him he was a tremendous talent, but it stops there. The pages are short in this book. Player of the week? Ok, great. We already know about that.

Indiana lost mercilessly last season. Romeo was a big part of it, and that is what will be remembered most There is no changing it. At least not for perhaps decades.

do you feel better now??

 

[Hatchets7times]

Zeller still the most important recruit in the last 15 year's..

 

[ORG]

A legacy does not have to be long or entirely positive IMHO.

 

[Chicago-bound Hoosier]

No knock on Romeo personally. He put up good scoring and rebounding numbers, and I appreciate a kid who plays humble and isn't a glory hound.

As a team, we accomplished....nothing. Other than an early season tease followed by complete collapse. Ending with a 10 pt home loss in the NIT. Never a factor in the B1G season and typical washout in the B1G tourney. Hard to squeeze a legacy out of this past season.

Romeo's legacy at IU will eventually be viewed as Vonleh 2.0. Sounds unkind and not a personal shot at him. But that's how OADs who play for mediocre IU teams will be remembered.

 

[jsig]

I appreciate everything that both Vonleh and Romeo did for IU when they were here even if for one year.

Go Romeo. Hope you fall to the Spurs so i can go watch you play.

Go Noah. Please sign with my favorite NBA team the Mavs, they could use a player like you or Kevon Looney.

Texas needs former IU one and dones on their pro rosters. There are none worth rooting for at this point in time.

 

[iubud]

Today we see a published commentary on the "legacy" left by Romeo Langford. I've got some tough news to share- there is no legacy.

Romeo is Noah Vonleh, is Robert Vaden is Luke Recker. He didn't lead, he didn't win anything, he didn't graduate, and he sure as heck doesn't deserve a "legacy" at Indiana University. That is just how it is, and it was 100% his own decision.

The kid isn't a bad kid, and like many before him he was a tremendous talent, but it stops there. The pages are short in this book. Player of the week? Ok, great. We already know about that.

Indiana lost mercilessly last season. Romeo was a big part of it, and that is what will be remembered most There is no changing it. At least not for perhaps decades.

Eric Gordon is the only one and done player that impressed me. He did lead the team while playing with an injured wrist. He didn't play like someone that knew his NBA draft status was secure and he had little to prove. I never felt Vonleh was here. He was a good player for us, but not someone we will tell our grandkids about.

To be honest, I'm not sure Romeo enjoyed his time at IU. He would most often score 4-5 points in the first half. His first half points often came off a steal or fast break. He wasn't very active when we were struggling offensively. He hit his average at the free throw line in the second half to lead the team in scoring. I saw more smiles from him while he sat on the bench during the NIT.

I'll never what to pass up a 5* one and done player. I don't want an entire team of them unless they give the effort that Eric Gordon played with. I credit Romeo for playing through an injury, but there is no legacy. Vonleh sat out the end of a disappointing season and left no legacy.

 

[snarlcakes]

Indiana lost mercilessly last season. Romeo was a big part of it, and that is what will be remembered most There is no changing it. At least not for perhaps decades.

This is really a dumb statement. Romeo wasn't a big part of why we lost mercilessly last season.

 

[choptalk]

Indiana lost mercilessly last season. Romeo was a big part of it, and that is what will be remembered most There is no changing it. At least not for perhaps decades.

This is really a dumb statement. Romeo wasn't a big part of why we lost mercilessly last season.

Not much legacy here. Talented kid but look at the record. Do you think he played hard? I actually think the flow of offense will be better this season.

 

[snarlcakes]

Not much legacy here. Talented kid but look at the record. Do you think he played hard? I actually think the flow of offense will be better this season.

I didn't comment on his legacy, because I don't care about people's opinion on it. Yes, he played just as hard as almost everyone else on the team. No, I don't think the offense will flow better (whatever that means) without him next year. I think we will struggle more on offense next year. Are you a Purdue fan or am I confusing you with someone else?

 

[TommyCracker]

I didn't comment on his legacy, because I don't care about people's opinion on it. Yes, he played just as hard as almost everyone else on the team. No, I don't think the offense will flow better (whatever that means) without him next year. I think we will struggle more on offense next year. Are you a Purdue fan or am I confusing you with someone else?

Well he was the main reason why expectations were probably unrealistic last year...so it made a disappointing season seem like a dumpster fire according to Feepaw, since we had a 'loaded' roster in his eyes.

It seems as though he is having the same kind of effect for next year as many believe his absence means we'll be much worse, like you just said.

I guess we'll find out if he was this superstar freak playing for a clown show coach surrounded by incompetent team mates (like Nic Claxton) or simply a good but flawed player who didn't have much impact to winning as a freshman.

 

[snarlcakes]

Well he was the main reason why expectations were probably unrealistic last year...so it made a disappointing season seem like a dumpster fire according to Feepaw, since we had a 'loaded' roster in his eyes.

It seems as though he is having the same kind of effect for next year as many believe his absence means we'll be much worse, like you just said.

I guess we'll find out if he was this superstar freak playing for a clown show coach surrounded by incompetent team mates (like Nic Claxton) or simply a good but flawed player who didn't have much impact to winning as a freshman.

I didn't state any of those things. I responded to TR32 who said he was a big part of why we lost so many games this year.

 

[jsig]

He was the biggest reason why we were bad. He shot the most and was awful at it. We will be better next year with out him, anyway you wanna look at it. We will have a better record and make the tournament because he won't be the main focus of the offense. I will gladly take your money if you would like to bet. speaking of @Southside Hoosier Fan owes me $50 from last year. Don't flake on me.

And Romeo will be better next year sans double and triple coverage. There was always help defense awaiting when romeo beat his initial defender which was way more often than not.

 

[snarlcakes]

He was the biggest reason why we were bad. He shot the most and was awful at it. We will be better next year with out him, anyway you wanna look at it. We will have a better record and make the tournament because he won't be the main focus of the offense. I will gladly take your money if you would like to bet. speaking of @Southside Hoosier Fan owes me $50 from last year. Don't flake on me.

I know you're lying. You can't count to 50.

 

[Bulk VanderHuge]

I know you're lying. You can't count to 50.

We know he can count to at least 5.

 

[cshartle123]

Today we see a published commentary on the "legacy" left by Romeo Langford. I've got some tough news to share- there is no legacy.

Romeo is Noah Vonleh, is Robert Vaden is Luke Recker. He didn't lead, he didn't win anything, he didn't graduate, and he sure as heck doesn't deserve a "legacy" at Indiana University. That is just how it is, and it was 100% his own decision.

The kid isn't a bad kid, and like many before him he was a tremendous talent, but it stops there. The pages are short in this book. Player of the week? Ok, great. We already know about that.

Indiana lost mercilessly last season. Romeo was a big part of it, and that is what will be remembered most There is no changing it. At least not for perhaps decades.

His legacy could represent the first of a string of consecutive Indiana Mr. Basketballs to go to IU again. (Langford, TJD, Leal, Lander, etc.)

 

[abraxis]

I have to strongly disagree with your post. Luke Recker made a much larger contribution to Indiana basketball.

Yeah, he personally eliminated our asses in the Big Ten Tournament with a last second shot while wearing an Iowa uniform. Thanks for your only notable contribution to IU basketball, traitor!

 

[82hoosier]

Yeah, he personally eliminated our asses in the Big Ten Tournament with a last second shot while wearing an Iowa uniform. Thanks for your only notable contribution to IU basketball, traitor!

Certainly a lot Hoosiers thought that about Luke. But I bet most of those same people think that Michigan transfer Max Bielfeldt is a great guy.

 

[abraxis]

Certainly a lot Hoosiers thought that about Luke. But I bet most of those same people think that Michigan transfer Max Bielfeldt is a great guy.

I think there is a big difference between a disgruntled defector and a grad transfer in good standing who dutifully served his allotted time.

 

[YOTHN]

He was the biggest reason why we were bad. He shot the most and was awful at it. We will be better next year with out him, anyway you wanna look at it. We will have a better record and make the tournament because he won't be the main focus of the offense. I will gladly take your money if you would like to bet. speaking of @Southside Hoosier Fan owes me $50 from last year. Don't flake on me.

This is a PU fan trying to make IU fans look bad to future recruits. No genuine IU fan would be this ridiculous.

 

[Squonk too]

I think there is a big difference between a disgruntled defector and a grad transfer in good standing who dutifully served his allotted time.

We tolerate only gruntled defectors.

 

[TR32]

His legacy could represent the first of a string of consecutive Indiana Mr. Basketballs to go to IU again. (Langford, TJD, Leal, Lander, etc.)

If you can convince me that TJD was only signed because of Langford then you have a point. But I don't think that is the case.

 

[YOTHN]

If you can convince me that TJD was only signed because of Langford then you have a point. But I don't think that is the case.

What? He said it started the string, didn't say he was the reason let alone only reason. Being the first to commit to program that has been stagnant is harder than it is to commit to a program that has had top talent come through. Romeo surely didn't hurt the cause.

 

[iubud]

I didn't comment on his legacy, because I don't care about people's opinion on it. Yes, he played just as hard as almost everyone else on the team. No, I don't think the offense will flow better (whatever that means) without him next year. I think we will struggle more on offense next year. Are you a Purdue fan or am I confusing you with someone else?

I'm not worried about missing him this year. His outside shot was limited and he would/could only drive to the right. He scored by shooting free throws which I am not criticizing, but isn't how I thought he would score. I believe we can make up for his loss.

How much will we miss Juwan? Is TJD and a healthy Davis and Thompson enough or offset his loss? What about Brunk?

 

[ufo33]

I'm not worried about missing him this year. His outside shot was limited and he would/could only drive to the right. He scored by shooting free throws which I am not criticizing, but isn't how I thought he would score. I believe we can make up for his loss.

How much will we miss Juwan? Is TJD and a healthy Davis and Thompson enough or offset his loss? What about Brunk?

IU will be more balanced and deeper in the paint.

 

[VanPastorMan]

Zeller still the most important recruit in the last 15 year's..

And he is from our home town. Makes me feel good.

 

[cshartle123]

If you can convince me that TJD was only signed because of Langford then you have a point. But I don't think that is the case.

I wouldn’t try to convince you that Langford was the “only” reason TJD signed.

 

[choptalk]

I didn't comment on his legacy, because I don't care about people's opinion on it. Yes, he played just as hard as almost everyone else on the team. No, I don't think the offense will flow better (whatever that means) without him next year. I think we will struggle more on offense next year. Are you a Purdue fan or am I confusing you with someone else?

Purdue fan. Romeo (talented yes) stood around a lot in the corner. I really don't think Romeo played hard all the time. I actually think losing Morgan hurts IU more than losing Romeo.

 

[82hoosier]

I think there is a big difference between a disgruntled defector and a grad transfer in good standing who dutifully served his allotted time.

I don’t even know where to start with this one. But you’ve definitely got your undies twisted in a knot about something that happened 20 years ago. This is college basketball - not the army.

 

[hoosierhat]

do you feel better now??

You mean because he told the truth?
No one hesitates to slam Alford when they get the chance. (I in no way want him as IU's coach) but he is one of the greatest Hoosiers ever.
Heaven forbid anyone calls Romeo out for sending this team into turmoil last season, whether he meant to or not.
Kind of funny how everyone stayed in the draft until RL said he wasn't coming back.

 

[snarlcakes]

Purdue fan. Romeo (talented yes) stood around a lot in the corner. I really don't think Romeo played hard all the time. I actually think losing Morgan hurts IU more than losing Romeo.

I agree that losing Morgan will hurt more. He was a better player. The entire team stood around a lot, so I don’t consider that a Romeo issue, but rather an Archie issue.

 

[snarlcakes]

I'm not worried about missing him this year. His outside shot was limited and he would/could only drive to the right. He scored by shooting free throws which I am not criticizing, but isn't how I thought he would score. I believe we can make up for his loss.

How much will we miss Juwan? Is TJD and a healthy Davis and Thompson enough or offset his loss? What about Brunk?

We’re going to disagree on Romeo. Our guard and wing players are going to be very average (at best) next year. None of them are players who can get you buckets when you need one. As much as people like to pile on Romeo, he still averaged 16 pts and shot 45% from the field. He was 2nd team all conference for a reason.

 

[abraxis]

I don’t even know where to start with this one. But you’ve definitely got your undies twisted in a knot about something that happened 20 years ago. This is college basketball - not the army.

I have no idea what your response is all about, leading you to think I got my undies wadded neatly into knot. Recker left IU early (defected) and came back to personally beat IU for Iowa. Max left Michigan in good standing, preferring to get more playing time as a grad transfer. Luke Recker’s name was brought up by someone saying he had a much better legacy for IU than the likes of other short hitters like Robert Vaden, Langford, and Vonleh. I say Luke Recker did not leave a positive legacy, like other early defectors (aka, scumbags), esp. Recker who came back to haunt us. Max Bielfeld is a totally different situation with IU fans and Michigan fans. I don’t think Michigan fans harbor any ill feelings against him, unlike IU fans do about Luke.

Okay, I’ve had to explain myself to you, now you return the favor and explain your thought process for “I don’t even know where to start with this one.” Maybe after some deeper thought, you can figure out a starting point. Yes, I still have bitter feelings against Recker, starting with his transfer and now never ending with his dagger-to-my-heart basket when he eliminated us in the BT tourney. “This is college basketball-not the army”...WTF does that mean? Recker didn’t win anything of note for IU. He’s no IU legacy. He left us with a big whole in recruiting when he checked out unexpectedly. Knight would have recruited differently the year before if he knew he was only going to have one more year with him. Did you go to DeKalb HS or something like that? He’s no friend of mine.

 

[ORG]

Eric Gordon is the only one and done player that impressed me. He did lead the team while playing with an injured wrist. He didn't play like someone that knew his NBA draft status was secure and he had little to prove. I never felt Vonleh was here. He was a good player for us, but not someone we will tell our grandkids about.

To be honest, I'm not sure Romeo enjoyed his time at IU. He would most often score 4-5 points in the first half. His first half points often came off a steal or fast break. He wasn't very active when we were struggling offensively. He hit his average at the free throw line in the second half to lead the team in scoring. I saw more smiles from him while he sat on the bench during the NIT.

I'll never what to pass up a 5* one and done player. I don't want an entire team of them unless they give the effort that Eric Gordon played with. I credit Romeo for playing through an injury, but there is no legacy. Vonleh sat out the end of a disappointing season and left no legacy.

George McGinnis was an "early day" OAD who had a really good year.

 

[abraxis]

George McGinnis was an "early day" OAD who had a really good year.

Yeah, today there is no such thing as “hardship” status qualification. One year in Assembly Hall under the tutelage of RMK would have been cool. Instead, it was one year in the old field house (glorified quonset hut) under Lou Watson in his final season before he was canned. George McGinnis, Joby Wright and Steve Downing - one of the greatest front lines in college basketball at the time and they didn’t win squat.

 

[iubud]

We’re going to disagree on Romeo. Our guard and wing players are going to be very average (at best) next year. None of them are players who can get you buckets when you need one. As much as people like to pile on Romeo, he still averaged 16 pts and shot 45% from the field. He was 2nd team all conference for a reason.

The wings are my biggest question mark. If Hunter isn't healthy, it will have to be another guard or possibly Smith in the wing.

Romeo found a way to score. He wasn't credited with a lot of shots in some games because he was fouled and scored from the free throw line. I thought he would make more jump shots and score off drives to the basket. I eas surprised b his defense and the scoring he had off of steals. I would love to have him back. I just believe we can make up for his production with what we have coming back and possibly some from Franklin.

 

[13thman]

Yeah, today there is no such thing as “hardship” status qualification. One year in Assembly Hall under the tutelage of RMK would have been cool. Instead, it was one year in the old field house (glorified quonset hut) under Lou Watson in his final season before he was canned. George McGinnis, Joby Wright and Steve Downing - one of the greatest front lines in college basketball at the time and they didn’t win squat.

I've always wondered about that. 71 was before I remember following IU, but I think about that front line and wonder how.

 

[abraxis]

I've always wondered about that. 71 was before I remember following IU, but I think about that front line and wonder how.

All three on the frontline were registered at 6’7”, along with Jerry Memering, our tallest players. Big Mac was a nice one to build a team around. Downing and George played together throughout school so they knew each other’s movements instinctively. The trouble was that they were first year players but for Joby being a second year player. Frank Wilson. Bootsie White, Memering, John Ritter, Ed Daniels and Kim Pemberton were also rookies in college, albeit with separate freshmen ball experience. Kenny Morgan, a senior at 6’6” could be pretty good as a big sub. Other seniors were Jim Harris, Larry Gibson, Ben Niles and seldom used as I recall, Jeff Stocksdale (correct me if I’m wrong, Jeff).

The bottom line is they were a fun team to watch. Big Mac was already a legend with his earlier IN/KY All-star game performance of 50+ pts. They could be frustrating to watch at the same time. They should have done better in the Big Ten standings. Disillusionment with the coach culminated after a disappointing loss to Wisconsin on the road. We were the better team and later that night, Lou Watson’s likeness in effigy was dragged down Third St. and beyond with a makeshift noose around his neck. It made the Indy Star...Hundreds of angry fans chanting “Watson out of Bloomington NOW!” I should know-I was one of a few guys responsible for making the dummy. We started the march that got Bob Knight here so I’ll defend Bob Knight up until the day I die and then I won’t need to defend him any longer - I’ll be talk’n hoops with him personally, just the two of us, no longer strangers in any way. Mark my words of it.

That said, no disrespect for Lou Watson in case any of his descendants are hearing this for the first time. He was a good man, an IU All-American I believe. He served his time well with us doing the best he could. We’ll always honor him for that. “Baby Bull” was a tough one to ride and Lou held on until he couldn’t hold on no longer....something like that. Does that sound about right? Plus remember, we were young back then, rugged hooligans struggling to make names for ourselves...to be someone awfully special in life. We did what we thought was needed at the time, as cruel as it may sound-this figurative lynching so deeply rooted in make believe. But never forget, it was done for the future of IU basketball, as we once knew of it back in the McCracken days. Yeah, that’s it.

Have I told you I’m retired with too much time on my hands? Any negative comments and I’ll think you’re jealous and pissed off at the same time like just never you were before-EVER!

Out and about out.