* After the dust has somewhat settled, I have landed on a "cautiously optimistic" view for next year and for the program going forward. I was 100% onboard for months that we needed to move on from Archie and I applaud Dolson for getting this done. After being teased by the thought of Stevens actually considering IU, I was then happily willing to "settle" for Beard after Stevens outed himself as a Masshole. When it became obvious that wasn't likely to happen, I forced myself to be OK with the thought of ending up with Musselman/Beilein/Moser/or the like. Then we ending up hiring Woodson. I was disappointed in the hire for the same reasons that many others were - we hired a 63 year old coach with no college coaching or recruiting experience and most likely with no significant high school or AAU connections. Having said that, I fully give Woodson props for retaining most of the roster and the two recruits. He has accomplished a lot in two weeks. But the reality is that, despite the glee from many on this board, this is a risky hire. I wish him wild success. As I said, color me cautiously optimistic.
* Speaking of risk, anyone who has done any reading on Xavier Johnson's time at Pitt, has to be somewhat concerned. I'm all for a fresh start/clean slate/turn over a new leaf approach, but for those who cheered the departure of Devonte Green and Justin Smith, hold on to your seats. I wish XJ nothing but success and am hoping for the best.
* The most intriguing hire to me is that of Matta. He has a very impressive resume:
- 2 Final Fours
- 5 B1G championships
- 4 B1GT championships
- 3 time B1G Coach of the Year
- 150-78 record in the B1G
I realize that as an Associate AD his contributions most likely will not be visible to the fanbase, so he will be difficult/impossible to assess. If his health was good, I ranked him behind only Stevens and Beard on my coaching wish list. I'm hoping that he'll be able to work some magic in his new role.
* Those who stated as fact that Fife would not consider a lateral move to IU because he was the coach-in-waiting at MSU were obviously wrong.
* The no call at the end of the women's Elite Eight game between Baylor and UConn was one of the most egregious calls (or no call in this case) that I've ever seen. Just shameful.
* One Shining Moment was initially set to debut after the 1987 Super Bowl (Giants over the Broncos). But since the game ran long CBS didn't play it. It actually ran for the first time a few months later after IU and Keith Smart beat Syracuse for the national title. The 1987 version is the best one ever. And unfortunately, each year's version of this song gets worse. It's now close to unwatchable.
Go Hoosiers
* Speaking of risk, anyone who has done any reading on Xavier Johnson's time at Pitt, has to be somewhat concerned. I'm all for a fresh start/clean slate/turn over a new leaf approach, but for those who cheered the departure of Devonte Green and Justin Smith, hold on to your seats. I wish XJ nothing but success and am hoping for the best.
* The most intriguing hire to me is that of Matta. He has a very impressive resume:
- 2 Final Fours
- 5 B1G championships
- 4 B1GT championships
- 3 time B1G Coach of the Year
- 150-78 record in the B1G
I realize that as an Associate AD his contributions most likely will not be visible to the fanbase, so he will be difficult/impossible to assess. If his health was good, I ranked him behind only Stevens and Beard on my coaching wish list. I'm hoping that he'll be able to work some magic in his new role.
* Those who stated as fact that Fife would not consider a lateral move to IU because he was the coach-in-waiting at MSU were obviously wrong.
* The no call at the end of the women's Elite Eight game between Baylor and UConn was one of the most egregious calls (or no call in this case) that I've ever seen. Just shameful.
* One Shining Moment was initially set to debut after the 1987 Super Bowl (Giants over the Broncos). But since the game ran long CBS didn't play it. It actually ran for the first time a few months later after IU and Keith Smart beat Syracuse for the national title. The 1987 version is the best one ever. And unfortunately, each year's version of this song gets worse. It's now close to unwatchable.
Go Hoosiers
