Thank you for asking in a courteous manner.
I remember a story from way back when IU would release its yearly athletic program news release, maybe a calendar, magazine, something like that. Knight noticed on the cover of the program that the men’s basketball prominence had been reduced to include other sports. He said he knew right then he wouldnt receive the support he needed to succeed as in previous years.
Yes, I realize that doesn’t ‘prove’ anything and maybe that’s just Knight’s ego talking. I don’t know all the particular machinations behind an administration’s support for a particular sport but I imagine an ‘all in’ attitude is just the start. It is good that better facilities have been built, but I would also add a separate living quarters for the team with all the doodads other schools have.
On a personal aside, I’m not even in favor of spending a zillion dollars for such a dormitory unless it is paid by private donations, but if you wanna win ...
Lastly, why do I believe the administration doesn’t have the program’s best interest in mind? Because of Fred Glass. I don’t hate Fred Glass just as I didn’t hate Ghost Tom Crean. Tom reached his high mark w Cody and Vic and shouldhave been replaced after the disastrous Syracuse game. But Fred Glass kept him and let mediocrity continue. I believe an AD, if he wannts to win at a high level needs to be ruthless. Fred just wants to be popular and make funny comments. I think an AD needs to make tough decisions, be willing to eat a contract, demand better schedules, that sort of thing. A successful business starts from the top and demands excellent workers. The administration might be great, the coach might be great, but middle management (AD) might be the issue keeping us from #6.
Again, just my opinion as an observer for forty years, not an athlete or even graduate of the school. Just a fan.
