At least I am not torturing myself watching this transition year . . .

[UKSUX]

For the first time being overseas and missing IU games isn't such a bad thing.  If I were home, I'd have no choice but to watch and support.  At least now, I can only cringe a little when I read the recaps.  Of course, I still have to listen to my dad bitch about how this young team is throwing the ball away all the time, shooting horrific shots, etc.

[Eeetmi]

For the first time being overseas and missing IU games isn't such a bad thing.  If I were home, I'd have no choice but to watch and support.  At least now, I can only cringe a little when I read the recaps.  Of course, I still have to listen to my dad bitch about how this young team is throwing the ball away all the time, shooting horrific shots, etc.

Lots of unforced errors for sure.  BUT, they play hard...start to finish.  Every player, every play.  If they don't Crean puts them on the bench.  It is difficult to watch, but I feel nothing but optimism at each tip off.  By the end of the year I think we pull some upsets (i.e. getting any B10 win).  I could go on with my player-by-player analysis if anyone is interested...

[cooker]

Yes, we do play like a young and inexperienced team, but at least this season there is a reason for that -- we are young and inexperienced -- unlike, say, last year's team at the end of the season.

As Eeetmi said, we play hard, and I feel that we ARE learning more each game.  It does not show in the scorebook, yet, but we will get there.

I would be interested in seeing your analysis, Eeetmi.

[UKSUX]

Second the nomination.  When you get a chance, I'd also be interest in player evaluations to see if any of these guys have "four year" promise or are just placeholders.

[cooker]

Second the nomination.  When you get a chance, I'd also be interest in player evaluations to see if any of these guys have "four year" promise or are just placeholders.

JMHO, but the following are definitely keepers -- and for four:  Pritchard, Williams, VJ3, Story. 

Possibles/projects:  Lewis, Jobe 
Unknowns (I haven't seen enough of them/they haven't played much): Barnett (FR), Gambles (JR/TR), Schutz (RS SO/Walk-pn baseball player who outshot everyone in a 3 point contest)
Junior transfers who can play:  Dumes -- 1 more year, Rivers -- 2 more years
Spot players if they develop -- although they could be considered placeholders:  Moore, Roth
Definite place holders:  Finklemeier, White

Again, this is just my opinion, and as you know, 75 cents and my opinion will get you a crappy cup of coffee at the local convenience store.

[UKSUX]

Thanks, Cooker. 

[Eeetmi]

I've been inundated with work / sick kids, but I plan on posting my thoughts tonight.  Stay tuned.   

[Laffy]

I haven't been able to watch many games, but I'm impressed with their hustle.

Don't like the elbows by Dumes.

[GO BIG RED]

I haven't watched a full game since Big Ten play started.  It is too damn frustrating to see these kids compete and get a lead early and then inevitably blow it.  But the future is bright.   

[Doobius]

If the games were decided by hustle and scrap, IU would be atop the league standings.

Unfortunately, talent and experience factor in as well.