Luke Fischer to Indiana

After taking an unofficial visit to Indiana and taking in their upset loss of No. 2 Ohio State, 2013 forward Luke Fischer (Germantown, WI) decided to end his recruitment with a commitment to the Hoosiers.

Fischer is a strong player in the post and should be considered an early steal for Indiana. He still has to continue developing his face-up and jump shot, along with adding weight, which will help his college transition.

He's long, athletic, and energetic and is a great addition for Indiana.

Fischer, a three-star rated prospect by Rivals, held offers from Boston College, Creighton, Dayton, Green Bay, Iowa and Marquette.

He becomes the third Indiana commitment in the 2013 class joining forward Devin Davis and Collin Hartman, two in-state talents.

Hoosiers Get First Big Ten Win, Beat Tough Michigan 80-61

Posted by CoHoops Josh Dhani

Verdell Jones III helped lead the Indiana Hoosiers to their first Big Ten win of the season with a 80-61 victory over the Michigan Wolverines in a tough battle as Indiana improves to 10-8 for the year now.

Jones fueled IU with his 24 points. Indiana played solid defense and amazing offense in the game, as they held Michigan to under 35-percent shooting. Indiana shot over 67-percent from the field. Jones was nine-of-ten overall.

Indiana played probably one of their best defenses of the decade. They held the Wolverines to under 24-percent shooting in the first half while limiting them to 15 points. That is the least amount of points IU held a team to in a half since they did to the Purdue Boilermakers in 2002. IU also rebounded well, having the first eight boards of the game. They were attacking the glass from all aspects of the court.

"Our players understood that it began with what our defensive transition was going to be like because of how well they push the ball up the court and get it up the court," said IU Coach Tom Crean. "They did an excellent job with that."

The Hoosiers basically did the same thing in the second half. Christian Watford got the crowd going louder with his three-pointer to put IU, 39-19. IU was creating excitement in Assembly Hall! However, with 8:33 to go, Michigan went on a late run of 12-2 to come within an eleven-point deficit, 46-35. But that is the closest they got, because every time they came within eleven points, Jordan Hulls would hit a triple.

"We were very, very solid in the half court," said Crean. "There were a couple of stretches where they got on some runs, but a lot of the things that we wanted to accomplish, things that we were keeping track of, our guys really bought into and they followed the gameplan."

This was simply a solid game by IU as they won their first big competitive game of the season. IU out-rebounded the Wolverines, 37-19, while also outscoring them on the bench, 16-6.

Christian Watford finished with 17 points and ten rebounds while Hulls had 13. Jeremiah Rivers had eight points.

Let's hope they carry this same effort following into the Wisconsin Badgers' game on Thursday.

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Verdell Jones Leads Hoosiers Past Savannah State, 79-57

Posted by CoHoops Josh Dhani

The Indiana Hoosiers were brought with their first loss of the season to the Boston College Eagles a few days earlier, dropping to 6-1. But no worries for Indiana, as they headed back home to face the Savannah State Tigers, improving to 7-1 with a 79-57 victory.

Verdell Jones led the Hoosiers with 18 points. Christian Watford had 14 and Maurice Creek produced eleven points.

The Hoosiers have won all of their seven home games this season and have extended the streak to eight total after beating the Northwestern Wildcats last season in the finale.

Joshua Montgomery led the Tigers with 15 points, but it wasn’t enough as Savannah State falls to 1-9. They got the Georgia Bulldogs coming up next.

It was a lopsided game, and it was a solid win for the Hoosiers. Jones also had eight rebounds in the game and shot well, having a percentage of 55.3-percent overall.

The Hoosiers scored the first points of the game, but would quickly go on a 10-o run. After that, Indiana was leading 22-12, which would lead to the big win.

Jordan Hulls and Victor Oladipo provided eleven points and nine points respectively. Preston Blackmon added 14 points for the Tigers.

This is a big win for the Hoosiers, as they shake off the loss to Boston College. But now they got a tough game ahead, as they go on to Kentucky to face the Wildcats. Let’s hope for the best. Win or lose, I see a good, close game. The game will take place on Saturday, December 11.

Good win Hoosiers.

Let’s get ready for UK!



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Indiana Off To Their Best Start With Tom Crean at The Helm

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Many thought the Indiana Hoosiers would get better with the recruits committed to play in future seasons. However, nobody thought the Hoosiers would get off to such a hot start.

The Hoosiers sit at (6-0), with a very good chance at winning seven straight games.

What makes this run so significant is the fact that coach Tom Crean's early flawless record already matches the win total of his first season (6-25).

It is also the first time the Hoosiers won their first six games since the 2002-03 season, in which, Indiana finished with a (21-13) record overall, and a second-round appearance in the tournament.

Granted, Indiana has had an easy schedule thus far, but they have taken care of business against every opponent.

The Hoosiers are holding their opponents to 55.6 points per game, while scoring an average of 77.5 every outing.

That is an average defeat of 21.9 points per game, which helps coach Crean feel good about his young, but talented team.

Indiana gets after it on the defensive end, averaging nine steals per outing, forcing 18.6 turnovers per game and holding its opponents to 36 percent from the field.

On offense, Crean's Hoosiers turn the ball over a lot, but commend the mistake dishing out 16.3 assist per game. That helps Indiana shoot nearly 50 percent from the field (.497).

Christian Watford has become the superstar of this young Indiana team. Watford paces the Hoosier in both scoring and rebounding with 17.5 points, and seven rebounds per game.

He is a key asset on both ends of the floor. Watford pulls down 5.1 defensive rebounds per game, not to mention, only picks up an average of one foul per outing, which displays his ability to play defense without fouling.

Additionally, Indiana seems very balanced with their offensive attack. The Hoosiers have used a lot of their bench thus far in the season, and that has worked well for them. There is seven steady contributors on offense that allows Crean to exercise his depth.

However, the Hoosiers are far from being an elite team. Despite shooting 49 percent from the field, Indiana has had a hard time converting at the line. The Hoosiers have connected on 103-of-151 (68%) from the line.

Indiana also has to take care of the ball. They are currently turning the ball over 18-times per game, which means the Hoosiers have a negative assist-turnover ratio.

If Indiana truly wants to join the elite category, the Hoosiers will need to clean up their act at the line and take care of the ball on offense.

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Christian Watford's 24 Points Helps IU Get Past Florida Gulf Coast, 88-60, In Season-Opener

Posted by CoHoops Josh Dhani

It took a while before the Indiana Hoosiers could get double-digits in three-pointers. They have been pretty well-known to knock them down. The last two seasons, they have struggled, along with three-point shot attempts.

This season is different. And we can already see signs of that.

The Indiana Hoosiers started off with 14 three-pointers. They had ten already, with 18 minutes left to play.

Christian Watford helped fuel the game, getting 24 points in the team's 88-60 victory over the Florida Gulf Coast in Assembly Hall. Speaking of three-pointer, Jordan Hulls led the team today in them, knocking down six of them from behind-the-arc. Hulls would finish with 18 for the game.

The only lead Flordia Gulf Coast could hold on to was a 4-2 lead at the start of the game. After that, thing went downhill as one of the best basketball programs took over.

"Key point in the game for us is we had a lull in the first half a little bit after we got up, we let them stay around, said IU Coach Tom Crean told IUHoosiers.com. "We got that figured out. We played with more energy. We didn't allow this to just become a 20-minute trade baskets, lets just go up and down the floor type game."

Maurice Creek helped out in the showing with 13 points.

The Eagles kept coming back to the Hoosiers, however, in the game. At one point, they cut the lead to 46-37. But Watford and a pair of three-pointers jabbed back, as the Hoosiers bounced up to a 54-37 lead. However, the Eagles flew back, cutting the lead to 56-44. That is when IU went on a 9-0 run, capped off by new addition, Will Sheehey.

"As I said to the team after the game, when you play a game you want to first of all judge the game on did you win the game or not," added Crean. "Second of all, you look at the fact, did you impact the game and the plus-minus chart is usually the number one way to figure out if you've impacted the game. We had a lot of guys that were really high tonight, led by Jeremiah Rivers with a plus 21 inside of the game. So those are the kinds of the things that we want. We didn't play anybody over 25 minutes."

This is the 26th straight time the Hoosiers have won their home-opener and 13th straight overall in season-openers.

The Hoosiers will face Wright State next. Coach Crean has a feeling of what is to come.

"I think Wright State is a Big Ten style of physical basketball team," said Crean. "They attack in the pick and roll, but they're a very physical, contact oriented team and we've got to play through that. That scares me with this team right now."

Good game by the Hoosiers. I look forward to a solid season from them!

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Cody Zeller Makes Indiana Relevant Again

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

If you've watched the Indiana Hoosiers in the past, you understand that they are not use to a (6-25) or (10-21) season. That is what the Hoosiers have faced under Head Coach Tom Crean. Coach Crean was hired right before Hoosier standout Eric Gordon made his way to the NBA.

Coach Crean has a combined record of 16-46, along with no talented newcomers to ignite Indiana's fan base.

One likely target for the future was 6-foot-10 Cody Zeller, the younger brother of North Carolina forward Tyler Zeller.

Zeller is a extremely mobile frontier force. He runs the court, has great length and size. With added bulk, Zeller could be a monster in the post.

Indiana, the Butler Bulldogs, and North Carolina Tar Heels were all vouching for his services but Indiana got the nod.

Zeller is the second recruit to join the Hoosiers 2011 recruiting class joining 6-foot-6 Austin Etherington.

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Tom Crean Works Magic, Trey Lyes Commits

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

When we think of powerful recruiter, Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari is always the first name that comes to mind. He pulls in elite talent every year, and usually has the best recruiting class.

However, the 2014 recruiting class belongs to Tom Crean and the Indiana Hoosiers—for now.

The Indiana Hoosiers Coach Tom Crean has acquired two recruits in the 2014 recruiting class thus far. James Blackmon Jr, and yesterday Trey Lyles followed suit. Lyles and Blackmon Jr are AAU teammates, and could create havoc for teams once they arrive on the college scene.

Tre Lyes a 6-foot-7 post threat will no doubt advance his skills as his high school career progresses. His progression as of now solidifies his place at the top of the 2014 class.

When senior year comes around for Lyes, I assume he will make his way to the wing. He already possesses a decent mid-range jumper, and expanding it will be beneficial.

You have a very versatile forward in Lyes, and scoring threat in Blackmon Jr. For those who think Tom Crean is on the hot seat at Indiana, think again. Coach Crean is pulling in talent and should have the Hoosier back on track in no time.

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Ron Patterson Helps Tom Creans Rebuilding Efforts

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Indiana Hoosiers have died down as the Nations historic programs. Do you remember when Bob Knight had the Hoosier dancing and winning National Championships? Or how about the fact that, the Hoosiers hoisted players like Eric Gordon, Scott May, Calbert Cheaney, Don Schlundt and many more.

Since the NCAA Tournament loss in 2007-08 season, the Hoosiers have been inattentive to the big dance. In 08-09, the Hoosiers played the worst season in history. They were 6-25, the first time any Hoosiers team won six games in a season.

The previous low was seven games, which was achieved by Jeff Oliver, Harry C. Good, and Everett Dean. Dean was the only coach to have held his job for more than three years following the poor season.

Not to mention, there 1-17 record in Big Ten play is a franchise-worst. That left fans thinking that Tom Crean, the newly acquired coach could be on the hot seat.

He did come in and produce historic performances that you would not want on your resume. 

Nonetheless, Indiana is not the program to dismiss its coach after one year. Coach Crean was given a opportunity to prove himself.

Bringing in Elite recruits was the first way to enhance the Hoosiers program. So far in the 2011 class, he received a verbal commitment from Austin Etherington, a 6-foot-6 wing prospect from Hamilton Heights High School.

In the 2012 class, things get a lot better. He already received a commitment from, the 6-foot-11 Peter Jurkin. He is long, agile and is going to create havoc in the post.

Coach Crean has already found his running mate. Ron Patterson, a 6-foot-2 guard, gave Coach Crean a verbal commitment today (August 15, 2010).

Patterson is undersized to be a two-guard, but that is not stopping his heart nor determination.

Patterson will invigorate the wing position and score in bunches. The thing that makes him unique is his style of play. Patterson is not about flash. He is either focused on making the basket or setting his teammates up.

However, his defensive intensity should pick up in his last two years of High School.

His commitment helps Coach Crean restore the Indiana program. WIth Patterson and Jurkin already committing to the Indiana program, Coach Crean will eventually have the talent he needs to succeed at Indiana.

This is not his stopping point either. There are more than 10-plus recruits that are considering the Indiana program in 2012. As long as he continues acquiring talent and potentially pull plugs to receive substantial players in the 2011 class, I expect to see the Hoosiers dancing in no time.


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Hoosiers' New Recruits Hope to Bring The Fans What They Want

Posted by CoHoops Josh Dhani

The Indiana Hoosiers' basketball program brought in some solid recruits in Will Sheehey, Victor Oladipo, and Guy-Marc Michel.

Basketball has always been something popular for Indiana University. Actually, basketball has been something popular for the whole state of Indiana. This is where they eat, sleep, born, breathe, and live basketball.

For IU, it's really something special. From Bob Knight and Steve Alford to Eric Gordon and D.J. White, IU is rebuilding their team with head coach Tom Crean.

Since the departure of White and Gordon as they entered the National Basketball Association, the Hoosiers have struggled and gone through some painful defeats.

They haven't even gotten over .500 since their departure.

But the three new recruits bring something special. And the fans are hungry. Hungry for winning again. Hungry for the joy of the team's basketball. Hungry for everything.

And they want their team to revive. And the three new recruits bring something special and are the team's only shot at reviving themselves.

"When I actually found out what this place is about, about how much people care and how much the players care and how much basketball is more than just a game to these people -- it means the same to me -- that's how I knew, this is where I wanted to be," Will Sheehey told the Indianapolis Star.

Oladipo and transferred Michel will also help out well. They have been adjusting to the new atomosphere and the new basketball program. Along with that, adjusting to the college life.

Oladipo is a 6'4" guard who can run and can't stop. He has the speed and can rock the house.

For Sheehey, he is a shooter. The 6'5" guard has a nice stroke and some range. He'll help a lot.

Michel will be very interesting. At 7'1" and 278 pounds, he has a nice advantage and is something the Hoosiers need: a guy that can rebound and can take advantage of his size.

But the recruit from France still has a few things to work on and if he keeps developing, he can be one of the top centers in the Big Ten and the NCAA.

"I can bring a presence inside, block some shots, grab some rebounds, help the team defensively," Michel said.

"I think the guy can stand on the ground and put his hands straight up and pretty much touch the rim without jumping," Sheehey said. "If you can, imagine that standing under the basket. Next time you're looking up at the basket, trying touching the rim without jumping. That's what you've got with Guy."

Michael has been improving and is really progressing on his turnaround shots.

The Hoosiers are entering a hopeful year and will have high hopes. IU has their nice Big Three and they hope to bring IU fans what they have been longing for: enjoyment.

The past two years have been sad, rather depressing. The two-season total went to a 16-46 record, something you definitely can't be thrilled about.

But these three young guys can help build something special and makes this program at the top of their class again.

"When you see teams still pushing and trying to win every game, they have good things going for them," Sheehey said. "You can't judge a team purely off wins and losses.

"When you see guys competing, diving for loose balls, going for every rebound, you know that's a team you want to play for."

And that is what matters.

Looking forward to the 2010-11 season for Indiana basketball.

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College Basketball Rumors: B.J. Young to IU?

Posted by CoHoops Josh Dhani

According to the Indianapolis Star, the Indiana Hoosiers basketball program is on the verge of landing their top recruit B.J. Young.

Tom Crean was getting the commitment from the 6'3", 170-pound shooting guard from St. Louis.

The Hoosiers are comfortable now with their number one option and they like the fact that he likes the organization and is willing to commit.

"I really like the coaches. They support me a lot," Young told Jeff Rabjohns of the Indy Star. "I like the history of the program. I would really like to bring Indiana back."

If Tom Crean got Young aboard, the team could go strong into their rebuilding project.

Young is consistent, creative and a dominant scorer. He's also very quick and hard to stop on offense.

He can become one of the best players in his respective recruiting class. If he can work on his outside jump shot then he would really make something out of himself.

I'm really looking forward to Young commitment.

I bet he will.

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College Hoops Teams That Could Use Michael Gilchrist More Than Kentucky

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Puggal.com Photo

It is no surprise that Kentucky is going to start getting more five-star players than any other college program. That get's under the skin of most college programs. In fact, have of the five-star players that Kentucky has acquired over the years could have been put to better use elsewhere.

This year, it's not surprising that the No. 1 overall recruit has decided to make his college choice the Kentucky Wildcats. To no one's surprise, he could go anywhere in the country.

Michael Gilchrist is considered the best three-man in the country right now. He does a lot of things right on the court that gives his team the victory.

Just what if, Gilchrist decided he didn't want to make his decision so early? I know just about every college program in the country could use a talent like him. But here are teams that need him more than Kentucky.

Indiana Hoosiers

We all know that Indiana is a basketball state. It's been home to five NCAA National Championships as well as three-time National Coach of the Year, Bob Knight and two-time National Coach of the Year, Branch McCracken.

They're known for their rich basketball history and are in need of a playmaker to restore the program. Gilchrist would be the perfect fit. He is a great all-around player that you can build your program around.

Connecticut Huskies

Graduation took away some of UConn's best contributors. Now with Kemba Walker the only playmaker left on the roster from the year before, the Huskies could definitely use the services of Gilchrist.

Walker may leave for the NBA draft after this year and the Huskies will need more playmakers for their program.

UConn would be a great fit. Not only does he get to play for one of the better coaches in college basketball but he will also reserve the chance to compete in one of the toughest conferences in the nation. And if you know Gilchrist, competitiveness runs through his blood.

Villanova Wildcats

The Villanova Wildcats team is filled with senior players that are leaving next season. With the current recruiting standing, the Wildcats could be out for a season before a turnaround comes.

The Wildcats could use Gilchrist. He is a true wing threat and to complement the young guards, the Wildcats will need a player of his caliber.

Kansas State Wildcats

The Wildcats are considered to be one of the best teams in the league. However, after this season, they'll lose their leader Pullen.

Meaning, the Wildcats need a player like Gilchrist to lead their team and continue the success.

Gilchrist would fit in perfectly on the wing. With young guards that are going to grow up after this season, he'll have plenty of chances to be around talent. Not to mention, Freddy Asprilla is a beast in the post.

North Carolina Tar Heels

Harrison Barnes out, Michael Gilchrist in! With Barnes most likely being a one-and-done candidate, the Tar Heels need another playmaker on the wing.

Gilchrist could step right in and pick up where Barnes left off.

College Thrice: What Prospects Can Join Forces to Create a Big-Three?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The biggest thing buzzing in the sports world lately has been LeBron James joining the Miami Heat with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. 

That was a good move, just bad execution. However, the buzz that has been surrounding this only sparked an idea.

In the 2011 recruiting class, there are a ton of players that are most likely one-and-done. 

I say that because quite-frankly they're just that good. I surely hope to have Quincy Miller, Michael Gilchrist, and others for all four-years, but we all know that's not happening.

But what if in the years we had these prospects they joined forces with a team to win a National Championship? 

Something like James, Bosh and Wade has done with Miami.

It wouldn't be crazy to think it couldn't happen, in fact, if it did here are the players that I think could join forces and win a National Championship; and where they should go.

Quincy Miller is the first piece to the puzzle. He is the dynamic 6-foot-9 guard-forward. He is very long and has the ability to be a very successful player.

He rebounds, scores, and brings more passion to the game than any other prospect in the country.

With his maturity and mentality to step up in big games, he is a must for a lot of college programs out there. He kind of reminds me of Kevin Durant.

He almost does just about everything Durant did on his way to college. 

Miller has a lot of interested colleges after his services. Yesterday's tweet said he was a "student-athlete, not an athlete-student" means he could go anywhere in the world if he wanted to.

Next up, on the wing is Michael Gilchrist. To many recruiting sites, Gilchrist is the best the 2011 class has to offer. He is 6-foot-7 and has the ability to do just about anything he wants.

He isn't about flash, but he knows how to get the job done. He puts his team in position to win every game.

Not to mention, he is a potent-rebounder and has the ability to develop into a weak-side shot blocker.

Lastly, add Austin Rivers to the mix. Rivers is a great scoring threat. He can be Mr. Everything on offense. 

He has the ability to stretch the floor with his deadly three-point shot. Not to mention, he is one of the most difficult defenders to grasp in the one-on-one. He showcases nifty jab steps and crossovers before scoring on the defender.

He gets good lift on his shot and is so hard to block because of his quick release.

Along with his shot, he likes to take it to the rim a lot. He has the ability to finish strong through contact with both hands.

Rivers isn't rated the No. 2 overall prospect for nothing.

So, if you get Miller, Gilchrist and Rivers together, to create a College thrice, where would they go?

Well, the only similar college on their list of interest is Kentucky. However, I wouldn't want to see each of these players go to Kentucky and not win a thing again. 

They'll need to go somewhere with depth, talent, a great coach and the ability to win games.

There are several colleges out there that fit the criteria, so I'll give you three scenarios.

Louisville Cardinals - Head Coach Rick Pitino

So with a familiar college on Miller's list, Louisville could be a possible destination. Louisville could surround these three collectively with young playmakers.

Not to mention, they have Rick Pitino, one of the better college coaches in the nation.

Teaming up in Louisville will be a very smart thing if this was to happen.

Look at the projected starting lineup:

[PG - Peyton Siva, SG - Austin Rivers, SF - Michael Gilchrist, PF - Quincy Miller, C - Gorgui Sy Dieng]

Now you can't tell me you wouldn't live with that roster. Also, coming off the bench would be: Kyle Kuric, Rakeem Buckles, George Goode, Jared Swopshire, and Terrence Jennings.

Indiana Hoosiers - Head Coach Tom Crean

Indiana has always been a basketball state. However, the proceeding year, Indiana has been on the wrong side of the losing column.

Now with Tom Crean at the helm, Indiana should be back on its feet. Indiana is on Gilchrist's list as a possible destination, even though he committed to Kentucky.

However, with these three players in the basketball capital, they could make history.

Look at the projected starting lineup:

[PG - Austin Rivers, SG -Maurice Creek, SF - Michael Gilchrist, PF - Quincy Miller, C - Christian Watford]  

Off the bench would be: Verdell Jones III, Jordan Hulls, Victor Oladipo, Will Sheehey, and Guy-Marc Michel.

Florida Gators - Head Coach Billy Donavan

Earlier last decade, Florida was back-to-back National Champions in college basketball. They had a big-three of Joakim Noah, Al Horford, and Corey Brewer.

Billy Donavan has done a fair share of developing players. So why not choose Florida? This is a familiar college on Rivers list.

Florida would be the best possible fit. Not only are they equipped with talent already, but Donavan will help as the coach.

Look at the projected starting lineup:

[PG - Kenny Boynton, SG - Austin Rivers, SF - Michael Gilchrist, PF - Quincy Miller, PF - Patric Young]

Off the bench would be: Ray Shipman, Erving Walker, Casey Prather, Cody Larson Kyle McClanahan and Erik Murphy.

Now if this was to happen, I would like to see these three in one of the destinations above. However, I doubt this is being thought of.

A big three in college basketball is rare, but if it was to happen, these three players would be the ones I would want to see join forces.

There would be no doubt in my mind that these three could win it all. Miller has leadership, Gilchrist has the winner’s mentality, and Rivers provides the scoring. What more could you ask for?

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