Owen Freeman to Clones?

[isucy86]

All valid points. But I think the overall factor is the player’s motivation.

Does TJ want players who are motivated first by money? I don’t see it that way. TJ first wants to recruit players who are motivated to be better players first and foremost; any NIL money would be a secondary motivation. This is why TJ has hit the mid major transfer portal pretty hard during time as HC. Those are the type of players who are playing hard to make a name for themselves. And it’s that motivation that works very well in his very rigorous training program

Iowa State isn't a "money bag brimming over" school. That's just a reality of the Iowa State situation and TJ (and Matt Campbell) have leaned into it.

But the other reality. Just because a player is looking for a big payday, doesn't mean they aren't supremely motivated to be the best player. But your point is valid that coaching staff's have to do their research to find the right kids.

I watched a handful of Hawkeye Big10 games before Freeman shut things down. And always felt Freeman was a top tier P5 player and effort guy. He'll get paid and he (or his reps) shouldn't be faulted for the NIL game that college Presidents and AD's have created.

 

[madguy30]

Different program Different cultures and habits

One's going for their 4th tournament in a row and hopefully can get a 3rd Sweet 16 appearance.

 

[Cyburbbalz]

One's going for their 4th tournament in a row and hopefully can get a 3rd Sweet 16 appearance.

Much more than that if key and tamin can get back healthy! This week of rest could do wonders for everyone. I think people are forgetting how elite Gilbert was at beginning of the season when rested and healthy. Lipsey is just a freaking rock for this team.

 

[FinalFourCy]

Sounds an awful lot like Nebraska football. I assume you think that is still a destination job. Creighton hoops has more $ than they know what to do with.

Not from Omaha but been to multiple tournaments there. Creighton is in downtown Omaha. Their entertainment district rivals Power & Light. NBA arena that is always sold out. One of the best hidden gems in the country.

Basketball and football are poor comps

I think any job with IU’s resources is a destination job in this era. And the conference affiliation will matter more and more.

Creighton is nice, but not in the same weight class

 

[Cychl82]

I just bought 2 We Will Pizzas so we should be able to afford anyone we want.

Drinking an Ames Lager as we speak, just write the check guys!

 

[Gunnerclone]

You live in Omaha, I assume.

IU has the deepest of pockets. Cook alone has no issue adding $10+ million to the budget for the right hire. That’s not even a month of interest.

Assembly Hall is odd, but also something cherished by a huge, passionate fan base. They don’t need an entertainment district to entice fans, and I doubt that’s something coaching candidates care about

New HC intro presser:

“First off I just want to thank the amazing entertainment district near the arena that I only spend 8-10 hours a week in. Wouldn’t be here without ED!”

 

[ForeverIowan]

Basketball and football are poor comps

I think any job with IU’s resources is a destination job in this era. And the conference affiliation will matter more and more.

Creighton is nice, but not in the same weight class

Conference affiliation? This isnt football! 14 of the past 15 national champs have come from the ACC/Big 12/Big East. You have to go back to 2000 for the last national title champ from the Big Ten.

And you are right, conference affiliation will matter more and more. The Big 12 and Big East clearly know they arent going to be the power house conferences in football. They have let it be known they are investing heavily in hoops.

Unlike football, the vast majority of the biggest brands in the sport are in the Big 12, ACC and Big East.

What "resources" does Indiana have in terms of basketball that Creighton does not have? I'll hang up and listen.

 

[WISCY1895]

Basketball and football are poor comps

I think any job with IU’s resources is a destination job in this era. And the conference affiliation will matter more and more.

Creighton is nice, but not in the same weight class

Big Ten has always had more money than the Big East and Big 12. Haven’t won the national title in hoops in 25 years.

 

[FinalFourCy]

Big Ten has always had more money than the Big East and Big 12. Haven’t won the national title in hoops in 25 years.

There’s never been this level of disparity and at a time when players can be paid. Because of this, the past is largely irrelevant in forecasting the future impact

And when the P2 successfully get it ruled that player payment is from AD revenue and only fair market value NIL, it leverages their bigger budgets and valuations even more

Then in 2032 they’ll take over the NCAA like they have football playoffs.

 

[Dgilbertson]

Basketball and football are poor comps

I think any job with IU’s resources is a destination job in this era. And the conference affiliation will matter more and more.

Creighton is nice, but not in the same weight class

Indiana feels like it could be elite with relative ease.

 

[FerShizzle]

Indiana feels like it could be elite with relative ease.

They are Nebraska football. Their glory years are decades ago and not coming back because times have changed.

 

[Dgilbertson]

They are Nebraska football. Their glory years are decades ago and not coming back because times have changed.

Agree to disagree. Find a coach with fit, that can get 2-3 guys to buy in.

If TJ can do it here it can happen at Indiana

 

[FerShizzle]

Agree to disagree. Find a coach with fit, that can get 2-3 guys to buy in.

If TJ can do it here it can happen at Indiana

its easier to do in basketball than football and they have NIL money to spend. but they are several tiers below the top for pecking order in that league.

 

[Dgilbertson]

its easier to do in basketball than football and they have NIL money to spend. but they are several tiers below the top for pecking order in that league.

Several tiers? I guess I’ve just never thought Michigan State was all that. Aside from them, Purdue? Michigan?

Don’t feel like there’s much difference in the top 9-10 teams in that league.

 

[Letterkenny]

Did he really just not play or was he injured? And if he wasn't playing why didn't he just leave the program?

He was injured.

 

[Pope]

Agreed. And if the player's talent or playing style is the reason that you choose not to pursue them, more power to you. But if you're declining to look at players who are in interested in you, just because they're looking for a payday, that's silly. If you can't afford them, that's one thing, but to blindly dismiss them out of hand just because money is their motivator, is dangerously antiquated thinking.

I respectfully disagree.

I think I've heard our coaches say that if a recruit makes it clear their priority is cashing in, then they quickly move on to the next guy. Sure, getting paid is important, but if it's the first thing out of your mouth then it's a huge red flag.

There's nothing more poisonous to a locker room than a large income gap amongst your best players.

 

[Remo Gaggi]

$2 Million will buy a lot of sketchy tattoos.

 

[Texbudman]

I would expect Dishon to lose some weight and be much more effective next year. I’m basing that on the Rob Jones improvement arc.

I also expect we get 1 guard similar to Jones/ Gilbert

I hope an incoming freshman can start and 1 more plays significant minutes

I would like Heisie to play the 6 man role

I would like a to get a Hassan Ward type to come off the bench

Yes on the Hasan Ward type player. We need a high flyer. Seems like Houston has several of them

 

[isucy86]

Big Ten has always had more money than the Big East and Big 12. Haven’t won the national title in hoops in 25 years.

The Big12 & ACC could hold their own go-forward. It only takes a handful of good hoops players to have a great team.

But this year the SEC has 14 teams in the dance. More than 20% of the tournament teams. The explanation is the SEC teams are heavy on experience. Aka heavy on portal guys.

That is something schools with a good coach and money can replicate year-to-year. For the Big10, one key will be who schools hire this cycle. Muscleman, May and Willard were pretty strong recent hires. Do Indiana, Iowa and Minnesota invest in proven coaches or do they reach like Indiana & Minnesota last cycle.

I hope the Big12 & ACC can stay relevant post House Settlement and post recent Big10 & SEC TV deals in full swing.