The Ivan Renko story.

[Knownothing]

Anyone remember Bobby Knight doing this? I remember it well.


"Ivan Renko was a fictitious Yugoslav basketball player created by Bobby Knight when he was the head coach for the Indiana University Hoosiers.[1] In January of the 1992-93 college basketball season, Knight commented on his Sunday television show that the "6'8" 230 lbs. Renko was coming to Indiana and that he was very pleased to get this commitment."

Knight created Renko in an attempt to exploit several so-called recruiting "experts" and to show that their services were actually worthless to subscribers. Knight was successful in his task, and even though Renko was completely fictional, several recruiting services started listing him as a prospect with in-depth descriptions of his potential and game style.[1] Some of the more reputable recruiting gurus claimed to have never heard of Renko, whereas some other "experts" even claimed to possess or to see film of him actually playing basketball. [1]

Ivan Renko is considered to be one of the greatest hoaxes in sports."

 

[MidwestZest]

I don't believe I had ever heard this before. That's pretty cool if true

 

[clones26]

Kind of like the Sidd Finch guy for the Mets that SI made up in the 80's

 

[RyCy04]

Kind of like the Sidd Finch guy for the Mets that SI made up in the 80's

Was Sidd Finch brought up in Chico Escuela's book, "Bad Stuff 'Bout the Mets?"

 

[Weez4Cy]

I had a friend in high school that had an imaginary friend named "Jimmy". Jimmy was pretty cool and turned out to be much more fun than she was after a few beers.

 

[MrGreg]

Is he related to Ivan Chiriaev?

I've never heard this story before, it's pretty funny

 

[cykadelic2]

Is he related to Ivan Chiriaev?

Ivan Chiriaev was about as bad as Ivan Renko. Ivan C became an internet legend due to major exaggerations about his talent from his Russian handlers. Not surprisingly, Morgan and his staff bought into the BS and signed him. In reality, he was probably a low-major D1 or D2 prospect and he now might be playing the equivalent of competitive rec ball over in Europe or Asia.

 

[hursts]

Ivan Chiriaev was about as bad as Ivan Renko. Ivan C became an internet legend due to major exaggerations about his talent from his Russian handlers. Not surprisingly, Morgan and his staff bought into the BS and signed him. In reality, he was probably a low-major D1 or D2 prospect and he now might be playing the equivalent of competitive rec ball over in Europe or Asia.

I distinctly remember a quote from Chiriaev right after he announced that he was entering the NBA draft. It was hilarious then and it is even funnier now, "The NBA wants Ivan Chiriaev, the NBA needs Ivan Chiriaev."

 

[ICCYFAN]

Was Sidd Finch brought up in Chico Escuela's book, "Bad Stuff 'Bout the Mets?"

I don't know about the book, but the Sidd Finch story in SI was by George Plimpton. It was ridiculously over-the-top (raised by Buddhist Monks, 126 mph fastball, etc.) such that any person with an IQ over 50 knew it was a joke!

What did young cyismydog think of Ivan Renko? :wink:

 

[cyismydog]

I don't know about the book, but the Sidd Finch story in SI was by George Plimpton. It was ridiculously over-the-top (raised by Buddhist Monks, 126 mph fastball, etc.) such that any person with an IQ over 50 knew it was a joke!

What did young cyismydog think of Ivan Renko? :wink:

Considering that was before I was born.......And I do see the players play that I talk about. :wink:
I will add to this story though: Clark Francis ranked him the 19th best player in the country, and the #4 power forward.

 

[CycloneErik]

Considering that was before I was born.......And I do see the players play that I talk about. :wink:
I will add to this story though: Clark Francis ranked him the 19th best player in the country, and the #4 power forward.

NO EXCUSES!!!!!!!!!!!! ANSWER THE QUESTION!!!!!:wink:

 

[bma725]

Knight created Renko in an attempt to exploit several so-called recruiting "experts" and to show that their services were actually worthless to subscribers. Knight was successful in his task, and even though Renko was completely fictional, several recruiting services started listing him as a prospect with in-depth descriptions of his potential and game style.[1] Some of the more reputable recruiting gurus claimed to have never heard of Renko, whereas some other "experts" even claimed to possess or to see film of him actually playing basketball. [1]

Really, they could take out the phrase "so called recruiting experts" and substitute "Clark Francis of HoopScoop", that way nobody would have to guess at who Knight was messing with.

 

[balken]

Kind of like the Sidd Finch guy for the Mets that SI made up in the 80's

Are you suggesting that the Sidd Finch rookie card I just purchased on eBay is not legit? Damn it, again.

 

[ruflosn]

Clark Francis actually ranked Renko after Knight's comments.

 

[cyismydog]

Clark Francis actually ranked Renko after Knight's comments.

Yep.