Wednesday, March 4, 2009

The '08-'09 Indiana Hoosiers

For those of you who have never graced the basketball shrine that is Assembly Hall on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, IN... you still have undoubtedly seen on TV, or in photos, the National Championship banners that sway gently in the breeze at one end of McCracken Court. Yes, there are five of them... one each for 194o, 1953, 1976, 1981, and 1987.

But there are lesser known banners that sway at the opposite end of Assembly Hall too. These banners honor the 1975 Hoosier team that was undefeated in the regular season, all of the Big Ten Championship teams, and some other notable teams and players in IU's illustrious history. It is among these banners that I believe another should be raised for the 2008-2009 Indiana Hoosiers. That's right... the (currently) 6-23 Hoosiers.

The season is mercifully drawing to a close, and this year's team has endured more lopsided losses, more inept play, more turnovers, more mental mistakes... you name it... than any other IU team in history. Having said that, they are a band of brothers consisting of walk-ons, freshmen, and transfers... who in essence, under the leadership of Coach Tom Crean, sifted through the rubble left by Kelvin Sampson, dusted off the once proud program, propped it up, and started over. MAYBE 4 or 5 of the current players will see meaningful playing time next year, when the new hearlded recruiting class arrives. But most of them won't. They are simply living the dream of wearing an IU uniform while they can, and doing their part to rebuild the program that Sampson ruined.

But make no mistake... this team played its guts out, whether they were two points behind or 20. And they improved as the season wore on, playing most teams, including the likes of Michigan State and Purdue, very close. And as I stated in a previous blog, they and their coach played with class and dignity. The words "help is on the way" were never heard. They played the hand they were dealt. Indiana Basketball has begun to regain its dignity, respect, and high standards.

This team will not go down in history as the most talented or successful, but it most certainly will go down as one of the most beloved. So give 'em a banner.

Thanks for listening. Have a "sporting" day!