Heading into a tough IU game, the case for Tom Crean as Big Ten Coach of the Year

[gr8indoorsman]

Crean lost two stars to the NBA this year, and replaced them essentially with unknowns. He coach Anunoby up, making him an all-conference team type of performer prior to his injury. Then he had to deal with the loss of another key player in Colin Hartman, and yet IU remains the best offensive team in the conference, capable of knocking off anyone at any given time as they showed early in the year.

The defense they've played this year is improved, considering Blackmon is playing most of the season and he can't really guard a chair. The players seem to have really bought in and are effective playing both man (with some trapping in the half court) sprinkled with some zone. Matt Painter could really learn from this and help Purdue improve their defense by having other options available.

Finally, he's shown his ability to coach not just guards (as has been his calling card) but also big men with Bryant showing out as one of the top three bigs in the League, right there with Happ and Swanigan.

I understand that IU has had some consistency issues, but their wins over Kansas and UNC carry some real weight, and even after the loss of Anunoby and then Blackmon they've been very competitive by beating Penn State, keeping things close up at the Kohl Center, and sticking around with Northwestern despite being seriously outgunned in that game.

Getting that IU team and that IU roster to the Dance would be a real accomplishment, and if they can close strong with a win over Purdue and scratch out a couple of others, I think Tom Crean deserves the B1G COY award for willing that team and that roster to an impressive season.

 

[GS Thomas]

Fred Glass will never read this but I like the attempt.

 

[nitrowars]

Here's hoping Crean stays, anyone else coaches that team they win the Big Ten. By the way how many successful zones have 2 under six foot guards? Don't forget limited athleticism.

 

[BoilerStation]

Here's hoping Crean stays, anyone else coaches that team they win the Big Ten. By the way how many successful zones have 2 under six foot guards? Don't forget limited athleticism.

No coach is going to win the Big Ten with the team IU had this year if we include the injuries they've sustained. I'm not saying he's done a great, good or even average job this season but just that they weren't going to win anything under the current roster circumstances.

 

[jadeezra]

Lmao...... this is brilliant

 

[nagemj02]

Here's hoping Crean stays, anyone else coaches that team they win the Big Ten. By the way how many successful zones have 2 under six foot guards? Don't forget limited athleticism.

You can make the exact same argument against man-to-man with the same roster.

 

[TopSecretBoiler]

Crean lost two stars to the NBA this year, and replaced them essentially with unknowns. He coach Anunoby up, making him an all-conference team type of performer prior to his injury. Then he had to deal with the loss of another key player in Colin Hartman, and yet IU remains the best offensive team in the conference, capable of knocking off anyone at any given time as they showed early in the year.

The defense they've played this year is improved, considering Blackmon is playing most of the season and he can't really guard a chair. The players seem to have really bought in and are effective playing both man (with some trapping in the half court) sprinkled with some zone. Matt Painter could really learn from this and help Purdue improve their defense by having other options available.

Finally, he's shown his ability to coach not just guards (as has been his calling card) but also big men with Bryant showing out as one of the top three bigs in the League, right there with Happ and Swanigan.

I understand that IU has had some consistency issues, but their wins over Kansas and UNC carry some real weight, and even after the loss of Anunoby and then Blackmon they've been very competitive by beating Penn State, keeping things close up at the Kohl Center, and sticking around with Northwestern despite being seriously outgunned in that game.

Getting that IU team and that IU roster to the Dance would be a real accomplishment, and if they can close strong with a win over Purdue and scratch out a couple of others, I think Tom Crean deserves the B1G COY award for willing that team and that roster to an impressive season.

BAZINGA!

 

[New Pal Boiler]

Crean lost two stars to the NBA this year, and replaced them essentially with unknowns. He coach Anunoby up, making him an all-conference team type of performer prior to his injury. Then he had to deal with the loss of another key player in Colin Hartman, and yet IU remains the best offensive team in the conference, capable of knocking off anyone at any given time as they showed early in the year.

The defense they've played this year is improved, considering Blackmon is playing most of the season and he can't really guard a chair. The players seem to have really bought in and are effective playing both man (with some trapping in the half court) sprinkled with some zone. Matt Painter could really learn from this and help Purdue improve their defense by having other options available.

Finally, he's shown his ability to coach not just guards (as has been his calling card) but also big men with Bryant showing out as one of the top three bigs in the League, right there with Happ and Swanigan.

I understand that IU has had some consistency issues, but their wins over Kansas and UNC carry some real weight, and even after the loss of Anunoby and then Blackmon they've been very competitive by beating Penn State, keeping things close up at the Kohl Center, and sticking around with Northwestern despite being seriously outgunned in that game.

Getting that IU team and that IU roster to the Dance would be a real accomplishment, and if they can close strong with a win over Purdue and scratch out a couple of others, I think Tom Crean deserves the B1G COY award for willing that team and that roster to an impressive season.

I was thinking NCOY myself, but agree to disagree I suppose.

 

[TC4THREE]

I agree. And the two Big Ten championships he's had down there since inheriting the mess he got from Sampson is near miraculous. IU would be foolish to let him go.

 

[TwinDegrees2]

Tom Crean has become as much a fixture at IU as Ed Sullivan was on Sunday evenings when the Beatles and Elvis were kids. He's not going anywhere, he's almost stopped all of the drug use, the drinking, and the other little items that had become so IU under Davis and Sampson. He's a great example of a leader of young men, a father figure to so many including those who have never played the game, and he's so affectionate where his family is concerned...especially with his son. Who wouldn't admire a man so secure that he kisses his teen age son on the mouth for all to see.

He's won the B10 multiple times, he's taken IU to the Sweet 16, and would surely have taken them to a Final Four or National Title had all the other coaches not turned Indiana kids against him. And his record of sending kids to the pro's, of taking an every day player like Yogi and making them superstars is beyond admirable.

His frenetic and kinetic energy levels inspire others to get out and exercise, his constant tugging of his now too large slacks a reminder of just how much hard work can help you reach your goals.

Nope, Two Tone Tommy McClapperson is in Bloomington to stay for as long as the Tan Man chooses. Buckle up Big Ten folks...he's got all the other coaches right where he wants them.

We love you Tom Crean...we really do. Oh, and my friend Bob Knight....he said to tell you he thinks you are doing just an absolutely great job and to keep doing what you have been doing.

 

[SIBoiler2]

Tom-mie-Crean-
Clap-Clap-ClapClapClap!!!

Chanted to the rhythm of that old IU standby which was originally penned for
Kel-vin-Samp-son
Clap-Clap-ClapClapClap!!!

 

[New Pal Boiler]

Tom Crean has become as much a fixture at IU as Ed Sullivan was on Sunday evenings when the Beatles and Elvis were kids. He's not going anywhere, he's almost stopped all of the drug use, the drinking, and the other little items that had become so IU under Davis and Sampson. He's a great example of a leader of young men, a father figure to so many including those who have never played the game, and he's so affectionate where his family is concerned...especially with his son. Who wouldn't admire a man so secure that he kisses his teen age son on the mouth for all to see.

He's won the B10 multiple times, he's taken IU to the Sweet 16, and would surely have taken them to a Final Four or National Title had all the other coaches not turned Indiana kids against him. And his record of sending kids to the pro's, of taking an every day player like Yogi and making them superstars is beyond admirable.

His frenetic and kinetic energy levels inspire others to get out and exercise, his constant tugging of his now too large slacks a reminder of just how much hard work can help you reach your goals.

Nope, Two Tone Tommy McClapperson is in Bloomington to stay for as long as the Tan Man chooses. Buckle up Big Ten folks...he's got all the other coaches right where he wants them.

We love you Tom Crean...we really do. Oh, and my friend Bob Knight....he said to tell you he thinks you are doing just an absolutely great job and to keep doing what you have been doing.

Well done Twin - I literally guffawed out loud several times reading this. You really need to post this on the IU rivals board.

 

[BoilersRock]

It is getting very difficult to breathe in this thread with all of the methane floating around.

 

[PU52Chevy]

heck might as well schedule a ring ceremony or cut down some nets for accomplishing nothing......

 

[tjreese]

Tom Crean has become as much a fixture at IU as Ed Sullivan was on Sunday evenings when the Beatles and Elvis were kids. He's not going anywhere, he's almost stopped all of the drug use, the drinking, and the other little items that had become so IU under Davis and Sampson. He's a great example of a leader of young men, a father figure to so many including those who have never played the game, and he's so affectionate where his family is concerned...especially with his son. Who wouldn't admire a man so secure that he kisses his teen age son on the mouth for all to see.

He's won the B10 multiple times, he's taken IU to the Sweet 16, and would surely have taken them to a Final Four or National Title had all the other coaches not turned Indiana kids against him. And his record of sending kids to the pro's, of taking an every day player like Yogi and making them superstars is beyond admirable.

His frenetic and kinetic energy levels inspire others to get out and exercise, his constant tugging of his now too large slacks a reminder of just how much hard work can help you reach your goals.

Nope, Two Tone Tommy McClapperson is in Bloomington to stay for as long as the Tan Man chooses. Buckle up Big Ten folks...he's got all the other coaches right where he wants them.

We love you Tom Crean...we really do. Oh, and my friend Bob Knight....he said to tell you he thinks you are doing just an absolutely great job and to keep doing what you have been doing.

I'm sure Knight has to wonder WTF?

 

[TwinDegrees2]

I'm sure Knight has to wonder WTF?

I'm sure Bob hates what a once proud and feared program has become. I'm guessing he's both saddened by it, and feels a small sense of poetic justice. And the curse of the Voo Doo Lady lives on every year.

 

[BoilerAndy]

Crean lost two stars to the NBA this year, and replaced them essentially with unknowns. He coach Anunoby up, making him an all-conference team type of performer prior to his injury. Then he had to deal with the loss of another key player in Colin Hartman, and yet IU remains the best offensive team in the conference, capable of knocking off anyone at any given time as they showed early in the year.

The defense they've played this year is improved, considering Blackmon is playing most of the season and he can't really guard a chair. The players seem to have really bought in and are effective playing both man (with some trapping in the half court) sprinkled with some zone. Matt Painter could really learn from this and help Purdue improve their defense by having other options available.

Finally, he's shown his ability to coach not just guards (as has been his calling card) but also big men with Bryant showing out as one of the top three bigs in the League, right there with Happ and Swanigan.

I understand that IU has had some consistency issues, but their wins over Kansas and UNC carry some real weight, and even after the loss of Anunoby and then Blackmon they've been very competitive by beating Penn State, keeping things close up at the Kohl Center, and sticking around with Northwestern despite being seriously outgunned in that game.

Getting that IU team and that IU roster to the Dance would be a real accomplishment, and if they can close strong with a win over Purdue and scratch out a couple of others, I think Tom Crean deserves the B1G COY award for willing that team and that roster to an impressive season.

Lifetime contract! Take to the streets! Make it happen!

 

[BoilerAndy]

Here's hoping Crean stays, anyone else coaches that team they win the Big Ten. By the way how many successful zones have 2 under six foot guards? Don't forget limited athleticism.

Uh oh. Don't provoke the zone-ophiles. It's a religion to some people.

 

[BoilerGal74]

Tom-mie-Crean-
Clap-Clap-ClapClapClap!!!

Chanted to the rhythm of that old IU standby which was originally penned for
Kel-vin-Samp-son
Clap-Clap-ClapClapClap!!![/QUOTE

Paint Crew definitely needs to honor Tom with this chant when he comes to Purdue...humbling isn't he!