Bates was nowhere near Lander bad. That’s a whole different level of bad.
Replacing Parker Stewart, Durr, Phinisee, and maybe Kopp as 15 minute+ players with Jalen Hood Schifino, Reneau, and Banks, and adding the end of year development of Geronimo is a major upgrade.
Another big deal that’s underrated; year two of a new coach’s system. That’s a big part of why IU was so much better in March; they played a lot more freely.
In large part I agree with the Purdue fans: Ain’t worth shit until it actually happens. But message boards are good for speculating, and IU projects well.