Scout: Indiana to host SMU next season

[Terry Webster]

Hope it is in Bloomington. Easy trip from Cinci.

[OhioBrownFan]

I am guessing that Indiana might not be all that good next season. Possibly losing one to the NBA Draft and 2 to transfer. Don't know much about the transfers. They might not have played much? Don't know much about their incoming freshman other than Blackmon. SMU in Bloomington is looking better and better. A very winnable game.

Read on ESPN.com tonight...
On Monday, coach Tom Crean announced two players would transfer to other schools -- just hours after word leaked that star freshman Noah Vonleh was headed to the NBA.

Crean issued a news release that said forward Austin Etherington, a redshirt sophomore, and forward Jeremy Hollowell, a sophomore, were looking for new schools.

Vonleh is the only one that truly makes a difference in the statement. He's obviously very good but they're going to be fine. Blackmon is the real deal. They have so many freshmen and sophomores, they're all going to grow up here.

[PonyKai]

From Gordo's Tipsheet today:

While the NCAA Tournament grinds on, the silly season kicks into high gear. Elite players declare for the NBA Draft and not-so-elite players strap on the transfer parachute.

Consider the plight of beleaguered Indiana coach Tom Crean:

His best player, Big Ten freshman of the year Noah Vonleh, appears headed to the pros as a potential NBA lottery pick.
Forward Austin Etherington, a redshirt sophomore, and forward Jeremy Hollowell, a sophomore, have decided to transfer.
Freshman center Luke Fischer transferred out at the semester break, opting to play closer to home at Marquette for coach Buzz Williams . . . who subsequently fled for Virginia Tech.
Will Sheehey, Evan Gordon, Jeff Howard and Taylor Wayer are departing as seniors.
Freshman forward Collin Hartman suffered a serious knee injury March 15, setting back his development.

All of this tumult, combined with a disappointing 17-15 finish, has antsy boosters campaigning against Crean. Some nostalgic fans are daydreaming about failed New York Knicks coach Mike Woodson, a former Hoosiers star under Bob Knight.

Mind you, this is the same Tom Crean who led Indiana out of the Kelvin Sampson mess and guided the program to consecutive Sweet 16 appearances.