Crean, deftly stealing the nets from Marquette’s practice facility.  I mean, he paid for them. 

First of all, and this is completely unrelated to the basketball move by IU, but the substitution of “Crean” for “clean” is a bit awkward.  See, a stereotype exists that accuses those of Asian descent of pronouncing their “L’s” as “R’s.”  And, if you’ve ever stepped foot on IU’s campus, you would see that the place is teeming with Asian exchange students. The student newspaper even did this.  Seriously, I can’t be the only person who saw this.

Blatant racism aside, IU has made a phenomenal move.  People are attempting to downplay it, saying Crean has done little without the help of Dwyane Wade.  That’s true, but look at the alternatives. 

Tony Bennett was not a great option.  He’s experienced success out west, but he’s done nothing in regards to postseason success.  Plus, his style of play is obnoxiously boring.  After Bennett turned the job down, all I could think was, ‘man, these sanctions must be BAD.  Who are they going to get if this chucker won’t come?’

I think everyone knows my feelings on Bruce Pearl–and IU wanted him bad.  Reportedly, they want after him a few times.  Pearl turned it down, saying that he didn’t want to leave what he has built at UT.  Apparently, building a grossly overrated team that gets destroyed in the Sweet 16 is Pearl’s apex.

As for Pitino, let’s be honest.  There was never any interest from Louisville’s coach.  Same goes for Knight.  Isaiah Thomas would have been laughable, and Sean Miller didn’t want it.  When the dominoes started falling, I thought IU might end up with an up and coming coach, ala Darrin Horn.

I must admit, seeing Crean’s name was shocking.  Plus, since it happened out of nowhere on the stupidest day of the year, it was pretty unbelievable.  I had even spoken with a guy from the student newspaper, who usually has good information, and he knew nothing Monday night.  To pull a guy like Crean that quickly is impressive, and it probably indicates the sanctions will not be extremely harsh–or so the university expects.

Contrary to what some believe, though, the IU job is very good.  Assuming there are no major defections, the Hoosiers have a solid nucleus returning.  Further, if he can somehow confuse Eric Gordon into thinking he’s not ready for the league, Crean will have his team top 20 in the nation preseason.  Plus, given Crean’s ability to recruit the Midwest, I wouldn’t be surprised if IU added a few studs to the roster.  He’ll be successful in the Big 10, moreso than he could ever achieve at Marquette in the over-loaded Big East.

I was really looking forward to seeing IU’s program completely fall apart.  I don’t see that happening anymore.  In short, I don’t feel good about the Jordan Crawford rumors anymore…