"We're Talking Basketball"

March Madness is the only way to describe the feeling in the state of Indiana right now.  Upsets have dominated the mens' NCAA basketball tournament this year and have made Indianapolis the talk of the basketball world.  The women's tourney is being played in San Antonio, Texas, but even that has drawn news to the Hoosier state.  The IU women's team earned a birth in the Elite Eight of their tournament for the first time in the school's history in an exciting upset of #3 NC State.  

To top all of the news of the mens' and women's tournaments, Indiana announced their choice as the next leader of the mens' basketball program.  Much to the surprise of many outside of the alumni circle, the Hoosiers hired former player, Mike Woodson, as their new coach.  Woodson was a second team all-American during his senior year on the 1980 IU squad.  Afterward he played in the NBA for eleven years and had continued coaching in the league once his playing days were over.  His lack of college coaching experience and age caused some to take to social media criticizing the pick.  What many did not realize was that IU had also hired Thad Matta, former Ohio State coach, as an assistant athletic director to help with the nuances of college basketball rules and regulations especially in recruiting.  Those outside of the IU alumni network also didn't realize that Woodson was still heavily involved in the Indianapolis area where he had the support of the business and basketball communities.  Former players and even former coach, Bobby Knight, gave their endorsement and support after hearing the news.  Current players let it be known that they were excited to be coached by someone who could help them develop their skills, especially those hoping for an NBA career after college.

Only time will tell if this was a good choice or not.  The strategy of hiring a former player with a support system has worked well for college basketball this year as highlighted by the elite eight appearance of Juwan Howard's Michigan team this season.  Doug, Cam, Cal and I have decided to jump on the Woodson bandwagon.  Nothing could be worse than having Archie Miller as a coach and at least this time we will have someone to cheer for that we actually like.