@unclemark I was not a huge fan of the hire when they first announced it because I thought IU Athletics had a problem with staying within the family or not having outside ideas. However, Scott's biggest asset, fundraising and the NIL side of things, became a big asset. He set IUFB up for the success they are having with NIL, collectives and donors.
Do I think IU Athletics walks on water? No, there are so many things that could be improved all over the place. However, they are not morons. They'll figure out basketball. However, they will have to break from tradition there. People will disagree with me, but distancing themselves from Knight is a must. Too many people are holding on to what he was (a flawed legend) and not allowing the program to enter the 21st century. Times have changed and people will have to be OK with NIL, updating things that have been staples of the past etc. Of course winning cures all, but things need to change in some places and that's OK.
That sounds all compelling and nice and flowery but that’s not ultimately a real, tangible thing that is holding the program back. Just a bunch of gobbledygook. It ain’t about vibes. Plus, who the hell has a problem with NIL? Not IU. IU has embraced NIL.
@unclemark I was not a huge fan of the hire when they first announced it because I thought IU Athletics had a problem with staying within the family or not having outside ideas. However, Scott's biggest asset, fundraising and the NIL side of things, became a big asset. He set IUFB up for the success they are having with NIL, collectives and donors.
Do I think IU Athletics walks on water? No, there are so many things that could be improved all over the place. However, they are not morons. They'll figure out basketball. However, they will have to break from tradition there. People will disagree with me, but distancing themselves from Knight is a must. Too many people are holding on to what he was (a flawed legend) and not allowing the program to enter the 21st century. Times have changed and people will have to be OK with NIL, updating things that have been staples of the past etc. Of course winning cures all, but things need to change in some places and that's OK.
I'm genuinely curious what you think still needs to be broken from tradition? There is literally not a single person in the MBB program who was around last year. Not a trainer. Not a doctor. Maybe SID, I guess, but???
I think you'd have to kill off a big chunk of the fanbase to get much further away from RMK influence than where they are right now. We've embraced NIL...we've had not the biggest NIL, but certainly a very competitive NIL (allegedly).
@gros-louis IU made their bed with SSAH when they poured money into the renovations instead of building a new arena, which would have been approved and was being pushed for. Look, I get AH is a special place for a lot of people, but it's a terrible arena. There is barely a home court advantage because it's 1/3 empty every game and it's not just because they haven't been what people think Indiana basketball should be. There's a lot of hubris.
IU also has to be willing to get their hands dirty in hoops, they refused to in the past. They can't be the holier than thou program. If they want to win, that attitude has to go. The tradition of "We do things the right way". Nobody cares about the right way anymore. They care about winning games. I am not saying go out and commit crimes, but a least push some boundaries.
I'm genuinely curious what you think still needs to be broken from tradition? There is literally not a single person in the MBB program who was around last year. Not a trainer. Not a doctor. Maybe SID, I guess, but???
I think you'd have to kill off a big chunk of the fanbase to get much further away from RMK influence than where they are right now. We've embraced NIL...we've had not the biggest NIL, but certainly a very competitive NIL (allegedly).
I think it's mainly the argument made by those who want to replace Assembly Hall.
@gros-louis IU made their bed with SSAH when they poured money into the renovations instead of building a new arena, which would have been approved and was being pushed for. Look, I get AH is a special place for a lot of people, but it's a terrible arena. There is barely a home court advantage because it's 1/3 empty every game and it's not just because they haven't been what people think Indiana basketball should be. There's a lot of hubris.
IU also has to be willing to get their hands dirty in hoops, they refused to in the past. They can't be the holier than thou program. If they want to win, that attitude has to go. The tradition of "We do things the right way". Nobody cares about the right way anymore. They care about winning games. I am not saying go out and commit crimes, but a least push some boundaries.
Wow, couldn't disagree with you any more than I do.
The building is 1/3 empty because the team isn't good. That isn't going to change with a brand new arena. And when the arena is packed, as it still is on occasion, it's one of the best home court advantages in the country. I've been to Kohl, Yum, Value City...might as well be cookie cutter baseball stadiums from the 80's. Our building isn't holding us back a bit.
As for the second part, outside of committing crimes, what more boundaries should we be pushing? It's legal to pay players. We're obviously tampering or at least communicating with potential transfer targets before the portal is open. What am I missing?
You could put Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Bloomington and attendance wouldn't be better.
AH has some bad views, but it has a ton of character and most people like it. It's a great homecourt vs. other arenas.
Spending $400M on a new arena doesn't seem like a great move. I'm very glad they renovated AH and saved money. Put $ into Memorial.
@gros-louis When fans are leaving at halftime in a game against Purdue that you're winning. It's an issue. Of course a new arena doesn't make them show up magically. The place is a relic. They can design whatever arena they want. If they go and get a 1970's Shea Stadium version of an arena that's on them. The design that was being pushed was like Missouri's which is a very nice arena.
The name of the game now is revenue and talent acquisition. IU has maxed of SSAH's ability to create revenue.
As far as pushing boundaries, so it's not as big of an issue in today's college basketball, but it was part of the issues with the past and why IU has been what it's been the last 25 years or so. But take a chance on a kid who may have some issues or an assistant coach who may not do things by the book.
I respect your opinion and it seems like we will never agree and that's OK.
New arena revenue will not get close to paying back the construction cost.
AH is not holding us back on revenue generation.
@gros-louis When fans are leaving at halftime in a game against Purdue that you're winning. It's an issue. Of course a new arena doesn't make them show up magically. The place is a relic. They can design whatever arena they want. If they go and get a 1970's Shea Stadium version of an arena that's on them. The design that was being pushed was like Missouri's which is a very nice arena.
The name of the game now is revenue and talent acquisition. IU has maxed of SSAH's ability to create revenue.
As far as pushing boundaries, so it's not as big of an issue in today's college basketball, but it was part of the issues with the past and why IU has been what it's been the last 25 years or so. But take a chance on a kid who may have some issues or an assistant coach who may not do things by the book.
I respect your opinion and it seems like we will never agree and that's OK.
How many years of new revenue opportunities would it take to pay off a brand new arena?
Yeah, we won't agree on this. Cameron. Phog. Hell, Crisler. State Farm. None of those are holding schools back. And I'm not aware of any new arenas in the past 10-15 years that have elevated a program, save MAYBE Pinnacle Bank Arena. Just win games.
@tammany It 100% is. New Arenas are not that expensive (maybe $150 million) and it can come out of the capital fund. I get the nostalgia angle, I do. It has some value.
@gros-louis State Farm Center was recently renovated to add suites. I know IU fans make fun of it, but the place is pretty nice even if it looks like a space ship.
https://www.statefarmcenter.com/events/premium-seating
Cameron is getting a massive renovation as well ($240 million)
Same with Phog Allen Field House
https://kuathletics.com/news/2024/10/18/general-a-complete-breakdown-of-allen-fieldhouse-upgrades
Crisler was upgraded in 2011.
https://mgoblue.com/facilities/yost-ice-arena/5
Just FYI. It may not be why they are winning, but they don't let things just sit. IU's renovations were solid,, but there isn't much else worth pouring money into.
@gros-louis State Farm Center was recently renovated to add suites. I know IU fans make fun of it, but the place is pretty nice even if it looks like a space ship.
https://www.statefarmcenter.com/events/premium-seating
Cameron is getting a massive renovation as well ($240 million)
Same with Phog Allen Field House
https://kuathletics.com/news/2024/10/18/general-a-complete-breakdown-of-allen-fieldhouse-upgrades
Crisler was upgraded in 2011.
https://mgoblue.com/facilities/yost-ice-arena/5
Just FYI. It may not be why they are winning, but they don't let things just sit. IU's renovations were solid,, but there isn't much else worth pouring money into.
Exactly. Renovations. Not new arenas.
Baylor's 7,500 seat arena cost over $200 million.
15 years ago, Pinnacle Bank Arena cost almost that much.
Miami's new arena, which I am sure won't be bigger than 10k, will cost $240-$280 million.
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