@kkott agree that there could be better ways to engage and interact.  But I just liked that they were doing something.  And the staged nature of it didn't bother me a ton.  I think CDD comes across as pretty comfortable in these sorts of situations.  They later talked at Memorial Stadium, welcoming the students as well... I think overall, good efforts on check in day by the staff.  But I agree, with their budget and resources, they could "go bigger" with it, and try to touch more students.

I have mixed feelings on the Hoosier Hysteria type event.  It seemed like attendance for it was becoming less and less every year.  But if that's true, I suspect that was pretty heavily impacted by our mediocre teams.  Probably pretty difficult to balance keeping it relevant, keeping it exciting, incorporating the women's program, making sure everything is safe for the players, etc... If he is choosing to not do it, that would be disappointing, to me.  

Maybe they'll treat the Marian exhibition like a Hoosier Hysteria like event?  Fun introductions for all players.  And then the game.  Kind of like an ASG type atmosphere.  Honestly, I'd prefer that over the blended men/women competitions, the cringey "DJ's" every year, etc... 

@kkott you are right, you sound like an A hole. First year on campus for CDD, he walked around for a few minutes and carried a TV. The current student body has zero memories of IU basketball being relevant. I see nothing wrong with a small spend on marketing to the kids. God knows the product hasn't done anything to attract fans. 

I think the Bison is a cool idea as well, so what do I know. 

@ams66 it's not one day. Most off campus leases end the middle of August. And unless you are trying to go to Target, it's not that crazy. Just some common sense needed for a few days. However, the end of townie Summer is always sort of a bummer.

@hozo4ultimate I like the Bison too. Like I said, it's not a big deal, I've just had enough of meaningless SM type videos. His, and his staff's job, is winning bball games and developing fan interest and support. With the limited amount of off-time they have, I think they could have done something that gave viewers and fans more of a glimpse into the program. If I were grading this in terms of fan development: C-. I'd rather see him bring out a half dozen pizzas, get a bunch of students together and do a quick Q&A or something. Keep it centered on the team. We're a bball school, so there's natural interest in that, not in moving in boxes and TVs.

Posted by: @kkott

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@hozo4ultimate I like the Bison too. Like I said, it's not a big deal, I've just had enough of meaningless SM type videos. His, and his staff's job, is winning bball games and developing fan interest and support. With the limited amount of off-time they have, I think they could have done something that gave viewers and fans more of a glimpse into the program. If I were grading this in terms of fan development: C-. I'd rather see him bring out a half dozen pizzas, get a bunch of students together and do a quick Q&A or something. Keep it centered on the team. We're a bball school, so there's natural interest in that, not in moving in boxes and TVs.

I see where you are coming from.  I’m mildly interested in this thread.  I haven’t watched the video,  nor do I have any interest in doing so.  And that is really the crux of the issue.  He needs to get people interested, to get people excited, to get people familiar with a new staff and new players. 

I have no problem with them trying anything.  For me, it’s wait and see.  That means wait and see game action.  It could be a video of a pizza party or behind the scenes coaching footage with all the new players.  Yawn (for me).  

I can’t be the only one that just isn’t at all excited (yet).  They have to try something, there’s no downside. 

@gerdis I'm actually pretty excited. Pretty confident with his actions to date that we have the best Bball coach since Sampson, and a better fit and program steward. Doesn't mean beans if he can't win, but I like what he's done, and who he's shown himself to be so far. As excited as I am for IU football, bball is still my heart and having a team that gets us back to the top of the bball world is still my first desire.

@kkott agreed!  I think we have our guy and our team will look  a lot more like Purdue imo.  By this I mean, recruit guys that fit versus stars, retain players, play hard, and get back to grading 1-3 portal guys vs 5-7 or more 

@kkott 

Wow, the season really not even underway and there are complaints about what the coaches are doing or what they should do. And people say IU fans are the best.

Going to be a loooooong season for some folks.

GoHoosiers 

@gr8iufan I think if you read this thread, you'll see that overall I've been very complimentary of this staff, but I've also tried to be objective about what the staff and program are doing. My complaint about this is really more about whoever does the SM stuff, and the fact that we've fallen off being a good bball program. Like I said, they don't have endless hours to do "fan-building" type stuff, and I think there's more they could have done. 

Don't really have to look any farther than Cig and the football team. The things they've put out in my memory have been about the program or stadium, and he's done a lot of interviews, but I don't remember any "fluff" stuff like this, and I would guess if it was broached, Cig would say "why" or just no. 

Again, not a big deal, but it's the off-season and there's not a lot to talk about with the program. Get us to an E8 this year, and everything CDD touches will be golden. 

PS, I am one that thinks IU has one of the best fan bases around. I've traveled all over the SE and back to IN many times to watch the Hoosiers and we have excellent crowds everywhere. I don't think there are many (any?) programs who would continue to support the program in a 25+ year stretch like we've been through, and questioning aspects of the program doesn't change that or make it less so.