Tom Crean set expectations he now must meet
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
There are a certain number of jobs in sports that will bring a higher level of scrutiny than others. The head coach of Indiana University is one of them.
These days, even a first-half substitution gets criticized by the masses. Tom Crean left a great situation at Marquette because, “It’s Indiana.”
The program was dismantled, and it would take a high-energy guy like Crean to resurrect the program to respectability again. In a very short amount of time (considering the situation), Crean put Indiana University back on the map. Numerous big wins, back-to-back Sweet 16s, 10 weeks as the No. 1 ranked team, and a No. 1 seed. Not to mention, producing two top-five picks in the NBA draft. There is no doubt about it: Crean has done something that very few other coaches could have done in that amount of time.
It is safe to say, Crean brought the expectations back to Indiana.
After a disappointing and highly criticized season, however, there are no more free passes. The expectations that Crean himself brought to the program are now the expectations that he must live up to and beyond. It’s a strange turn of events if you really think about it. This year’s team came into the season as the 325th most experienced team in the nation. While some Hoosier fans expect “Final Four or bust” every year for some reason, this year’s team was never expected to compete for a national title.
It was, however, talented enough to make the NCAA tournament. Failing to make the tournament (or even the NIT) is not something IU fans want to get used to again. Close losses killed this team. Blown leads killed this team. They had seven second-half leads that turned into losses in conference play. Win even half of those games, and the season would’ve had a much different result.
As the Hoosiers are forced to watch March Madness from their couches this year, the offseason will be highly interesting. Will Noah Vonleh enter the NBA draft? Will there be any transfers? Will there be any additions? How will Crean react to a very important upcoming year for his future and the future of the program?
Crean is an excellent recruiter, and he also develops players at a very high level. I also believe he typically prepares the team well for battle and coaches the fast break well. His main criticisms have always been making adjustments on the fly, and running a half-court offense. Those weaknesses will be exploited when you have such a young, inexperienced team like this season.
Some fans will argue: “Crean can only coach when he has a ton of talent.” Don’t forget who brought in and developed that talent. It’s not like Cody Zeller was signed by Fred Glass as a free agent. Besides that, what coach doesn’t look a lot better with more talented and experienced players?
With all this said, Crean will have no more free passes. He will need to get his Hoosiers back into the NCAA tournament next season at the bare minimum. Even though he set the bar, he will need to continue raising it. I believe Crean was the right man for the job. But will he be the right man to keep the job? I believe Indiana will be much improved next season, with or without Vonleh. The question is, by how much? And how much will be enough for the Indiana faithful? Time will tell.
Follow Tyler Smith on Twitter: www.twitter.com/sports_TYs_20.
