Indiana Basketball: How do the Hoosiers respond to Tom Crean’s criticism?

Tom Crean’s comments about the team were intended to hopefully wake up a hibernating Indiana team. How do you think this team responds to adversity and criticism moving forward?

I had to ask this question a dozen times before realizing there is no definitive answer. The Indiana Hoosiers have a record of 15-11 and dropped to 5-8 in the conference. Tom Crean had some choice words for his team Sunday after the game. He took the opportunity to speak to the media as an avenue to reach his players. Lack of leadership and immaturity were among the main themes of the press conference.

What interests me the most is the response this team will have to his comments. While he did not name anyone specifically he was referring to the veteran core including James Blackmon Jr., Robert Johnson, Freddie McSwain Jr., and even Tim Priller. The only player he mentioned in a positive light was Thomas Bryant, who he said is trying desperately to be a leader on this team.

The comments more directly towards Blackmon and Johnson, who combined for zero points in the first half against Michigan. It may have been overlooked but Tim Priller missed time for being academically ineligible in late January. A player that was a three-star recruit out of high school on scholarship. While he doesn’t receive virtually any playing time, he’s still part of a disappointing veteran core that’s suppose to be setting a standard for the program.

"“He’s [Thomas Bryant] trying to make up for a group of juniors that just really have no ability right now to see past themselves when it comes to what it takes to be successful as a team” – Tom Crean, Indiana Head Coach"

The Hoosiers have a very little chance now to make the NCAA tournament, how does that play out with the players on this team? Can James Blackmon Jr. and Robert Johnson respond on the floor after criticism? Do they really even care, as the season seems to be folding with every loss?

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I think we’ll get a more clear understanding of how this team closes out the season tonight. Five straight wins to end the season might put the Hoosiers back in the conversation. A long shot considering how the past few weeks have played out, but stranger things have happened in college basketball. Indiana has not won five straight games since their loss to Fort Wayne in November.

I’m not sure how many optimistic Hoosiers fans are left, but a win streak to end the season is the only real possibility for a tournament bid. The Hoosiers have never won the Big Ten Tournament and most don’t anticipate them winning their first this year.

It’s no surprise going into tonight’s game against Minnesota, the Hoosiers are a five point underdog on the road. Minnesota has won three straight conferences games while Indiana has suffered three straight losses. Four of their remaining five games are on the road, including a matchup with No. 15 Purdue.

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It will be particularly interesting to see how the team responds tonight. Will Blackmon and Johnson be playing with a purpose or have they packed it in for the season? A last ditch effort to try and reach these players hopefully flips a switch they never knew they had. Tom Crean is hoping it does with his job status being called into question by many fans.