Hoosier State of Mind
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A Final Farewell to Harrison Niego

By Edward Koton

Feb 20, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Harrison Niego (15) briefly looses the handle on the ball against Purdue Boilermakers guard Johnny Hill (1) at Assembly Hall. Indiana defeat Purdue 77-73. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Harrison Niego (15) briefly looses the handle on the ball against Purdue Boilermakers guard Johnny Hill (1) at Assembly Hall. Indiana defeat Purdue 77-73. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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He left us way too soon, but now we must wish him the best in all his endeavours.

In a press release created by the Indiana University Athletics Department, freshman men’s basketball walk-on guard Harrison Niego has officially decided to leave IU and seek out opportunities to earn a Division I scholarship elsewhere.

In his final statement to the program, Niego made sure to eloquently show his appreciation for his time spent here at Indiana saying, “Coming to IU and being part of the program has been one of the best experiences of my life. After much thought, I have decided to look for opportunities that will allow me to have an expanded role on the court and one that will also pay for my education.  I’m indebted to Coach Crean and the staff for believing in my ability and inspiring me everyday to get better and to my teammates who will always be like family.  It has been an honor to play FOR Indiana.”

Did he say “FOR Indiana?!?”

Apr 7, 2016; Augusta, GA, USA; Gary Player wipes a tear from his eye as he speaks about Arnold Palmer (not pictured) during the first round of the 2016 The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Augusta, GA, USA; Gary Player wipes a tear from his eye as he speaks about Arnold Palmer (not pictured) during the first round of the 2016 The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports /

The tears, they’re so real right now.

As I sit here on the couch listening to Michael Buble and drowning my sorrows in chocolate and ice cream, I acknowledge that this is probably the best move for Mr. Niego.

With that said, it doesn’t make it any easier.

Here at the HoosierStateOfMind, we have always been high in praise for Mr.Niego and his dedication to the program. Our love affair with Mr. Niego may have reached some extremes, but it’s hard to argue that it wasn’t warranted.

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Harrison Niego bought into the program. He brought energy and effort, valuable depth, basic fundamentals, and a level of team cohesiveness. He brought a passion to the sport that changed games. Whether it was jumping on loose balls, forcing deflections, or drawing charges, Niego never allowed any minute he was on the court go to waste.

It was truly an honor to have him play FOR Indiana and all of us at the HoosierStateOfMind are wishing him the best.

Niego can most certainly make an impact at another Division I school and there is no debate about it.

We will be watching Niego closely and will continue to be reporting on his future success.

Until then, we will be going on an intense search to find the next pride and joy of our site. The process will be difficult, as our next love will have some evidently big shoes to fill.

Thank you Harrison. We will never forget you.

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