[Bette]

Apparently Tom Crean likes restoration projects. After spending 9 years putting Marquette's basketball program back on the national map, he has taken on an even bigger task: rebuilding Indiana's legacy.
He will jump into a chaotic environment of player dissatisfaction, another change in coaching staff, and an uncertain future because of possible NCAA sanctions that happened before Sampson's resignation.

Sports

I leave the discussion on this to those who are more in the know.

[shortsleeve47]

Comments Here and There about Crean being Indiana U. coach


Here's some response of notible alum from Marquette:

"We had him for nine years," said former Marquette guard Dwyane Wade, now in his fifth season with the Miami Heat and someone who has remained very close with Crean. "Can't hold the great ones back."


Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, a former Marquette player and current school trustee, was sorry to see his close friend go.
"It's a tough loss for us, I'll say that," Rivers said. "A great gain for Indiana. ... They're getting a great guy. That program, it looks like they need somebody who's going to work their butt off, and there will be no one in college basketball that will work harder than Tom Crean."


Indiana Comments:

University trustee Philip Eskew confirmed the hiring.
"I think he's a great choice," Eskew said. "He has a Big Ten background, a Midwest background, he's recruited in the state of Indiana and he has an impeccable record, so I think Indiana is on the road to recovery."


New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas led Indiana to the national title in 1981. He was in Milwaukee Tuesday night to play the Bucks and said hiring Crean is a very good move for the Hoosiers.

He said Crean has proven himself to be a successful college coach and a very good recruiter, and that's the kind of coach Indiana needs to set a foundation for the future.

"I think Tom has demonstrated in my mind a lot of the same qualities that made (Hoeppner) such a good partner," said Greenspan, comparing Crean to the IU football coach who died last June of brain cancer. "He has time for people. He remembers names. He's approachable. He likes to be engaged. " … I think to be a success in this state you have to be a good neighbor. And I think what makes a good neighbor is you're approachable, you're friendly, you're available, and you are very passionate about what you're doing. And from what I've seen, Tom is that person."

[Bette]

Thank you shortsleeve.
It looks like Illinois has a good coach. He most certainly is going to have his hands full. That program is pretty much a mess from what I can tell.