Indiana Basketball Progess

Opening up gifts on Christmas day, I received some nice IU gear and wondered about our basketball Hoosiers.  The season at that point had me asking many questions.  Questions about the defense, questions about team chemistry, and questions about the overall direction of the basketball program.

So, less than a month later, I find myself reflecting on those same questions, but with a different perspective given the Hoosiers 6-0 start to Big Ten play.  I know, the schedule has been very friendly to the Hoosiers!  The questions I asked at Christmas time have seemed to be temporarily answered in the positive.

We have noticed a much improved effort and attitude toward playing defense.  We have seen a lot more emotion from the players.  This team is starting to forge an identity, an identity of toughness.  The credit must go to both the coaching staff and the players.  It seemed as though they had lost each other over the holiday season.

There is still a lot to correct, especially as the opponents get much tougher.  Turnovers have been way out of control.  The loss of James Blackmon has allowed teams to defend differently and adjustments must be constant as the season progresses.

The view from the tailgate lot is a good one for the basketball Hoosiers at this point.  There will be some bumps in the road, some losses and poor play.  However, this team looks like it could make a decent run in the conference and be a “tough out” in the NCAA tournament.

At Christmas time the Hoosiers were tough to watch and hard to enjoy.  The new year has coincided with Hoosier basketball being enjoyable again.  Let's hope the changes are more permanent and recent late season swoons do not happen this year.

Good job, Hoosiers!  Keep it up!

Indiana Basketball

Driving two hours on a work week to attend a college basketball game? Yes. Why? It's Indiana.

Driving two hours home on a work week from a college basketball game? Yes. Why? It's Indiana.

I'm 49 years old and have been an Indiana basketball fan most of my life.  I was eight years old when my father, Norm Tonsoni, sat me down in front of our television and introduced me to the Indiana basketball program.  Thanks to The Farm Bureau Insurance network, my Dad and I would always tune in early to see Martha the Mop Lady sing the fight song on TV before each game.

I was nine years old in 1976 when my father shared with me why the Hoosiers epitomized the concept of team.  He taught me to watch Quinn Buckner defend and play unselfishly.  He helped me appreciate the skill of Scott May, the athleticism of Bobby Wilkerson, the role playing of Tom Abernathy.  I remember watching many games during that year and rejoicing with my father when the Hoosiers defeated Michigan for the National Championship. The greatest team ever.  The last undefeated team in NCAA history.

I was sold on Hoosier basketball.  It was what my dad and I did during the winter.  We watched and talked Hoosier basketball.  As an eighth grader, I watched IU defeat North Carolina for the championship while trying to comprehend why someone would try to assassinate the President. I was in high school and on a team bus when the chair was thrown. When it came time to select a college, I was going to IU, simply because of Indiana basketball.

My freshman year was 1985-86.  Walking into Assembly Hall for the very first time was one of the best memories of my sports fandom.  It was a dream come true to watch the Hoosiers live in Assembly Hall.  As a sophomore, I was fortunate to witness another National Championship.  That Monday evening of the championship game I received a phone call from my father.  He asked if I had milk and cookies ready for the game as we had a tradition of snacking on sweets during the championship games.  I had never lied to my father and so I had to admit that we just placed a "keg" of beverage on ice.  On Tuesday he phoned again and asked for me to share how it felt to be on campus. "Dad. it's the best natural high I have ever had.  The celebration ended around 4:00 am."  I could sense his smile through the phone line.

Since the last National Championship, I have been blessed with a great marriage, two wonderful sons, a couple of final four trips for the Hoosiers and sadly the passing of my father in 2004.  What has been consistent is our family's love of Hoosier basketball.  Attending games in Assembly Hall with the family has been memorable over the years.  In 2014, my oldest son decided to attend Indiana for college.  He is currently a manager for the basketball team.  On Sunday, I will be attending another Hoosier game with my youngest son, and we will be watching his brother rebound for the Hoosiers during pregame.  From sitting in my living room as a eight year old to watching my own son work on the court in Assembly Hall, Indiana Basketball has been huge part of my life.

Indiana Basketball is tradition.  Indiana Basketball is about relationships.  Indiana Basketball is more than one team, player or coach.  Indiana Basketball is something to cherish.

Driving two hours to watch a game where the 1976 NCAA champions were to be honored?  The last undefeated team?  The team and players that set the tone for what Indiana basketball is and should always be for years?  Yes - no doubt!

I drove to Bloomington by myself on Tuesday, but I was not alone.  "Hey. Dad, We get to see the greatest team ever again.  Thanks for the introduction."

2015 Indiana Football review from the tailgate lot

2015 Indiana Football was quite the roller coaster event.  Winning four non conference games then losing first six conference games followed by winning last two games.  In the end, the Hoosiers were bowl eligible and the season was a success.

There is a long way to go for the Hoosiers as a program, but it seems like the first phase of program building is complete.  Coach Wilson has brought a style of play that is fun to watch.  The program is at a level where fans should support tremendously.  

As a fan base, we have wondered if the football Hoosiers were headed in the right path.  The big plays, the late 4th quarter losses, the defense all may have had us doubting if Indiana football could ever be relevant again.  Well, from the view I have from the tailgate lot, I believe we have begun to turn the corner.

The key word is consistency of play and improvement in areas of weakness. No question the defense must improve.  Next season is a huge season for the Hoosiers.  The ability to put back to back winning seasons together is very important.  I believe that we will go to a bowl game again next year.

One thing is certain, the tailgate spot was a hopping place again this year.  Many of the games were late afternoon starts which afforded us tailgaters with plenty of time to pregame.  Breakfast burritos and thematic food were had by all. The best was the Cuban snadwiche for the Florida International game.  It is always fun to entertain in the Purple lot.

Already looking ahead to next year for some great football and another excellent season of tailgating.  Plan ahead to join us I the Purple Lot next year....or for baseball season.