Former IU Transfers Continue Old Ways

Indiana basketball is currently struggling because of a mess that had to be cleaned up. It was fishy, flirted with immoral, and desired change. That came when former Coach Dan Dakich took over the program for the remainder of the 2008 season. In doing so, after the season he cleaned out all the bad fish in the pond even though some IU fans didn’t mind overlooking the incidents.

You think the players could change. Maybe a coach, advisor or mentor could talk some sense into the players. But not so fast. This past Saturday night, May 1st, former IU guard Armon Bassett was arrested. Athens police arrested him for assaulting a doorman. Apparently the doorman had a broken jaw.

Sounds stupid, idiotic, crazy right. According to a report from the Athens Police Department, “Armon Bassett assaulted a doorman at Courtside Pizza and Bar, 85 North Court Street, then fled on foot.”

Great, running away from your problems. He is getting good at this. Maybe he should go pro in avoiding consequences based on his actions. Whether it was passing a drug test or acting as a civilized citizen—the character just isn’t there.

Another former player was also arrested in the last few weeks. Xavier Keeling was arrested in Bloomington during Little 5, on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Although Indiana fans have long-desired for success on the court, these types of players are not welcome. This isn’t Kentucky. I don’t want to win at all costs. I want to win with class, dignity, and high-character players. Players that go to class, remain out of trouble, and guys that can be looked up to.

Although it wasn’t easy this past NCAA tournament seeing former IU players succeed, it is clear Dakich knew what he was talking about.