Following Indiana’s exit from the 2012 NCAA Tournament, plenty of questions arose regarding next season.
With the addition of a top recruiting class, how far can the team go? And will they play with the same intensity and heart like this bunch? What’s next for this special bunch of seniors? Will they lose any assistant coaches? Will Cody Zeller leave for the NBA draft? Will Christian Watford?
Two big questions were answered.
Christian Watford and Cody Zeller will be back, IU confirmed in a release Tuesday morning.
Let’s break down their decision.
Christian Watford:
It’s hard to fault a guy for leaving with the chance to achieve his dream of playing in the NBA.
Some believe his stock may never be higher, after help directing to the Hoosiers to their first winning-record in four years. He averaged 12.6 points, 5.9 rebounds per game while shooting 42-percent from outside. And he was the center of a lifelong memory for IU basketball fans — the shot of the year in college basketball over No. 1 Kentucky.
Watford did his research, gathering opinions and listening to evaluations. I’m sure they told him what they think about his game, where he needs to improve, and where they would expect him to be drafted if he came out.
And after talking with these professionals, his family and Coach Crean, Christian ultimately decided to stay.
As I see it, he is a skilled and lengthy forward that still hasn’t peaked. He is inconsistent at times and would fit best at the ‘3’ position in the NBA. He has played great in so many games but occasionally he will lose his shot and look out of it. I have no doubt he will play, at least a few years, in the league.
What he said: “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to complete my degree and to continue restoring the winning tradition at IU. I believe in Coach Crean and our staff and I am eager to lead my new teammates and build on what we started.”
Coach Crean: “Christian really ended the season on a high note on the biggest stage and is building off that. He is going to have the opportunity to be a leader and have an even greater impact on the program and his game, but more importantly, he will earn his degree from IU.”
Cody Zeller:
I felt all along Zeller would stay. Both his older brothers, Luke and Tyler played all four years. Cody will end up the best in the family and probably leave early, but this wasn’t the year.
First, he’s a kid that just seems to love where he’s at. Going back to before the season, I remember him looking forward to a cookie-eating contest that he hoped would happen during Hoosier Hysteria.
Zeller averaged 15.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in his freshman campaign. He was an efficient scorer, shooting 62-percent from the field and leading the team in free throw attempts by 70. He was named Freshman of the Year and should have been first-team all Big Ten.
He clearly is the best player on the team and a lottery pick. Most mock drafts this year had him taken in the top ten.
Like Watford, Zeller gathered facts and figures about the possibilities, talked with those he trusts and then came to his own conclusion.
Part of what entices Zeller about playing is the help he will receive, from some of his good friends. One of the best senior point guards and his friend, Yogi Ferrell, arrives in Bloomington with a talented group of five incoming freshman.
Zeller will get drafted, and could move into the top-five after next year. He enjoys playing college basketball, recognizes the importance of school and looks forward to improving alongside his great teammates for at least another year.
What he said: “I grew up hoping that one day I would get the opportunity to play in the NBA, but at this point, I’m not ready for my college experience to be over. Coach Crean and my family were very supportive and helpful as I made my decision. My college experience at IU this year has exceeded my expectations, on and off the court. I look forward to playing at Assembly Hall next year in front of the greatest fans in the country. Go Hoosiers!”
Coach Crean: “Cody is player who, along with his unique skillset, makes everyone around him better. He is going to have great opportunities ahead of him, yet his demeanor, work ethic and his desire to be a great teammate never wavers. He will have the opportunity to be as good as any player in college basketball.”
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After careful consideration, I think they both made the smart decision and the right decision. The possibilities are endless for IU next season, already tabbed by a half-dozen national outlets as the best team in the country. They return all five starters and add a talented bunch to the mix. They are passing on money this year, but can increase their stock with another strong year, for both themselves and the team.
Probably a No. 1 ranking. More national televised games. Possibly a Big Ten title. And a run to the Final Four. They are going to have a lot of fun next year, with an eye on winning the ultimate prize.