T1B

IU has done this for the past few years now and I was wondering if any other schools do anything similar. It is commonly called a "barnstorming tour" and it's basically all the incoming IU recruits playing exhibition games in 4-7 locations around the state against local "all-star" teams of area HS kids. The IU roster is supplemented each game with various HS kids. No coaches are present at these games and the games typically take on a feel that makes the NBA All-Star game seem like a title match but it gets the incoming recruits a taste of IU hoops and lets the fans get a first glimpe at the new arrivals. I never gave it much thought but then I started to wonder how common this practice really is.

sounds like a great idea. though, sadly, in Oklahoma i don't think these sorts of hoops events would be well attended.

edit: and especially sad since the quality of D-1 player coming out of Oklahoma in the last 5-10 years has been pretty high for a low population/"football" state. more fan support means more kids stay at home at OU or OSU.

i don't begrudge a kid wanting to get away from home and see some new things--or if you get offers from Duke or Kentucky. i grew up in Norman and wanted something new for college.

I read a couple of things about it. Have they always done this? This is the first I've seen them doing such.

Shine wrote:IU has done this for the past few years now and I was wondering if any other schools do anything similar. It is commonly called a "barnstorming tour" and it's basically IU playing against HS kids.

Hmmmm, sounds like it has potential....


Sincerely,


SEC football.

Mustang wrote:I read a couple of things about it. Have they always done this? This is the first I've seen them doing such.

This is the 3rd year they've done it. Typically they go to smaller towns around the state but this year they made a stop in the burbs of Indy so I was able to attend. The future of IU basketball is bright again.

SAMPSON GETS ME LIFTED