Dear Hoosier Nation,
Wow! What a game last night. I don’t think Assembly Hall has been that electric since the Wisconsin game last season. I bet Tom Crean would agree you are a large part of the reason Indiana won last night. From the moment the teams took the floor, you were in it being loud and proud. Your energy was palpable and something Maryland had not yet experienced. This isn’t the ACC, and you helped the Terrapins realize that.
Dear Yogi Ferrell,
You played one heck of a game last night, young man. Just when people thought that your scoring presence was diminishing, you came in and scored 24 points. I know you have been playing more of the true point guard position this season, but it is good to know that the old Yogi is still inside you somewhere. Nothing brings a smile to my face faster than when you cross over the defender, step back and hit a three. I hope we see more performances like this from you as the season goes on.
Dear James Blackmon Jr.,
Well I guess you got your swagger back. All it takes is a little confidence and you soar. If 21 points wasn’t good enough against Illinois, follow that up with 22 against Maryland to show people a little slump never killed anybody. I got a chance to talk to your father after the game. I told him you’re a heck of a ball player. I’m sure I’m not the only who thinks so either. On behalf of my fellow Hoosiers, thank you for choosing Indiana over Kentucky. It’s a decision you won’t ever regret.
Dear Tom Crean,
So I guess I should start off by saying I’m sorry. If you ask any of my friends, they know you and I have a love hate relationship. Maybe I was a bit too hard on you earlier this season. I wanted you to take the blame when things were bad, but I didn’t want to give you credit when things were good. That was my fault. I can see you have brought this team a long way. I respect the way you treat your players. You develop them into great athletes. I’m going to shut my mouth for a while and let you do your thing. You are the coach, not me. Oh, and whatever you are putting in the water to make these guys shoot 68 percent from behind the arc, well, keep using it.
Dear Troy Williams,
Keep impressing me. Keep impressing the conference. Keep impressing the nation. You’re the man. My heart beats out of my chest when you throw it down. You may be the most improved player on this team. Last year you were athletic. This year, you’ve added control to your game that makes you so dangerous. You’re making smart plays and unselfish plays. If you keep that up, there is no reason why you couldn’t be the best in the Big Ten. You have your own style. Stay true to that.
Dear Martha the Mop Lady,
Clean the hall real well for us. We want this place spotless before the next bloodshed.
With Cream and Crimson,
Lucas Corley
Follow Lucas on Twitter @TheLucasCorley
