[32] The Mid-Major Purge

Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth are joined by Dr. Galen Clavio and former IU Student Body President Cooper Tinsley to explore how the bison mascot made its return to Indiana University.A Historic Recording Setup[00:00-05:00]A first for the show - recording with Cooper calling in from Paris during his study abroad. Cooper served as IU's 77th Student Body President after transferring from Alabama, where he only lasted one semester before realizing IU was where he belonged.Cooper's Path to Student Leadership[05:00-15:00]Cooper walked through his journey from Alabama transfer to student government leader, explaining how communication (or lack thereof) was often the biggest challenge in student government. His presidency was notably successful with unusually good cooperation between the executive and congressional branches.How the Bison Movement Started[15:00-25:00]The perfect storm began in fall 2024 when IU football's incredible season created unprecedented campus unity. Cooper had a conversation with Athletics Director Scott Dolson about how football was bringing students together like nothing had in years. Learning that the original bison mascot came from student government action in the 1960s, Cooper decided to follow that historical playbook.Galen's Years-Long Campaign[25:00-35:00]Galen explained how multiple groups had been working toward this goal independently:Homefield Apparel's bison merchandise starting around 2015-2016Professor Paul Gutar's grassroots campaign with merchandiseGalen's "Bring Back the Bison" advocacy on Crimson CastAthletics department's growing interestAll these efforts converged at exactly the right time.The Student Government Battle[35:00-45:00]What Cooper thought would be a quick, fun vote turned into a three-hour debate lasting until midnight. The main opposition centered around fears of bringing back the original 1960s costume, which everyone agreed was genuinely terrifying. Cooper's brilliant move: posting an Instagram poll during the meeting that got 750+ responses in three minutes, with 70-80% student support.Making the Case for Skeptics[45:00-55:00]Galen laid out the three-part argument for the bison:Historical connection to Indiana (bison territory, Buffalo Trace, state seal)Gives the "Hoosier" name a visual identity it's always lackedCommercial necessity - most successful college programs have mascotsThe Bigger Picture[55:00-End]Cooper shared how Alabama integrated their mascot into the entire university experience, not just sports.The group discussed how the bison could serve multiple generations - from young kids meeting the mascot to alumni having a consistent symbol to rally around. Galen reflected that if contributing to bringing back the bison is his main legacy at IU, he'd be satisfied with that impact. And much more …See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth examine how the transfer portal and NIL have fundamentally altered the landscape for mid-major teams and their ability to pull off NCAA tournament upsets.[0:00-5:00] Introduction & Producer WelcomeIntroduction of new producer William McDermottDiscussion of recent Indy 500 raceSetup for main topic on March Madness becoming "less mad"[5:00-15:00] The Old Formula for Mid-Major UpsetsAnalysis of Mercer's 2014 upset victory over Duke as the archetypal exampleTwo key historical advantages identified:Experience advantage: Mercer's starting five had 20 years combined college experience vs Duke's 10 yearsRoster continuity: Four of Mercer's starters played together since 2012 (90+ games as a unit) vs Duke's 14 games togetherHistorical pattern of upsets featuring experienced, cohesive mid-major teams against talent-heavy but inexperienced major programs[15:00-30:00] Transfer Portal's Devastating Impact on Mid-MajorsStark statistics: 80% of quality mid-major players (starters averaging 10+ PPG) now transfer upConference-by-conference breakdown:Southern Conference: Only 1 of 11 top returning players stayingMissouri Valley Conference: Just 3 of 15 top players returning (80% bleed rate)The "dual challenge": Mid-majors lose their best players while also losing potential replacements to major programs[30:00-40:00] The New Minor League RealityMid-majors now function as a development system for power conferencesPower conference coaches no longer need to gamble on unproven recruitsCan simply observe and poach players who prove themselves at lower levels[40:00-50:00] Alternative Models for Future Success"Ocean's Eleven" approach: Assembling rosters from multiple transfer sources (Indiana State 2024 example)Coach-led transfers: Bringing entire successful programs up levels (Ben McCollum at Drake example)Systematic advantages through coaching and scheme rather than talent accumulation[50:00-55:00] Looking Forward & Market AdaptationRecognition that upsets will become increasingly rareAlternative postseason opportunities like NIT may gain importanceCollege basketball still in flux with final competitive equilibrium yet to be establishedThe episode ultimately suggests that while the magic of March may be diminishing, mid-major programs that can adapt to this new reality may still find ways to compete—just not in the same David vs. Goliath fashion that made college basketball's greatest upsets so memorable.Resources:George Martin : https://youtu.be/h3AY1CVUgJw?si=JQRdg3o2zh7bQkzMDelta force theme Indy 500: https://youtu.be/CSzgwCql_mo?si=X8_eZQgvLUNhRwEDSam Posey: https://youtu.be/8I7gKuoEMCM?si=1sXoeRtSeZh0tfLgBoom Baby: https://youtu.be/xRXScx4gsYk?si=zJkZ17XDiwCKuwZtWonder Indiana: https://blog.library.in.gov/wander-indiana-let-your-wanderin-spirit-come-on-thru/Mercer: https://youtu.be/oNWe8kqBRlg?si=rd-Kj6oW_TncPaUPLehigh: https://youtu.be/06c1eOgZQeo?si=xuptNn-XPkR55hFZOceans 11: https://youtu.be/imm6OR605UI?si=lFwM-60fR4Glp8zMOriginal Oceans 11: https://youtu.be/ppVby97BNiw?si=xqTcDBbfNUbREbIbThe End (Beatles): https://youtu.be/12R4FzIhdoQ?si=HjosVjomRxmIgHqNHer Majesty (Beatles): https://youtu.be/12R4FzIhdoQ?si=EP5GhjVo9e0zeKEiMid Major Donor Article Insights from Top NIL Supporters at the Group of 5 LevelSeed RecordsRecords for every seed in March Madness from 1985 to 2025Mid Major Viability ArticleNo One Mourns the Mid-Majors: Can Mid-Major Schools Survive Under the House v. NCAA Settlement Agreement, or is College Athletics Destined to Downsize? — Kentucky Law JournalSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth dive into the chaotic world of the college basketball transfer portal, examining how it's reshaping rosters across the country and what strategies teams are employing in this new landscape.After celebrating Mike's milestone birthday and discussing the historic announcement of the first Villanova alum Pope, Bob and Mike jump into their analysis of how different programs are using the portal to rebuild, reload, or completely transform their teams.Portal Strategies and Team TransformationsBob and Mike analyze several programs that have taken different approaches to transfer portal recruitment:• Iowa: Under new coach Ben McCollum, they've essentially imported his successful Drake team, bringing in key players like Bennett Sturtz while implementing a dramatically different style from Fran McCaffrey's up-tempo approach• Illinois: Bruce Underwood is building what Mike calls "the Serbian junior national team," bringing in international talent including Andre Cekovic (Peja Stojakovic's son) and the Tshiebwe brothers• Louisville: After struggling last season, they've addressed their shooting deficiencies by adding marksmen Isaac McNeely and Ryan Conwell to complement their incoming freshman stars• St. John's: Rick Pitino has assembled what could be "an Elite Eight level starting lineup just from the portal," showcasing how quickly a roster can be transformed• Purdue: Despite losing Cam Heide and Ethan Morton, they've maintained continuity around their core of Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and promising international talentThey also discuss how some programs like North Carolina and Baylor have been gutted by portal departures, highlighting the double-edged nature of this new era in college basketball.Indiana's New-Look RosterThe final segment focuses on Indiana's roster under new coach Darren DeVries:• DeVries has prioritized shooting ability, building a roster where "nine of these ten guys are pretty solid definitely in that 35-ish percent or above range" from three-point range• Players like Lamar Wilkerson, Tucker DeVries, and Tayton Conerway bring complementary skills that should create better spacing and more dynamic offensive possibilities• Bob and Mike discuss potential lineup combinations, with Conerway and Connor Enright potentially sharing point guard duties, Reed Bailey anchoring the frontcourt, and shooters spreading the floor• Unlike previous IU teams that appeared "robotic" on offense, they expect this group to play with more flow and freedom while maintaining defensive intensity• They highlight the coaching staff's recruiting connections, particularly Kenny Johnson and Rod Clark's ties to elite AAU programs in the talent-rich "golden crescent" from the Northeast through the SouthThis entertaining and insightful episode provides a comprehensive look at how the transfer portal is reshaping college basketball, with particular focus on what it means for Indiana's future under Coach DeVries.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bob and Mike welcome Andy Bottoms from The Assembly Call to discuss the evolving world of bracketology and what the 2025 NCAA Tournament reveals about the future of college basketball.This episode offers an insider's perspective on how bracketologists approach their craft, the metrics that matter most to the selection committee, and why the drama of bubble teams captures the public's imagination in ways similar to reality television.The conversation explores how conference realignment has fundamentally altered tournament selection, creating a widening gap between power conferences and mid-majors.Segment 1: The Rise of Bracketology as a Cultural PhenomenonAndy explains that bracketology has exploded in popularity partly because the selection process has become more data-driven and terminology has worked its way into mainstream broadcasts (7:00)Mike theorizes bracketology taps into the same psychological appeal as reality TV shows – the drama of inclusion and exclusion captures audience attention (19:00)The committee's increasing transparency through regular updates has transformed selection from a one-day event into a season-long narrative (20:30)Andy describes his process, noting the challenge isn't just analyzing metrics but predicting how a committee of 12 people will interpret them (28:00)Segment 2: Power Conference Dominance and Mid-Major DisadvantagesThe 2025 tournament saw all four #1 seeds reach the Final Four, potentially reinforcing the committee's tendency to favor power conference teams (10:00)Andy expresses disappointment with how top mid-majors like Drake were treated on the seed list, noting how close they came to missing the tournament entirely despite outstanding seasons (59:00)Viewership for the 2025 tournament increased dramatically (approximately 20%), creating incentives for the committee to continue favoring matchups between power conference teams (67:00)Discussion of how conference realignment has made it nearly impossible for mid-majors to build nationally competitive programs as their best players get poached through the transfer portal (67:00)Segment 3: Analytics and Future ImplicationsThe committee's use of metrics has evolved, with predictive analytics (like KenPom and Torvik) becoming increasingly influential in tournament selection (36:00)Teams now have to consider margin of victory in early-season games, creating a difficult balance between building their metrics and managing player minutes (42:00)Andy evaluates whether the chalky 2025 tournament was a blip or trend, suggesting mid-major disadvantages will continue while the dominance of #1 seeds might be an aberration (89:00)Debate about tournament expansion concludes that while it might benefit mid-majors, it would likely dilute the competitive quality and drama that makes March Madness special (94:00)The episode provides valuable insight into how the modern selection process works while questioning whether the system is becoming too tilted toward power conferences. As the hosts note, the fundamental challenge remains the same: win games, beat good teams decisively, and build a strong enough resume to impress both the metrics and committee members.On the mics: Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth with Andy Bottoms (The Assembly Call)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 29 offers a comprehensive analysis of Mike Woodson's four-year tenure as Indiana University's basketball coach, examining the factors behind his hiring, the challenges he faced, and the broader implications for college basketball coaching searches at traditional powerhouse programs.Hosts Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth are joined by Josh Burton of Everything College Basketball to discuss how Woodson's departure represents a cautionary tale about bringing NBA coaches without college experience to the collegiate level, while also exploring how the transfer portal era is reshaping basketball programs at all levels.Segment 1: The Challenge of NBA-to-College Coaching TransitionsNBA-to-college coaching transitions have a mixed track record (Penny Hardaway, Juwan Howard, Mike Woodson), with most struggling to adapt to the complexities of the college gameThe college coaching environment requires significantly different skills than the NBA: recruiting, player development, NIL management, and relating to much younger athletesCollege basketball demands systems that maximize less developed players, while NBA coaching often assumes elite talent that can create their own opportunitiesWoodson faced a substantial age gap (often 40+ years) with his players, creating challenges in connecting with and developing young talentThe role of a college coach as GM, recruiter, and developer requires much more multifaceted skills than NBA coaching positionsSegment 2: The Woodson Era's Strategic FailuresWoodson's offensive system remained rooted in outdated basketball philosophy, featuring two traditional bigs clogging the paint rather than adapting to modern spacing conceptsIndiana consistently ranked among the nation's worst in three-point attempt rate (321st, 350th, 351st, and 321st in his four seasons)Several talented guards (Tamar Bates, Kalib Banks, CJ Gunn) transferred away from Indiana and flourished elsewhere in systems that maximized their skillsWoodson's inability to adapt his system to modern basketball led to predictable offensive struggles against teams that employed drop coverage defenseWoodson's reliance on Trayce Jackson-Davis' individual brilliance masked tactical shortcomings early in his tenureSegment 3: Recruiting Challenges and Program DirectionWhile Woodson improved Indiana's recruiting profile compared to the Archie Miller era, he struggled to land elite guards after early success with Jalen Hood-SchifinoWoodson went 0-for-31 on top-100 guard offers after Hood-Schifino committedNotable recruiting misses including Braelon Mullens, Liam McNeely, and Boogie Fland severely limited Indiana's ceilingThe center-focused offensive style likely deterred elite guards from committing to IndianaWoodson's alleged lack of effort in recruitment (reportedly going months without contacting five-star in-state recruit Braelon Mullens) reflected broader questions about his commitment to the modern demands of college coachingSegment 4: Legacy and Lessons for Blue Blood ProgramsWoodson's tenure represents a transitional period that did leave the program in somewhat better shape than he found it (went 2-2 against Purdue after Archie Miller went 0-7)Never had a losing season, made two NCAA tournaments, and raised Indiana's recruiting profileTraditional programs like Indiana must be willing to take bold coaching risks rather than "safe" options to return to elite statusThe transfer portal era makes program rebuilding potentially faster but requires coaches who fully embrace modern basketball philosophy and recruitingIndiana and other blue blood programs risk continued decline and fan apathy if they don't adapt to the changing landscape of college basketballThis episode provides a thoughtful examination of how the transition from NBA to college coaching often fails due to fundamental differences in the required skill sets and approaches. The discussion highlights how college basketball's evolution demands coaches who can adapt to modern offensive principles, navigate the transfer portal era effectively, and fully commit to the demanding schedule of recruiting.The conversation serves as a valuable case study for athletic directors and programs considering similar hires, emphasizing the importance of selecting coaches with a deep understanding of the college game's unique dynamics rather than relying solely on professional pedigree or alumni connections.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special live episode, hosts Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth break down Indiana's hiring of Darian DeVries as the program's 31st head basketball coach. The hosts dive into DeVries's background, coaching philosophy, and what Hoosier fans can expect moving forward with a mix of cautious optimism and analytical insight.The conversation explores DeVries's impressive track record at Drake (where he won 25 games per season at a program that averaged just 13 wins before his arrival) and his promising single season at West Virginia. The hosts examine his offensive and defensive systems, recruiting success, and why IU fans should be excited about the future while maintaining realistic expectations.What You'll Hear:Why DeVries's Drake teams overachieved compared to the program's historical averages by a remarkable marginHow DeVries runs a modern five-out offense that creates space, emphasizes ball movement, and generates quality three-point shotsDetails on his defensive approach that emphasizes ball pressure, communication, and disrupting passing lanesThe impact Tucker DeVries (his son and a potential transfer) could have on IU's rosterWhy DeVries might be able to turn the program around quickly with Indiana's NIL resourcesThis episode strikes a balance between enthusiasm for the future and an understanding that championship-level success takes time. As the hosts point out, DeVries wasn't necessarily on many fans' radar initially, but his track record of program-building and ability to win immediately at both Drake and West Virginia make him an intriguing hire for a program looking to return to national prominence.Whether you're thrilled, skeptical, or somewhere in between about the hiring, this episode provides valuable context about what DeVries brings to Bloomington and what to watch for as he begins building his program at Indiana.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 27 offers a comprehensive year-in-review of the 2024-2025 college basketball season, examining both expected outcomes and surprising developments as the NCAA Tournament field is set.Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth analyze the shifting conference power dynamics, team regressions, and unexpected success stories while reflecting on what these patterns reveal about modern college basketball.Segment 1: Conference Consolidation and Power DynamicsThe SEC dominated the tournament field, with all but two conference teams making the tournament, reflecting a growing gap in athletic talent similar to football's development in the 1990sConference consolidation has created clear tiers of power, with the SEC and Big Ten at the top, followed by the Big 12 and ACCThe hosts discuss the "eye test" difference when watching SEC/Big 12 teams compared to other conferences, particularly in athleticism and physicalityTeams like Purdue and UConn experienced predictable regressions after losing transformative players like Zach Edey and Donovan ClinganSegment 2: Surprising PerformancesWisconsin transformed from a traditionally slow, methodical program to a high-scoring team averaging 80 points per gameLouisville under Pat Kelsey made a remarkable turnaround from 8-24 (185th in KenPom) to 27-7 (23rd in KenPom) and an 8-seedPenn State didn't make the expected leap under Mike Rhoades despite early promising signsKentucky, Michigan, and Louisville all exceeded expectations under new coaches despite initial fan skepticism about their hiresHouston became a more complete team by improving their offensive efficiency and three-point shooting while maintaining elite defenseSegment 3: Indiana's Season and Coaching ChangeIndiana finished on the wrong side of the NCAA Tournament bubble as the "first team out" after a disappointing 10-10 conference recordAnalysis of why highly-touted transfer guards Myles Rice and Kanaan Carlyle underperformed relative to statistical projectionsDiscussion of how roster construction and offensive system limited the team's ceiling despite having talented individual playersA brief discussion on the ongoing coaching search, noting that patience is important as the most successful coaching hires often come later in the cycleThis episode provides a thoughtful examination of how program building works in modern college basketball, illustrating how coaching, system fit, and player development determine which teams rise and fall each season.The discussion offers valuable context for understanding the cyclical nature of program success in an era of increased player movement and conference realignment.Links:The Cranberries - Zombie (Alt. Version)"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" - Gordon Lightfoot (HD w/ Lyrics)1985 Bears: The Greatest Defensive Season of All-Time! | Legendary TeamsWhy is Northern Ireland Obsessed with the Colour Orange?Ryan's Daughter (1970) TrailerJohn Andretti - 2009 Indianapolis 500 Bump Day Qualifying RunThe Dirty Dozen (1967) - Blowing The Chateau Scene (9/10) | MovieclipsTHE QUIET MAN ('52) | Final Fight Scene ☘️🤜Pipes and drums of the Irish guards new guard Irish guardsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In episode 26, hosts Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth welcome guest Ryan Phillips from The Assembly Call to discuss coaching search dynamics in college basketball, particularly focusing on Indiana’s current situation following Mike Woodson's departure announcement.Segment 1: The Wall of Sound and SilenceThe hosts explore the challenging information landscape during coaching searches, comparing it to "Schrodinger's cat" – everyone desperately wants to know what's happening inside a sealed box that won't be opened until an official announcement is made. This creates fertile ground for rumors, flight tracking, and what Bob calls "horse-farm theories."Ryan provides fascinating insider perspective on how reporters navigate these waters, sharing the rules he follows during searches and why information is always shared for a reason. The conversation reveals why back-channel communications might be happening now, but serious discussions typically don't heat up until conference tournaments begin.Segment 2: Cracking the CodeWhat separates successful coaching hires from disappointments? The hosts examine surprising data about coaching longevity across Division I and what it reveals about hiring practices. Mike introduces a particularly compelling statistical predictor that has shown remarkable consistency in forecasting which coaches succeed at championship levels – with only one exception since the 1960s.This leads to a thoughtful discussion about whether athletic directors should move more quickly on coaching changes in today's landscape. Ryan offers a compelling perspective on why programs like Indiana "can't afford to miss again" and the potential long-term consequences if they do.Segment 3: Indiana's Next MoveThe hosts exchange views on what Indiana should prioritize in its next coach, discussing specific candidates who might align with what they call the "theory of opposites." They debate the merits of coaches like Scott Drew and T.J. Otzelberger, with each host revealing their personal preferences.Ryan makes an intriguing prediction about the possibility of a completely unexpected hire, explaining why coaching moves that "come out of left field" are increasingly common in today's college basketball environment. The episode concludes with a tribute to actor Gene Hackman and his iconic portrayal of basketball coach Norman Dale in "Hoosiers."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of X's and Joe's, Bob and Mike explore how the 3-point shot has revolutionized basketball, examining its evolution from gimmick to fundamental strategy and its impact on modern offensive systems.Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth trace the history of the 3-point line from its origins in early professional leagues through its adoption across all levels of basketball, while analyzing how it has transformed everything from youth player development to collegiate offensive systems.The discussion is particularly timely given recent coaching changes at programs like Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan, where offensive philosophy and three-point shooting strategy may play a key role in future hires.Against the backdrop of increasing three-point frequency across college basketball (from 30% of shots in 2000 to nearly 40% in 2025), the hosts examine how spacing, penetration, and player development have evolved to maximize this offensive weapon.Segment 1: The Origins and Evolution of the Three-Point Shot:• Early implementation as a gimmick in the ABA and ABL leagues• Adoption timeline across professional, international and college basketball• Analysis of three-point frequency and efficiency trends over 25 years• Impact of rule changes like shot clock and three-point line distanceSegment 2: Player Development and Modern Offensive Strategy:• Changes in youth basketball development emphasizing perimeter skills• Influence of international players like Oscar Schmidt and Arvydas Sabonis• Importance of quick decision-making and catch-and-shoot mechanics• Evolution of transition offense and spacing concepts• Role of penetration in creating three-point opportunitiesSegment 3 and wrap up: Coaching Changes and Future Implications:• Discussion of how three-point philosophy may influence coaching hires• Analysis of recent changes at Kentucky and Michigan showing trend toward modern offenses• Examination of fan expectations regarding offensive style• Balance between three-point shooting and driving ability in modern systemsReferences:1987 Pan American Basketball Final Brasil vs UsaHow Good Was Arvydas Sabonis Actually?COOPER DEJEAN PICK SIX IN THE SUPER BOWL Louie Dampier Career HighlightsNBA initially hated the 3-point shot when ABA first introduced it at the start of 1967–68 season1988 Olympics Basketball Semifinal USA 76 USSR 82See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 24 of Xs and Joes, hosted by Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth, explores the complex dynamics of program expectations in college basketball, with special guest Jerod Morris of The Assembly Call.The discussion examines how expectations are formed, managed, and evolve in modern college athletics, using Indiana basketball as a primary case study while drawing broader insights about fan psychology and program management.Segment 1: Formation of ExpectationsHow expectations are established through program history and leadershipDifferences in expectations across various levels of competitionRole of program leadership in setting the tone and standardsImpact of tradition on fan expectations and program identitySegment 2: Modern ChallengesEvolution of fan-program relationship in social media eraImpact of NIL on program-fan dynamicsBreakdown of traditional barriers between fans and playersBalance between maintaining standards and showing patienceImportance of program identity and "non-negotiables"Segment 3: Managing ExpectationsAnalysis of high-profile programs' unique challengesNeed for clear program vision and communicationBalance between high standards and realistic goalsRole of coaches in shaping and managing fan expectationsImportance of program identity in maintaining fan supportThe episode offers valuable insights into how successful programs navigate the challenges of high expectations while adapting to modern college athletics' changing landscape.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.