Getty Image / Dylan Buell
Indiana basketball is one of the most historic college hoops programs. The program is the biggest attraction in the basketball-crazy state.
And, the numbers speak for themselves. Indiana is 10th all-time in wins, and they have won five national titles. Legendary coach Bobby Knight prowled the sidelines there for 30 seasons, and their candy cane warm-up pants are absolutely iconic.
In a state where high school gyms are cathedrals packed to the brim multiple nights a week and the movie “Hoosiers” is nearly a religion, Indiana basketball is supposed to perform. But, it has not been living up to the standards of the fans. They made a national title appearance in 2002 under Mike Davis, but have not been back to the final four since. The Hoosiers have cycled through coaches since Knight was fired in 2000, but none have stuck. Currently, the team is coached by former NBA head coach Mike Woodson. Indiana made the NCAA tournament last year and had high expectations heading into this year. But, they’ve struggled to a 10-6 record.
Things hit rock bottom on Wednesday. The Hoosiers traveled to Happy Valley to take on Penn State, the opposite of a college basketball blue blood. But, the Nittany Lions beat the tar out of Indiana, 85-66, behind 18 made threes. It dropped the Hoosiers to a putrid 1-4 in the Big Ten, and will likely have them on the outside looking in for current NCAA tournament projections.
And, IU fans are fed up.
Basketball was a massive reason I chose to attend Indiana University. I literally put myself into crippling debt to support these BOZOS
— WBR (@W_B_Rick) January 12, 2023
The only way Penn State beats you is by battering you from the 3-point line. So was Indiana's gameplan to overplay the 3, not help off shooters and force them into the paint where you have an All-American rim protector?
Nope. #iubb
— Ryan Phillips (@RumorsandRants) January 12, 2023
I’m sorry this Indiana team stinks.
— Connor (@CMBCOYG_210) January 12, 2023
The team has given up honestly and Woodson seems to have lost them there is no drive anymore the fire is already gone
— Tyler Willis (@Tylerwillis21) January 12, 2023
Indiana has what may be an early-season must-win game at home against Wisconsin on Saturday.