I enjoy sports, it must be the former cheerleader in me. But, the only sport I have ever followed is Indiana University Men’s Basketball. I have been brainwashed by my dad about this team for as long as I can remember. However, when you live in Indiana that is to be expected. Basketball is tradition. As much as I love girly girl things I have been SO excited about sharing my love of IU basketball with you!  Let’s try and forget the fact that they didn’t make it to the big dance this year. That is a sore subject for IU fans. In the spirit of March Madness I thought it would be fun to reminisce about some of my IU basketball memories and favorites. If basketball isn’t your thing don’t worry…I’ll be back to crafts on Friday 🙂

Watching IU basketball has always been an experience for me. My family cheers, yells, jumps, claps, high-fives, talks to themselves, and runs around the house whooping and hollering after a great win. I wish we had videos of this. What a sight that would be! I wouldn’t have it any other way though. I still get chills thinking about some of the great wins we’ve had, like the Christian Watford buzzer beater (pictured above) against Kentucky in 2012.

I have enjoyed watching so many players over the years, but here are some of my absolute favorites.

There is so much to say about Calbert Cheaney. Some of his career highlights include being named National Player of the Year in 1993, and being IU’s all-time leading scorer, as well as the Big Ten’s. He was a class act, and is without a doubt one of the best players that IU has ever had.

Damon Bailey had Indiana basketball written all over him. He was recruited by Bob Knight as an 8th grader. He ranks in IU’s top ten for scoring, steals and assists. You can’t have an IU basketball player list without him. I had an autographed picture of him hanging in my bedroom for years. Memories!

Brian Evans wasn’t one of those guys that came to IU with outstanding expectations. But, he certainly became an outstanding player. He was a great all around player, and ended up leading the Big Ten in scoring his senior year – the first and only player under Bob Knight to do this.

I loved AJ! He had an awesome shot and was a good guy on and off the court. He ended his college career as the 4th leading scorer in IU’s history and was the Big Ten Player of the Year. I always thought he was so cute! He had such a great smile. He is definitely a player I would still love to meet someday!

I can still remember Kyle’s shot, it was a good one! Kyle was a senior at IU my freshman year. I remember running into him a few times and even got his autograph for my dad’s birthday. Yes, I was that annoying fan! But, he was always so nice and humble. I actually worked for Kyle’s wife Whitney when I was a senior at IU. They couldn’t be a nicer or cuter couple!

I don’t think anyone knew the impact Victor Oladipo would have on the IU Men’s Basketball program when he stepped onto the court his freshman year. I LOVED watching him play and have truly missed him this year. He was so much fun to watch. He would come out of nowhere and go up against anyone and make things happen. He certainly was a very animated player too, and had some great expressions. He will always be one of my favorites. Terrific athlete and guy!

My boyfriend….I mean Will Sheehey 🙂 makes me wish I was 22 again. Why couldn’t we have had more players like him when I went to IU!? Not only has he been fun to look at, it has also been fun to watch him play. He was IU’s 6th man last season for a reason. Will helped get our program back on track. I will miss watching him next year.

Last, but certainly not least, my favorite thing about IU Basketball history is this guy…..

I have so many great memories watching him coach. He made watching basketball fun! The things he did for IU, his players, and the game of basketball itself are noteworthy in my book. I hope he can be honored the way he should be one day.

Wasn’t that fun!? Thanks for reminiscing IU basketball with me!

Here’s hoping our program is back on the up again. Full of tradition and talent like we have experienced in the past. I have some killer ideas for a IU Basketball National Championship Party that I really would like to throw!!

Have a great Wednesday!