Tom Crean discusses going on road for NIT, Indiana basketball fans, school administration
Tom Crean didn't want to go on the road in the 2017 NIT, but he didn't have a say in it.
"That was a decision that was made above me," the former Indiana basketball coach said Wednesday on "Query & Company" show on The Fan. "I'm still glad we got to play in the tournament. I wanted to play at home. There were certain parts that I understood, that we weren't going to have as many fans.
"You never give up a home game willingly, but I didn't have a leg to stand on."
IU played at Georgia Tech, lost, and Crean was soon fired.
Crean discussed his IU tenure, which included a 166-135 record and three Sweet 16 appearances. He joined IU in 2008 with probation looming and a gutted roster in the wake of Kelvin Sampson's tenure. The Hoosiers were sub-.500 for three years before returning to prominence.
He said his final three seasons proved difficult, even as the team remained competitive.
"I certainly didn't like how it ended, and I didn't like the stuff I had to deal with, especially the last three years," Crean said, without elaborating. "The last three were hard, at times harder, on a whole other level."
From earlier this week: Tom Crean sounds off on teams passing on NIT
From 2015: IU president addresses incidents involving players
Crean said he would not have minded a small crowd or some booing if IU had played at home during the 2017 NIT.
"I think you have to embrace it," he said. "Any booing or anything wasn't like anything I was dealing with, with the administration. That's the part that's hard."
Crean praised IU fans, and said he doesn't think their demanding nature makes for a toxic situation.
"There is nothing like it, when that place is rolling, and those fans are bringing that intimidation factor to the opponent," he said. "To get to those days, you have to go through some rough days."
Tom Crean on the transfer portal
The transfer portal opened Monday, one day after the NCAA Tournament field was revealed. Hundreds of players entered, some of whom could have been eligible to play in postseason events.
"The reality of the portal is, the date means very little," he said. "That's just when the announcements are made. There's stuff that's going on all year."
He said players now have negotiating arrangements similar to coaches.
"Numerous kids, higher percentages than you would believe ... people are negotiating for them right now, putting feelers out."
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Tom Crean on NIT, Indiana basketball fans, administration
