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Rewatch Prepper: Indiana vs Kent State on March 23, 2002

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This is the fourth in our series of posts that “preview” notable NCAA Tournament games in Indiana’s storied history. These are companion posts for our live rewatch series that we are doing in place of the cancelled 2020 NCAA Tournament.

Today, we will preview the Elite 8 matchup of the 2002 NCAA Tournament — the game after Indiana’s epic comeback against Duke: Indiana, the #5 seed in the South Region, against Kent State, the #10 seed in the South Region.

The live rewatch and postgame show for the IU-Kent State game takes place on Sunday, March 29th at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. (Click here to access the YouTube replay of the game.)

Photo: Indiana University Archives

Breaking down the matchup:

Indiana (23-11) vs. Kent State (30-5) 

Coaches:

  • Indiana- Mike Davis (2nd season)
  • Oklahoma- Stan Heath (1st season)

Last matchup: 

Indiana lost to Kent State during the opening round of the previous year’s tournament in 2001, 77-73.

Indiana probable starters:

  • G. Dane Fife (Sr.)
  • G. Tom Coverdale (Jr.)
  • G. Kyle Hornsby (Jr.)
  • F. Jared Jeffries (Soph.)
  • F. Jarrad Odle (Sr.)

Kent State probable starters:

  • G. Andrew Mitchell (Sr.)
  • G. Demetric Shaw (Sr.)
  • F. Trevor Huffman (Sr.)
  • F. Eric Thomas (Sr.)
  • F. Antonio Gates (Jr.)

Indiana game notes:

The Hoosiers finished tied for first in Big Ten play, clinching their first conference championship since 1993. Entering today’s game, Indiana is riding a wave of emotion after taking down #1 seed Duke Blue Devils on Thursday night, 74-73.

In their first two round matchups, IU defeated Utah (75-56) and UNC-Wilmington (76-67). Should Indiana defeat Kent State, the Hoosiers would reach their first NCAA Final Four in 10 years.

Kent State game notes:

Stan Heath’s first season at Kent State has been nothing but memorable as their 30-win season is the highest mark in school history. The Golden Flashes took care of business in the Mid-American Conference going 17-1 overall.

NCAA Tournament victories over Oklahoma State (69-61), Alabama (71-58), and Pittsburgh (78-73) have led Kent State to their first ever Elite Eight appearance.

What to expect — Indiana:

Indiana is led by Big Ten Player of the Year Jared Jeffries, and his inside-outside scoring threat will cause matchup problems for the undersized Golden Flashes, who must also watch for kickouts to Kyle Hornsby and Tom Coverdale, both of which can get hot from downtown.

The Hoosiers committed 23 turnovers against Duke. A repeat of this could drastically hinder Indiana’s chances to reach Atlanta.

Defensively, Indiana must deny Trevor Huffman’s looks early, while also not forgetting about interior scorer Antonio Gates who scored 22 points in Kent State’s win Thursday over Pitt.

What to expect — Kent State:

The Golden Flashes are not the deepest team in the field, so keeping their starters out of foul trouble will be key. 

Antonio Gates may be undersized, but has the ability to create his own shots around the rim making him a threat. Trevor Huffman and Andrew Mitchell are both capable shooters, but have lacked consistency at times during the season.

Indiana’s interior size poses challenges to Kent State, but this is a hurdle that Stan Heath has been able to work around all season.

Result

If you want to know the result of the game and see the box score, click here.

Rewatch Prepper: Indiana vs Louisville on March 25, 1993

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This is the third in our series of posts that “preview” notable NCAA Tournament games in Indiana’s storied history. These are companion posts for our live rewatch series that we are doing in place of the cancelled 2020 NCAA Tournament.

Today, we will preview the Sweet 16 matchup of the 1993 NCAA Tournament: Indiana, the #1 seed in the Midwest Region, against Louisville, the #4 seed in the Midwest Region.

The live rewatch and postgame show for the IU-Louisville game takes place on Friday, March 27th at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. (Click here to access the YouTube replay of the game.)

Photo: Indiana University Archives

Breaking down the matchup:

Indiana (30-3) vs. Louisville (22-8)

Coaches:

  • Indiana: Bob Knight (22nd season)
  • :Louisville: Denny Crum (20th season)

Last matchup: 

Indiana defeated the Cardinals 72-52 on December 1, 1990 as part of the “Big Four Classic” held at the Hoosier Dome.

Indiana probable starters:

  • G. Chris Reynolds (Sr.)
  • G. Greg Graham (Sr.)
  • G. Damon Bailey (Jr)
  • F. Calbert Cheaney (Sr.)
  • F. Matt Nover (Sr.)

Louisville probable starters:

  • G. James Brewer (Sr.)
  • G. Greg Minor (Jr.)
  • F. Troy Smith (Sr.)
  • F. Dwayne Morton (Jr.)
  • C. Clifford Rozier (Soph.)

Indiana game notes: 

The Hoosiers enter the game at 30-3 overall. Indiana went through Big Ten conference play nearly unscathed with a 17-1 record overall, losing only at Ohio State on February 23rd. IU’s 1993 Big Ten conference record is the best overall conference mark since Indiana’s 1976 squad went a perfect 18-0.

The Hoosiers were dealt a major blow on February 19th as starting center Alan Henderson went down with a season-ending knee injury. Whether or not Indiana can sustain a deep run in the NCAA Tournament without Henderson is the major question.

In their first and second round matchups, the top-ranked of the Midwest Region defeated the likes of Wright State (97-54) and Xavier (73-70).

Louisville game notes: 

The Cardinals enter the game at 22-8 overall. Their 11-1 Metro Conference record clinched regular season title honors, and Louisville would go on to win their conference tournament as well. Louisville defeated Delaware (76-70) in their NCAA Tournament opening round matchup, then went on to beat Oklahoma State 78-63 in the Round of 32.

What to expect — Indiana:

The veteran cast features four starting seniors led by All-American and National POY candidate Calbert Cheaney. If the shots are falling for Cheaney, this could be a long night for Louisville.

Not to be overlooked are guards Greg Graham and Damon Bailey who have the ability to light it up from outside. Matt Nover, Indiana’s starting big man, must stay out of foul trouble if the Hoosiers are hoping to move on to the Elite Eight.

What to expect — Louisville: 

The Cardinals bring a balanced scoring attack to the contest with Dwayne Morton and big man Clifford Rozier leading the way. If Rozier can get plenty of touches early and attack Indiana’s interior defense, Louisville may have a shot at the top-ranked Hoosiers. Containing a scoring threat like Indiana’s Calbert Cheaney will be difficult. Look for Dwayne Morton to be tabbed with the defensive assignment on Cheaney.

Result

If you want to know the result of the game and see the box score, click here.

Rewatch Prepper: Indiana vs LSU on March 21, 1992

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This is the second in our series of posts that “preview” notable NCAA Tournament games in Indiana’s storied history. These are companion posts for our live rewatch series that we are doing in place of the cancelled 2020 NCAA Tournament.

Today, we will preview the second round (Round of 32) matchup of the 1998 NCAA Tournament: Indiana, the #2 seed in the West Region, against LSU, the 7th seed in the East Region.

The live rewatch and postgame show for the IU-LSU game takes place on Sunday, March 21st at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. (Click here to access the YouTube replay of the game.)

Photo: IU Archives

Breaking down the matchup:

Indiana (24-6) vs. LSU (21-9)

Coaches:

  • Indiana: Bob Knight (21st season)
  • LSU: Dale Brown (20th season)

Last matchup: 

Indiana defeated LSU in the 1987 NCAA Tournament Midwest regional finals, 77-76. Many wonder if enough water has run under the bridge between Bob Knight and Dale Brown since that matchup five years ago.

The two have never been overly fond of each other, with Brown overly critical of Knight’s behavior during much of the 1987 contest between the two schools. Both coaches insist that the past is the past and that they are ready to focus on the game at hand.

Indiana probable starters:

  • G. Chris Reynolds (Jr.)
  • G. Damon Bailey (Soph)
  • F. Calbert Cheaney (Jr.)
  • F. Alan Henderson (Soph)
  • F. Matt Nover (Jr.)

LSU probable starters:

  • G. Maurice Williamson (Fr.)
  • G. Jamie Brandon (Fr.)
  • F. Clarence Ceasar (Fr.)
  • F. Vernel Singleton (Sr.)
  • C. Shaquille O’Neal (Jr.)

Indiana game notes:

The Hoosiers dropped two of their final three Big Ten contests to settle for second place in conference play, one game behind Ohio State. Indiana earned a 2-seed in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament, destroying Eastern Illinois in the first round, 94-55. Alan Henderson led five Hoosiers in double-figures with 19 points.

LSU game notes:

The Tigers finished 2nd in the SEC West division to finish the conference regular season. In SEC Tournament play, LSU downed Tennessee 99-89, then would go on to lose their second round game to Kentucky, 80-74. LSU would earn the 7th seed in the West Region and defeat BYU in their opening round matchup, 94-83.

What to expect — Indiana:

It’s no surprise that Indiana must do its best to limit the touches and scoring opportunities of LSU’s 7’1 All-American center, Shaquille O’Neal. Whether Matt Nover, Alan Henderson, or even Eric Anderson draw the assignment of guarding O’Neal, all must be able to stay out of foul trouble for the Hoosiers to have a chance to win. Knight has referred to O’Neal as “the most effective center since UCLA’s Bill Walton.”

The Hoosiers must ride on the consistent play of silky smooth forward Calbert Cheaney, who has been IU’s primary scoring threat all season. Dumping the ball down low to Henderson will be pivotal as well in hopes of getting O’Neal into early foul trouble.

What to expect — LSU: 

The storyline all season with the Tigers has been going inside to the seemingly unstoppable O’Neal. Expect more of the same going into this contest.

In LSU’s NCAA first round matchup against BYU, O’Neal went for 26 points, 13 rebounds, and a NCAA Tournament record 11 blocks. Should Indiana double down on O’Neal, expect a kickout to three-point threat Maurice Williamson or capable shooter Clarence Ceasar.

A big question mark will be the status of senior starter Vernel Singleton who has been dealing with flu-like symptoms since the BYU game on March 19th.

Result

If you want to know the result of the game and see the box score, click here.

Also, considering listening to the Hoosier Hysterics episode with Matt Nover, during which he discusses what it was like guarding O’Neal … his future castmate on Blue Chips.

Rewatch Prepper: Indiana vs Oklahoma on March 12, 1998

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This is the first in a series of posts that will “preview” notable NCAA Tournament games in Indiana’s storied history. These are companion posts for our live rewatch series that we are doing in place of the cancelled 2020 NCAA Tournament.

Today, we will preview the opening round matchup of the 1998 NCAA Tournament: Indiana, the 7th seed in the East Region, against Oklahoma, the 10th seed in the East Region.

The live rewatch and postgame show for the IU-Oklahoma game takes place on Friday, March 20th and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. (Click here to access the YouTube replay of the game.)

IU Archives

Breaking down the matchup

Indiana (19-11) vs. Oklahoma (22-10)

Coaches:

  • Indiana: Bob Knight (27th season)
  • Oklahoma- Kelvin Sampson (4th season)

Last matchup: Indiana defeated Oklahoma 63-49 in the 1983 NCAA first round.

Indiana probable starters:

  • G. A.J. Guyton (Soph)
  • G. Michael Lewis (Soph)
  • G. Luke Recker (Fr.)
  • F. William Gladness (Jr.)
  • F. Andrae Patterson (Sr.)

Oklahoma probable starters:

  • G. Corey Brewer (Sr.)
  • G. Michael Johnson (Jr.)
  • F. Ryan Humphrey (Fr.)
  • F. Robert Allison (Sr.)
  • C. Evan Wiley (Sr.)

Indiana game notes:

The Hoosiers finished tied for third (with Iowa) in Big Ten Conference play, dropping their final three contests to Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa. In the inaugural Big Ten Tournament, the Hoosiers took care of business in their opener against Ohio State, 78-71, but would fall to arch-rival Purdue in the second round 76-71. 

Clouding the outlook heading into the NCAA Tournament was the uncertainty surrounding coach Bob Knight. A $10,000 fine or one-game suspension loomed stemming from Knight’s post-game comments criticizing the officiating during the home game against Illinois on February 24th. Knight received three technical fouls and a subsequent ejection from official Ted Valentine regarding Knight going on the floor to check on injured Hoosier Luke Recker. Knight ended up paying the $10,000 fine to avoid not being on the bench for the NCAA match-up vs. Oklahoma.

Indiana is looking to win their first opening round game of the NCAA Tournament since 1994.

Oklahoma game notes:

The Sooners finished tied for second (with Oklahoma St.) in Big 12 Conference play. Winners of 17 of their last 23 games, Oklahoma reached the finals of the Big 12 Tournament and led Kansas, the top seed in the NCAA Midwest Region, half-way through the second half before falling 72-58. Oklahoma has rebounded nicely this season, bouncing back from a 6th place finish in the Big 12 a season prior.

What to expect — Indiana: 

Following the departure of big man Jason Collier nine games into the season, the Hoosier front-line has thinned out considerably. Senior Andrae Patterson will be expected to continue as a low scoring necessity to balance out the backcourt threats of A.J. Guyton and Luke Recker. JUCO transfer William Gladness will need to have a solid rebounding game around Oklahoma’s front line.

What to expect — Oklahoma: 

Sooner success has ridden all season long on the back of All-American candidate Corey Brewer. Look for Indiana’s Michael Lewis to be given the defensive assignment in limiting Brewer’s looks. Big man Evan Wiley can be a scoring threat down low as well, but will need to stay out of foul trouble at the other end of  the floor. 

The Sooners are one of the best teams in the country at getting to the foul line, a stat that will be key if Oklahoma is to beat Indiana.

Result

If you want to know the result of the game and see the box score, click here.

An Overlooked Title: The Story of the 1966-67 Hoosiers

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When an IU fan reflects on the historical success of the Indiana University basketball program, many seasons come to mind, most notably the five national title seasons (1940, 1953, 1976, 1981, and 1987). If you were to review Big Ten title seasons, one in particular might easily be overlooked.

The Hoosiers of 1966-67. Photo: courtesy of Indiana University Archives.

The 1966-67 Indiana Hoosiers basketball squad was in many ways unique: it would be the only Big Ten title team during the Lou Watson coaching era (1965-1971). Watson, a former player under IU coaching legend Branch McCracken, went on to succeed his college coach in the fall of 1965. McCracken had decided to retire following the 1964-65 season after 24 seasons in Bloomington.

Watson’s first season (’65-’66) was a disappointment, as the Hoosiers finished in the cellar of the Big Ten and had an overall record of 8-16. One could argue that this result was to be somewhat expected given the circumstances of Watson having to replace someone like McCracken. Nevertheless, Hoosier fans were hoping for a vast improvement for Watson’s second season.

Two players would stand out as returning juniors in 1966-67: Vernon Payne of Michigan City and Butch Joyner out of New Castle. Players in this era were still barred from freshmen eligibility, but both individuals had shown great ability on the court as sophomores. Payne averaged 14.2 ppg and Joyner averaged 12.4 ppg.

Guard Vernon Payne would provide quickness and a great jump shot as the floor leader for Coach Lou Watson. Photo: courtesy of Indiana University Archives.

Pre-conference play resulted in a respectable 6-3 record. This included a trip to the Far West Classic, a throwback to the McCracken era. The Hoosiers showed signs of brilliant play during the pre-Big Ten season, but consistency remained an issue. The conference opener against Iowa demonstrated this. Down by as many as 12 points in the first half, the Hoosiers were not able to stop a barrage of Hawkeye scorers en route to an 84-73 loss.

The Big Ten home opener against Minnesota would right the ship as Indiana overwhelmed a weaker Golden Gophers squad 83-68. Butch Joyner led all scorers with 23 points, while Erv Inniger, a senior and native of Berne, Indiana, added 13 points. The victory over Minnesota was the first of six straight victories, five against conference foes (IU also defeated DePaul on January 30th, 72-70). During this winning stretch, the Hoosiers found themselves winning comfortably in the friendly confines of the IU Fieldhouse, but barely escaped with single-digit victories at Ohio State and at Minnesota.

The January 10, 1967 edition of the Kokomo Morning Times highlighted IU’s first conference victory of the season.

Indiana entered the month of February atop the Big Ten conference standings at 5-1. But the six-game winning streak came to an end at Michigan State on February 13th as the Hoosiers were no match for the Spartans, losing 86-77. IU would bounce back though, winning its next two games at Northwestern and at home against Illinois. Five Hoosiers scored in double-figures in the victory over Illinois, led by Vern Payne with 22 points, senior Bill Russell (from Columbus, Indiana) with 19, and Butch Joyner with 16.

Indiana once again saw themselves atop the Big Ten conference standings at 7-2, one game ahead of Michigan State. With five games remaining, it was anyone’s race for the conference crown. As Big Ten play rolled along, Coach Lou Watson recognized the improvement over the season prior: “I suffered through last year, but we are making progress. We don’t have a super star, but we have a fine bunch of hustling kids and they work well together.”

A shooting shirt used during the 1966-67 season.

The rematch against Iowa at home on February 25th proved to be the heartbreaker game of the season, as the Hoosiers would be nipped in OT 75-74. Iowa’s Gerry Jones grabbed a rebound and scored the go-ahead basket with 12 seconds remaining. Indiana would bounce back, narrowly, defeating a depleted Michigan squad (UM super star Cazzie Russell had graduated in 1966) in Ann Arbor, 98-96. Indiana’s lead in the Big Ten standings remained at one game with three games remaining in the season.

A pivotal matchup against Illinois in Champaign on March 4th was next for the Hoosiers, and a Big Ten title was to be had.

Illinois, which had been dealing with numerous off-the-court issues involving a slush fund scandal for paying basketball players that was finally revealed in December of 1966, emerged victorious over the Hoosiers 80-70. The crushing loss put Indiana and Michigan State into a tie atop the conference standings with three other Big Ten foes only one game behind. The Hoosiers would have to take care of business with the final two games of the season at home against Michigan and Purdue.

The March 6th matchup against Michigan truly tested the will of Indiana, and its ability to grind out a victory. Trailing at one point by ten to the last place Wolverines, the Hoosiers clawed their way back to a 96-90 win in a game that saw eight lead changes and ten ties. Free-throw shooting proved to be crucial down the stretch for Indiana as Vernon Payne, Bill Russell, and Butch Joyner hit eight total down to secure the win.

Arch-rival Purdue closed out the regular season for Indiana, who remained tied for first place with Michigan State in the Big Ten conference standings. If the Hoosiers could beat the Boilermakers, they would be crowned Big Ten champs for the first time since 1958 and be headed to the NCAA Tournament. (A Big Ten rule at the time declared that should a tie happen in the conference standings at season’s end, the team with the most recent NCAA appearance would not receive the bid for that year. Needless to say, so much was riding on this Purdue game.)

A ticket stub from the Indiana-Purdue home game of 1967.

Purdue, who came to Bloomington winners of five of their last seven games, gave the Hoosiers a true test, including a late rally that almost spoiled the hopes of Hoosier Nation. Led by Butch Joyner’s 22 points, Indiana prevailed 95-82. The victory brought Indiana’s overall record to 17-7 on the year, 10-4 in conference play, for a share of the Big Ten title with Michigan State; and it sent the Hoosiers to the NCAA Tournament for only the second time in 23 years.

IU would face Virginia Tech in the opener of the NCAA Tournament Mideast Regional in Evanston, Illinois. Despite being the favorite going into the game, the Hoosiers struggled mightily on the offensive end going 14 of 29 from the foul line. Leading scorer Butch Joyner was held to only 14 points. In the end, the Hokies advanced with a 79-70 victory.  Indiana would win the regional third place game (this would ultimately be phased out by the NCAA in 1981) over Tennessee 51-44, but the Hurryin’ Hoosiers season had come to a close.

The Lou Watson era is not defined by many high points. While his career winning percentage hovered just around 52% (65-60 overall), four of his six seasons in Bloomington found the Hoosiers in last place in conference play. While the 1966-67 squad may not stand out in terms of dominance like that of the 1975-76 team, Watson’s bunch became known for its “team-oriented” approach, and brought a time for celebration on the hardwood, even for just a brief moment.

**Historical note** With the Indiana football team claiming a share of the Big Ten title, 1967 is the only year in IU sports history where the football and basketball programs were both champions of the Big Ten.

Hoosier Spotlight: Landon Turner

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Landon Turner’s 1980-81 season game used jersey.

The triumphant culmination of the 1980-81 season, which resulted in Indiana’s fourth overall NCAA basketball championship, was one that at many points during the season seemed unattainable.

The Hoosiers got off to a sluggish 7-5 record prior to Big Ten play, including losing to the likes of Clemson and Texas Pan-American. Entering Big Ten play, even with talented players like Isiah Thomas, Ray Tolbert, Randy Wittman, and Jim Thomas, the Hoosiers lacked consistency.

One individual who had seen more time on the bench than action on the floor for much of the season was junior forward Landon Turner. As it turned out, Turner was actually the key to Indiana’s success all along.

Turner’s IU Journey Begins

Landon Turner arrived in Bloomington in the fall of 1978 out of Indianapolis’ Arsenal Tech High School as part of a four-player recruiting class that included three other Indiana natives: Ted Kitchel, Randy Wittman, and Steve Reish.

Turner, like many players of that era, had reservations initially about playing for coach Bob Knight. Decorated as a McDonald’s All-American, Turner’s skill and athleticism on the basketball floor were expected to transition well under the tutelage of Knight.

However, Turner would quickly find himself in coach Bob Knight’s doghouse as one of five players who were discovered to have allegedly used marijuana during a pre-conference tournament in Alaska. In the end, with three team members being dismissed (Tommy Baker, Don Cox, and Jim Roberson), Turner would remain on the squad and be placed on probation. 

Despite that early obstacle during his freshman season, and playing largely in a supportive role, Turner averaged 5.5 ppg along with 3.4 rpg as a member of the 1979 NIT title team that went 22-12 overall.

Sophomore Season

The 1979-80 season was one of the “what could have been” seasons in the history of the program. The Hoosiers entered the season with a preseason #1 rank and were a favorite to a win the NCAA title. With heralded newcomer Isiah Thomas added into the mix with returnees Mike Woodson, Randy Wittman, Ray Tolbert, and Landon Turner, the Hoosiers were anticipating hanging banner number four in Assembly Hall.

Turner’s production was expected to increase during his sophomore campaign, especially after the loss of Wittman (foot injury during the Kentucky game) and Woodson (who would need back surgery after struggling to play during through Toledo game).

With Indiana down two key players, the outlook against their next opponent on December 22, North Carolina, was bleak. The Hoosiers gave everything they had, but fell 61-57. Turner, coming off the bench, had his best performance of the season with 13 points and six rebounds.

Landon Turner receives instruction from head coach Bob Knight during the North Carolina game, December 22, 1979. Photo: Indiana University Archives.

Despite having the ability to make impacts in games throughout the 1979-80 season, Knight was becoming frustrated with Turner’s lackadaisical approach on the court — and even more so, in the classroom. Turner himself, in a 20/20 interview that aired in the early 1990s, admitted that his attitude toward studying and classes was not where it should have been during most of his IU career.

A fan following the team during Turner’s sophomore season may have seen the potential there for stellar play, such as when Turner held Purdue big man Joe Barry Carroll to only 11 points in IU’s 69-58 win on January 26, 1980. That same fan, however, would see how prone to foul trouble Turner could be throughout Big Ten play.

All in all, in one of the most memorable seasons in IU history — when the Hoosiers overcame major injury setbacks en route to a Big Ten title — Turner’s overall production continued to increase (7.4 ppg and 4.4 rpg). Still, Knight felt that Turner had yet to reach the potential that he had hoped for his 6’10” big man.

A 1979-80 team signed basketball.

Turner Finally Breaks Out

As Hoosier fans, most of us know the story of how the 1980-81 season began. A 7-5 record through 12 games was, well, both surprising and concerning. And through Indiana’s ups and downs, there remained the inconsistency of now-junior Landon Turner.

Jim Crews, an Indiana assistant coach at the time, described Turner in stating, “He could be the most enjoyable player to coach and then the most frustrating.” Turner scored 15 points in a loss to Kentucky, 23 in a loss to Notre Dame, and 23 in a win over Baylor. Despite his ability to show his gifted talent on the floor, by the time Big Ten played rolled around, Turner once again seemed lost and in Knight’s doghouse.

Teammate Ray Tolbert would later say that Turner’s frustration at times with Knight had led him to the point of considering quitting the team. In the early part of conference play, Knight would have most likely been in agreement with this, and as a result, essentially gave Turner an ultimatum that he needed to take ownership of his play. Turner must have received the message loud and clear, as he played a pivotal role in Indiana’s dominant play in their last five Big Ten games — winning by an average of 13 points en route to defending as Big Ten champions.

Knight specifically commented on Turner’s change following their win over Ohio State: “Turner has made great strides in that it upsets him to make mistakes. When it upsets a player to make mistakes, he’s come a long way toward becoming a better player.”

Indiana’s 21-9 overall record awarded them a 3-seed in the Mideast Regional. If the Hoosiers could get by their first round opponent, Maryland, they would be awarded with playing essentially a home game, as IU’s Assembly Hall was a regional host site.

The Terrapins proved to be no match for Indiana and the now nearly unstoppable Landon Turner as IU cruised to a 99-64 win with Turner scoring 20 points. Indiana would once again dominate its next two opponents on their home court with victories over Alabama-Birmingham and St. Joseph’s (PA), the latter of which had upset Boston College to reach Indiana in the regional final. Landon Turner would lead all IU scorers with 14 in the St. Joe’s victory, which would propel IU to the Final Four in Philadelphia, an accomplishment considered improbable with the start of the season.

Landon Turner guards the inbounder during the NCAA regional game against St. Joseph’s, March 22, 1981. Photo: Indiana University Archives

With Turner in sync, Indiana continued to look unstoppable. In their semi-final matchup against LSU, the Hoosiers rolled to a 67-49 win behind Turner’s 20 points, earning MVP honors in the semi-final game. A Monday night showdown with North Carolina, who defeated the Hoosiers earlier in the season in Bloomington, stood in the way for Indiana to clinch its fourth overall NCAA title.

Sophomore Isiah Thomas dominated the contest, leading the Hoosiers with 23 points en route to a 63-50 win. Turner added 12 points and 6 rebounds. In reflecting on the victory, coach Bob Knight stated, “I’ve never seen a group of kids stay with a goal or work harder toward an end they had set for themselves. Never losing sight of the fact that they had to improve.” 

One could argue that the message emphasized the massive turnaround of Landon Turner, and how he found himself at the right time during the season to help dictate the success the Hoosiers would find. Isiah Thomas, reflecting on that faithful season years later, stated that without Turner’s play, the Hoosiers never would have won their title in ’81.

At the conclusion of the 1980-81 season, major changes were ahead with Indiana’s roster. Not only would four seniors be departing (Ray Tolbert, Steve Risley, Phil Isenbarger, and Glen Grunwald), but star sophomore guard Isiah Thomas would be leaving Indiana after two seasons for the NBA.

When Bob Knight sat down with Turner at season’s end to begin preparations for the 1981-82 season, one could assume that his message for his rising senior was clear: I need you to be the leader of this team. In addition to evaluating his upcoming senior year, many around the country began assessing Turner’s potential as a star at the professional level. 

The sky was the limit for Turner.

Tragedy and Perseverance

Unfortunately, Turner’s future as a basketball player, and his life altogether, would take a drastic turn on July 26, 1981. 

While en route to King’s Island with a group of friends, Turner lost control of his vehicle and crashed, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. It was a devastating, cruel blow to a young man’s promising future at Indiana and beyond. 

When Bob Knight called Turner’s parents to discuss his condition following accident, Knight was at a loss of words, a rare occurrence for The General. 

Support from all over the state would pour in following Turner’s car accident that would leave him paralyzed. Over $500,000 would be raised.

Even if Knight was speechless concerning his 6’10” center’s condition, he knew that his actions would speak volumes in assisting Turner however possible. Fundraisers and events all over the state of Indiana occurred in the fall of 1981 and beyond that would raise over $500,000 for assisting Turner moving forward. 

In a true show of class, knowing Turner’s basketball career was over, the Boston Celtics selected Turner in the 10th round of the 1981 NBA Draft. 

Despite not being able to be in the floor directly, Turner would never be a stranger to the IU program.  To this day, he’s a regular in the IU locker room, a fixture on the sidelines on for IU games, and a true symbol of perseverance.