The Assembly Call Blog

This week on Assembly Call Radio, the speeding locomotive of our player preview train stops at Justin Smith. He’s not getting nearly as much hype this offseason as he was last offseason. Is that a mistake? There are plenty of indicators that suggest he could be due for a junior year breakout … but also some others that suggest caution is wise. We assess which direction we think is most likely for his junior season.

In addition, we discuss Trayce Jackson-Davis’ big first week as a Hoosier, celebrate the academic success of Indiana’s athletic department, discuss John Calipari’s comments on renewing the IU-Kentucky series, and then answer your questions about Indiana’s defense, Race Thompson, and the best Big Ten game for a road trip.

All of that and more on this week’s edition of Assembly Call Radio.

On the mics: Jerod, Andy, and Ryan

[Read more…] about AC Radio: Which Path Will Justin Smith’s Junior Season Take?

This week on Assembly Call Radio, we continue with our player profile series by looking at Rob Phinisee. He showed flashes of great promise last season wrapped around the debilitating effects of a concussion. How good can he be as a sophomore? And does Indiana’s success depend on it?

We also reflect a bit on Hoosier Hysteria, hold a moment of silence for Ryan’s bum ankle, and answer a bunch of your questions — including which hip hop artist we would invite to Hoosier Hysteria, what we think of Purdue’s decision to ban students and faculty from betting on Purdue events, how many Hoosiers we project to play 25% of minutes, and what moment in IU basketball we would change if given the chance.

And stick around after the radio show ends for another off-the-rails edition of AC After Dark that consists of Ryan debating the #ChatMob about the Kelvin Sampson hire and Jerod pulling up old audio from the infamous Jeremiah April Turnaround Jumper game.

All of that and more on this week’s edition of Assembly Call Radio.

On the mics: Jerod, Andy, and Ryan

[Read more…] about Is Rob Phinisee Ready to Be Indiana’s Offensive and Defensive Catalyst?

On Saturday afternoon, Indiana held its annual Hoosier Hysteria festivities. Immediately afterward, our crew discussed what they saw on this special edition of The Assembly Call IU Postgame Show.

On the mics: Jerod, Ryan, and Coach

Among the topics discussed:

— Trayce Jackson-Davis’ fantastic dunk contest tribute to Calbert Cheaney … and then the encouraging competitiveness he showed in the scrimmage.
— Jerome Hunter tantalizing everyone with his offensive skill during the scrimmage.
— Why it’s important to not take anything at Hoosier Hysteria too seriously.
— Damezi Anderson’s unique jumpshot.
— Ideas for how Indiana can improve Hoosier Hysteria. (Ryan has some really good ones.)
— Why Bill Self’s reaction to the Snoop Dogg controversy was so lame.
— Why the hell doesn’t Jerod play more drops of himself?

(Music provided by Bob Thompson — die-hard Hoosier fan and longtime Assembly Call listener.)

Listen to the podcast here:

Or watch the video:

[Read more…] about Hoosier Hysteria: Jerome Flashes His Skills and Trayce Respects His Elders

This week on Assembly Call Radio, we discuss Indiana’s newly minted captains, Devonte Green and Al Durham, and whether they are ready to provide the leadership and production Indiana will need from them this season.

We also react to Big Ten Media Day, preview Hoosier Hysteria, and answer a bunch of your questions.

All of that and more on this week’s edition of Assembly Call Radio.

On the mics: Jerod, Andy, and Ryan

[Read more…] about AC Radio: Are Devonte and Al Ready For Their Leading Roles?