This is Indiana.
This is basketball country.
It’s time for the state of Indiana to embrace its heritage and devote a weekend to Indiana colleges playing good ole’ Indiana basketball.
Since 2000, the John Wooden Tradition has taken place in mid-December at Conseco Fieldhouse. Because the late John Wooden played at Purdue, they have always been directly involved. Notre Dame has been a part of the tradition for two of the ten years. Indiana, just once.
That will all change. The Annual John Wooden Tradition is no more.
Even before John Wooden’s death on June 4th, the tournament lost its power.. Indianapolis and the state of Indiana was important to Coach Wooden which is why Indianapolis had the games in the first place. In the past few years however, the tournament has not thrived in this market. Not only was the tournament struggling with attendance, but teams were no longer interested and willing to play.
The format in the ten years of existence had been four teams, two games total. Last year, one team backed out and organizers could not find a last minute replacement. Instead they had high-school game after Purdue destroyed Ball State by 20.
The state of Indiana is blessed with tremendous basketball. So why not put its top college ranks on center stage?
The city just built the $720 million Lucas Oil Stadium. A basketball friendly arena. Lucas Oil Stadium is the ideal venue for the games. However Conseco Fieldhouse would make the most sense. The place would be jammed pack and loud.
There is no place better in the country to watch a basketball game. The Pacers and city argue who should pay for Conseco Fieldhouse expenses. This big weekend is another chance to show off this unique building while making good money.
It’s time basketball fans in the state come to the Circle City one weekend for fantastic games on the court.
The “Indiana Roundball Classic” would include the top 6 or 8 college teams in the state. The most important one being Indiana. Without the Hoosiers, the crowds will not be big enough to support the tournament. Butler has a small but rowdy fan base. And Purdue is more of a football school that lacks basketball support in Central Indiana.
The four teams involved every year: Indiana, Purdue, Butler, Notre Dame. Then the tournament organizers can choose between IUPUI, Ball State, Valparaiso, Evansville, Indiana State or even IPFW based on record and talent.
This would demand tremendous interest. Butler is coming off the championship game, Purdue made a tremendous run in the tournament and Indiana is returning to glory. The wildcard teams would then have a chance to run the tables and challenge the “big dogs.”
Despite the Pacers’ struggles, despite IU’s unprecedented past, Indiana is a basketball state…and it always will be. This tournament would be a huge attraction to fans and a tremendous opportunity for the teams.