It was just after another frustrating loss to Nebraska that I could no longer watch I.U. basketball, let alone write about it. There was no Hoosier magic to keep my interest. Wins against Chattanooga and Winthrop were meaningless. Even a streak of Big Ten wins against Rutgers, Penn State, and U.S.C. could not restore my enthusiasm, somehow knowing that the team was headed for disaster. Iowa and Illinois proved my point, while Ohio State gave a glimpse of hope with an ugly overtime victory in Columbus. Then things really started to fall apart with losses to Northwestern, Maryland, and Purdue, all games that were winnable with good coaching and execution in the end. Instead, the fans turned on Mike 
Woodson, demanding a leadership change. Boos replaced the cheers at Assembly Hall!

The Hoosiers stood a dismal 5-7 in conference play, but Coach Woodson is a Hoosier court legend. Removing him required surgical precision and so retirement was the agreed upon decision. He would continue to lead the team for the rest of the season, starting with Michigan and their coach Dusty May, his potential replacement. Brad Stevens, unlikely to leave the Celtics, is also on the short list, along with Chris Beard. In the meantime, Mike Woodson still has a slim chance to rescue his coaching reputation and the talented team he leads. Can the Hoosiers rise from the ashes?