Romeo, Romeo “Wherefore art though going?” Langford has finally made his one-and-done commitment to Indiana University’s Archie Miller, sending a sigh of relief all over the Hoosier state. It is the most celebrated boost to I.U. basketball since Damon Bailey in 1991, announced via television coverage at New Albany High School. Romeo picked the IU hat in the middle of the podium over the other two choices of Vanderbilt and Kansas, and wore it with a big smile of happiness after years of speculation. Unlike the early 90’s, the impact of social media made this decision the most talked about recruiting achievement in recent history. The biggest difference is that Damon had four years to prove his worth to the team, while Romeo will only have one. There was little doubt that Bailey was always headed to IU, but Langford kept us all waiting with anticipation.

Langford is the 27th Mr. Basketball to attend Indiana University since 1939 when the state’s first recipient was awarded:

  • Romeo Langford 2018
  • Cody Zeller 2011
  • Jordan Hulls 2009
  • Eric Gordon 2007
  • A.J. Ratliff 2004
  • Jared Jeffries 2000
  • Tom Coverdale 1998
  • Luke Recker 1997
  • Damon Bailey 1990
  • Pat Graham 1989
  • Lyndon Jones & Jay Edwards 1987
  • Delray Brooks 1984
  • Steve Alford 1983
  • Steve Bouchie 1979
  • Ray Tolbert 1977
  • Kent Benson 1973
  • Dave Shepard 1970
  • George McGinnis 1969
  • Dick & Tom Van Arsdale 1961
  • Jimmy Rayl 1959
  • Hallie Bryant 1953
  • Bob Masters 1948
  • Bill Garrett 1947
  • Tom Schwartz 1945
  • Ed Schienbein 1940

If all goes as planned, he’ll join fellow-alumni Victor Olidipo as a rising star in the NBA. He’ll surely only stay a second year, if for some reason he’s unable to play. Strange things have happened through the years, so fans are used to tempering their expectations. I was surprised when I saw the IU Band in attendance at the public announcement event, leery that they might just be sent packing on a long bus ride back home. In fact, there might have been a riot at the announcement site yesterday, should he have chosen to go anywhere else. Instead, the band is still playing today!

The fact that IU got another Mr. Basketball does not necessarily mean another National Championship, since only Steve Alford, Ray Tolbert, and Steve Bouchie are in that select group of banner producers. However, it does mean that that IU is once again competing with the elite in recruiting state and national talent. The program has unfortunately never recovered from the Knight era, but this may be the start of the next great chapter. The Romeo impact should only be for a year, but the rumble it’s created will wake-up the sleepy Hoosier Nation for many seasons to come. A surge of electricity has hit the Bloomington campus and alumni like me all over the world feel a sense of rejuvenation. If this continues, I might even buy a new t-shirt this year! Thanks, Archie – it’s indeed Miller Time! (See Post #35).