The rumor mill is hot and heavy around Hoosier Nation these days. The latest has former Warren Central basketball star and current Wright State student Walter Offutt leaving WSU and transferring to either Ohio U. or Indiana as a walk-on. Offutt originally committed to Ohio State, and actually played just over 100 minutes in 21 games for them in the 2008-2009 season. He arrived at Ohio State as damaged goods, having torn up his knee while a senior at Warren, causing him to miss much of his senior campaign. Offutt was oft compared to another former Warren star with whom Hoosier fans are acutely familiar : Greg Graham. As a junior at Warren, Offutt averaged 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. He was what any basketball fan would have called a potentially great college player before he hurt his knee, and has become a journeyman; arriving at Wright State only to see his new coach Brad Brownell bolt for Clemson in recent weeks. Offutt appears to be looking for a home, and word has it the Hoosiers have a bed ready, lights on, a little red and white mint on the pillow, and a wake up call scheduled. Offutt can contact Ben Roethlisberger to check on the offerings of room service.
The Hoosiers are hot on the trails of several recruits, and I’m happy to report, many are from Indiana. The Hoosier state is loaded with talent every year, and it’s nice to see Indiana on the lists of several top prospects. Some recent activity suggests IU is in the running for local players Ron Patterson (Broad Ripple), Yogi Ferrell (Park Tudor), DeVauntes Smith-Rivera (North central), and Jeremiah Davis (Muncie Central). Also high on IU’s list is 6’6” Gary Wallace junior Branden Dawson. He’s largely viewed as a Purdue lean, but Coach Crean would do well to close on this kid, as I’ve seen him play, and Indiana needs him. He plays “angry” all the time, and has an incredible nose for the basketball, especially around the rim. He jumps with power and purpose, and is a tough kid who would be an immediate difference maker at Indiana.
Finally, the search for Tom Crean’s final assistant is over. Former Colorado assistant and Wyoming head coach Steve McClain will join Crean and the Hoosiers for the 2010 season and beyond. The 47 year old McClain led Wyoming to five 18+ win seasons and 3 straight 20-win campaigns while winning 2 Mountain West titles and compiling a 157-115 overall record. McClain is a lifetime gym rat, having worked his way through the ranks of junior colleges before landing a job with Billy Tubbs at Texas Christian in 1994. He then joined the staff at Texas A&M for the 1997-1998 campaign before taking the head job in Laramie. He’s known as a thorough recruiter, excitable bench coach who game plans well, and terrific family man. Welcome Coach McClain.
"Never has a man done so little with so much." Bob Knight on Dale Brown
RT Brightman
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