What happens when the recruit who could change everything goes somewhere else—or the prized commitment doesn’t deliver the turnaround fans expected?

Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth welcome Scott Caulfield, host of CrimsonCast and The Crimson Era, for a spirited trip through Indiana basketball’s recruiting history.

This first crossover installment leans into the misses, revisiting Greg Oden and Mike Conley, Sean May, Gary Harris, and other painful what-ifs while examining how recruiting setbacks shaped the trajectories of IU’s coaches.

The conversation goes beyond the players Indiana didn’t land. The guys discuss why recruiting successes such as Bracey Wright and Romeo Langford could still produce disappointing team results, how roster balance and player fit matter alongside star rankings, and why Tom Crean’s rebuilding approach proved difficult to sustain. They also examine Mike Woodson’s reliance on transfers and the importance of relationships in high school recruiting.

After opening with 2029 guard Micah Mohler’s commitment, they close by considering Darian DeVries’ approach, the balance between talent and continuity, and why each new Indiana coach inherits the pressure of previous disappointments.

The recruiting hits will get their turn in a future installment. This episode is for the ones that still sting.

Editor's Note: This episode was originally recorded before Indiana's 96-68 exhibition win over Butler, so the discussion reflects our preseason perspective heading into that game.

With the 2026-27 college basketball season approaching, Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth take a national look at the contenders, pretenders, and familiar rivals to see where Indiana fits into the picture. We also break down the significance of IU's latest five-star commitment and why Darian DeVries may be building something very different in Bloomington.

We start with Indiana's big recruiting win and what it tells us about DeVries' vision for the program.

• Why Wabbington's unusual skill set makes him such an intriguing modern big man.

• How his versatility could unlock new offensive possibilities.

• What IU's recruiting success says about its ability to compete with programs like Arizona and Illinois.

We go roster by roster through some of college basketball's most interesting programs, looking at personnel, offensive systems, and potential weaknesses.

• Purdue: How do the Boilers replace Braden Smith's playmaking, and could this finally be a regression year for Matt Painter?

• Duke and Florida: Two potential national title favorites with very different approaches to building a championship roster.

• Illinois: An enormous, skilled roster that raises some fascinating questions about athleticism and shot creation.

• Kansas and Kentucky: Plenty of individual talent, but will the pieces actually fit together?

• Iowa: Can Ben McCollum's system remain as effective without Bennett Stirtz?

Throughout, we compare these teams to Indiana and examine where the Hoosiers might have advantages that weren't there a year ago.

We wrap up by stepping back and evaluating the bigger picture for DeVries and the Hoosiers.

• Why IU's improved size, athleticism, and roster flexibility could make a significant difference.

• The importance of DeVries addressing last season's weaknesses, particularly rebounding.

• What a successful 2026-27 season might look like—and how it could set the stage for an even bigger leap in 2027-28.

Plus, some Halloween costume talk, a little IU football appreciation, and our usual assortment of detours as we get ready for basketball season.

In Episode 67 of Xs and Joes, Bob and Mike preview Indiana’s 2026–27 roster and explore why its new construction could give Darren DeVries far more options this season.

They discuss:

• The roster changes that could address several of last season’s biggest weaknesses

• Why Marcus Burton may unlock a different version of Indiana’s offense

• The intriguing possibilities—and questions—surrounding IU’s revamped frontcourt

• How the Hoosiers might replace Lamar Wilkerson’s production

• Which wings and freshmen could play their way into larger roles

• Why the statistical projections may not tell the complete story

• What Indiana must show before this roster can be considered a legitimate threat

There are reasons for optimism, but also several important variables that won’t be resolved until the games begin. Bob and Mike sort through Indiana’s potential ceiling, its remaining concerns and the players who could determine where this season goes.