Opponents beware: Hogs are back on track

Sporting News, The, Dec 26, 1994 by Gene Wojciechowski

Herman, the first Chicago Public League player to sign with Coach Bob Knight, was supposed to challenge for the starting point-guard position. No such luck now.

Herman's departure, however brief, helped freshman Neil Reed secure a place in the starting lineup. Through Indiana's first eight games, Reed had played 196 minutes and committed five turnovers. He was averaging 13.5 points and about five assists.

Meanwhile, the Indiana coaching staff is upset with the inconsistent play of star forward Alan Henderson. Unacceptable, they say, for a senior.

Silent treatment

Evansville Coach Jim Crews' ridiculous gag order on his team remains in effect.

Crews, a former Indiana player and assistant, apparently has skin thinner than sausage wrapping. He instructed his team not to talk to the media after Evansville Courier reporter Tom Collins described an 84-63 loss to Indiana on December 3 as "a good workout for the Hoosiers."

Evansville officials say Crews wanted to protect his team and that it isn't the first time Crews has resorted to such measures.

Protect his team from what? The truth? Why not let the players decide whether they would like to speak?

Bank shots

In the 10-team Big East, one senior -- Providence's Eric Williams -- leads his team in scoring.... Add Arizona's Lute Olson to the list of back-impaired coaches. He missed the Wildcats' December 12 game against LaSalle because of a back injury suffered while lifting weights. Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski underwent back surgery earlier this year.