Sampson out, now what?

A long day, heck a long week, ended with a result most expected.

Kelvin Sampson is out as Indiana's basketball coach and Dan Dakich will serve as the interim coach.

The Hoosiers are in a battle for a Big Ten title, but allegations of telephone recruiting violations have put a damper on that chase.

Sampson had to go. In the short run it might hurt, there was talk of some players boycotting Saturday's game at Northwestern. But for the good of the university, Sampson's decision to take a buyout and resign was the necessary step.

So now what? Can the season continue to be a success?

Dakich has 10 years of coaching experience at Bowling Green. He came aboard late this year at IU. There will be an adjustment period. Of course, it’s a little easier if you have D.J. White and Eric Gordon.

If the team can get on the same page, I don’t think IU will fade in the Big Ten race.

- By LaMond Pope of The Journal Gazette

Comments

[Judy Light]

Mr. Pope, Thank you for your article on IU this a.m. Why does the Journal continue to have Ben Smith write aboutIU? He is so biased that he's rediculous. Was he getting paid yesterday while waiting for the IU announcement? He shouldn't ever cover IU, ever. I am sure, if IU new he was soo impatient that would have hurried the process. Tell him to just cover Purdue. That would make him look better and would be better for the paper. Please I hope you have some input on this tiring situation. I wouldn't wish this situation on any school or sports program, even Purdue. Thanx for listening. Judy