A Legacy Forged in Cream and Crimson: The Storied History of Indiana University Basketball

The Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team, representing Indiana University Bloomington, stands as a titan in the landscape of NCAA Division I college basketball. Competing in the Big Ten Conference, the Hoosiers have cultivated a legacy defined by unwavering tradition, remarkable achievements, and a passionate fan base. Their home court, Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on the Branch McCracken Court, serves as a hallowed ground where the echoes of past triumphs reverberate, inspiring future generations of players.

A Championship Pedigree

Indiana's basketball program boasts an impressive collection of accolades, highlighted by five National Championships (1940, 1953, 1976, 1981, and 1987). Two of these championships were secured under the guidance of Branch McCracken, while the legendary Bob Knight led the Hoosiers to three titles. The Hoosiers' dominance extends beyond national championships, as they rank among the elite in NCAA Tournament appearances (41), NCAA Tournament victories (68), Final Four appearances (8), and overall victories. Their sustained success is further evidenced by their 22 Big Ten Conference Championships. Moreover, the Hoosiers hold a prominent position in all-time AP poll appearances (580) and rank among the top in the number of weeks spent ranked No. 1.

Rivalries That Define a Program

The Indiana Hoosiers are defined not only by their own accomplishments but also by the intensity of their rivalries. The in-state rivalry with the Purdue Boilermakers is a clash of cultures and basketball philosophies, while the out-of-state rivalry with the Kentucky Wildcats transcends geographical boundaries, captivating fans nationwide. These contests are more than just games; they are battles for bragging rights and a testament to the passion that fuels college basketball.

Tradition and the Iconic Jersey

The Indiana Hoosiers' game jerseys are a symbol of the program's rich tradition. The minimalist design, devoid of names, has become an integral part of the Hoosiers' brand. When coach Mike Davis suggested adding names to the jerseys, the proposal faced considerable backlash from fans who cherished the program's historical identity. Despite minor modifications over the years, the jerseys have largely retained their classic aesthetic. The school's colors, cream and crimson, are prominently displayed, although in the 1970s, coaches Bob Knight and Lee Corso opted for uniforms that featured more scarlet or bright red, with cream giving way to white.

"Martha the Mop Lady" and the Sounds of Tradition

For three decades, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance sponsored Indiana and Purdue games on WTTV, featuring Martha Webster, an Indianapolis-area opera singer, as a janitor sweeping the floors of Assembly Hall while singing "Indiana, Our Indiana." "Martha the Mop Lady" became a beloved figure, introducing Indiana basketball broadcasts. After Bob Knight's firing, Farm Bureau discontinued the ad, but in 2009, coach Tom Crean revived the tradition, with Sheila Stephen stepping in as the new Martha. The original ad is now shown at home games, further solidifying the program's connection to its past.

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Early Years and the Dawn of a Dynasty

Indiana fielded its first men's basketball team in the 1900-01 season, with James H. Horne as coach. In 1917, the Hoosiers began playing in the Men's Gymnasium, which later installed glass backboards. Everett Dean, an Indiana alumnus, became head coach in 1924, leading the Hoosiers to their first Big Ten Conference title in 1926. Branch McCracken's arrival marked a turning point, with his first team featuring All-American Ernie Andres. The 1939-40 team, led by All-American Marvin Huffman, achieved unprecedented success, winning an NCAA title and setting a record for most wins at the time (20). The Hoosiers established a formidable home court advantage at The Fieldhouse, including a 24-game unbeaten streak from 1938 to 1941.

The McCracken Era: Championships and Challenges

The 1952-53 NCAA title team, featuring Bobby Leonard, Dick Farley, and Don Schlundt, secured the Big Ten title and defeated reigning champions Kansas by one point to win the NCAA championship. The Hoosiers continued their dominance, winning back-to-back conference championships in 1956-57 and 1957-58, led by Archie Dees. However, in 1960, the Indiana Hoosiers football program faced NCAA sanctions that impacted all varsity sports, including basketball, hindering the program's ability to attract top talent. Lou Watson, McCracken's assistant, coached Indiana from 1965 to 1971, with Jerry Oliver serving as acting head coach in 1970. The 1966-67 team, known as the "Cardiac Kids," won a Big Ten championship, while George McGinnis led the Hoosiers during the 1970-1971 season.

The Bob Knight Era: Dominance and Controversy

Bob Knight's 29-year tenure as head coach at Indiana was marked by unparalleled success, with 662 wins, 22 seasons of 20 or more wins, and a .735 winning percentage. Under Knight, the Hoosiers made 24 NCAA tournament appearances, winning 42 of 63 games and securing titles in 1975-76, 1980-81, and 1986-87. Knight's leadership produced 23 All-American and All-Big Ten players. In 1972-73, Indiana won the Big Ten championship and reached the Final Four. The following season, Indiana captured another Big Ten title. From 1974-75 to 1975-76, the Hoosiers were undefeated in the regular season, winning 37 consecutive Big Ten games and two more conference championships. The 1974-75 Hoosiers dominated the Big Ten, but an injury to Scott May in a game against Purdue derailed their national championship aspirations. The 1975-76 Hoosiers completed an undefeated season, defeating Michigan in the title game. In 1979, Indiana won the NIT championship behind Mike Woodson. The 1979-80 Hoosiers, led by Woodson and Isiah Thomas, won the Big Ten championship and advanced to the 1980 Sweet Sixteen. In 1980-81, Thomas and the Hoosiers won another conference title and the 1981 NCAA tournament. The 1982-1983 Hoosiers, ranked No. 1, were favored to win another national championship, but an injury to Ted Kitchel hampered their chances. Knight rallied fan support, and the team won the Big Ten title. The 1985-86 Hoosiers were the subject of the book "A Season on the Brink," which chronicled Knight's coaching style and private life. In 1986-87, the Hoosiers, led by Steve Alford, captured a share of the Big Ten title. From 1990-91 to 1992-93, the Hoosiers achieved 87 victories, the most by any Big Ten team in a three-year span. They won two Big Ten crowns and reached the Final Four in 1991-92. The 1992-93 Hoosiers finished the season at the top of the AP Poll but were defeated by Kansas in the Elite Eight. Throughout the mid and late 1990s, Knight continued to experience success with Brian Evans and A. J. Guyton. However, Knight's tenure was also marked by controversy, and he was ultimately fired in 2000.

The Post-Knight Era: Challenges and Rebuilding

Following Knight's departure, Mike Davis took over as interim head coach, leading the team to a 21-13 record in his first season. Davis was named the permanent coach the following year, guiding the Hoosiers to a share of the Big Ten championship and an unexpected appearance in the 2002 NCAA championship game. However, after failing to make the NCAA tournament in 2004 and 2005, Davis resigned in 2006. Kelvin Sampson was named coach in 2006 but resigned in 2008 after violating NCAA rules. Dan Dakich served as interim coach for the remainder of the season. Tom Crean was hired as head coach in 2008 and inherited a depleted team.

The Tom Crean Era: Rebuilding and Revival

The 2011-2012 season was a turning point for Crean and the program, with the arrival of Cody Zeller. The team secured wins over top-ranked opponents and finished the season with a 27-9 record. The fifteen-game win improvement was the largest turnaround in the NCAA that season. The Hoosiers advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the 2012 NCAA tournament. The 2012-2013 Hoosiers spent 10 weeks ranked No. 1 and won the Big Ten regular season title outright. They again advanced to the Sweet Sixteen. The 2015-2016 Hoosiers won the Big Ten regular season title and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the third time in five years. However, the 2016-2017 team faced a disappointing year, missing out on the NCAA tournament.

The Archie Miller Era: A New Chapter

In 2017, Archie Miller was named the 29th head coach in the program's history. Miller focused on defense and valuing possessions. The Hoosiers struggled on offense but showed improvement on defense.

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