Indiana earns respect with big wins

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You'd better believe there was a great celebration in Bloomington, Indiana last weekend. What a great way to end 2011 for the Hoosiers, knocking off the second-ranked team in the nation, the Buckeyes of Ohio State. What a New Year's party after posting wins over the then top-rated Kentucky Wildcats and the follow-up victory over Thad Matta's team during a great December run.

Indiana coach Tom Crean has enjoyed incredible moments lately. The hard work, the incredible recruiting hours, the preaching to the players, the public relations work, it is all paying off dividends this season. There is nothing better than getting big-time Ws over nationally-prominent programs to get the respect you are shooting for.

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Joe Robbins/Getty ImagesTom Crean's rebuilding plan at Indiana is beginning to pay off

That respect has come, and the road there has not been easy. Crean came over from Marquette and inherited a program which was in disarray. He told Hoosier fans to be patient, and the rebuilding work has taken time. Three straight losing seasons took place before the success of this season. The future is now bright thanks to a great recruiting class for next season, plus Cody Zeller this year. You also have to look at the likes of Christian Watford, Verdell Jones III, Jordan Hulls and other veterans that have paid the price and enjoying a nice run so far this season. Imagine how good this team would be if Maurice Creek was not on the sidelines due to another injury?

Besides the wins over Kentucky and Ohio State, the Hoosier resume also includes a win over Butler and a victory at NC State. This certainly looks like an NCAA team, which was a goal for Crean and company coming into the campaign.

Then there is the 2012 recruiting class, which is at the top of the line, building the foundation for years to come. Point guard Yogi Ferrell, power forward Hanner Mosquera-Perea and small forward Jeremy Hollowell are all among the ESPNU top 60 players and all are competing in high schools in Indiana. That is a positive sign for Crean and company.

Big Ten play will not be easy as this conference is extremely competitive. Indiana has had great success of the perimeter and done a solid job defensively.

Congratulations to the Hoosiers. Beating two of the top teams in America is quite an accomplishment. Indiana was not projected among the elite in the Big Ten preseason poll, yet Hoosier Hysteria is back in a big way. The fans in Bloomington have to be thrilled with a great start this season.

The heart-throbbing, buzzer-beating win over the Wildcats was special. Adding the victory over an outstanding Buckeye team further proves how far this Hoosier program has advanced. The tradition-rich Indiana program is back on the national college basketball map.

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Dick Vitale

College Basketball analyst

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Dick Vitale, college basketball's top analyst and ambassador, joined ESPN during the 1979-80 season. His thorough knowledge of the game is brought forth in an enthusiastic, passionate style. Vitale also contributes columns to ESPN.com.