Indiana Hoosiers Set to Honor Legendary Coach Tom Crean: Plans Announced to Erect Statue Celebrating His Legacy….
Bloomington, IN —
In a heartfelt and monumental gesture of appreciation, Indiana University has officially announced plans to erect a statue of former head basketball coach Tom Crean—a tribute to the man widely credited with resurrecting the Indiana Hoosiers basketball program during one of its darkest chapters. The announcement comes during a time of reflection for the university and its athletic department, as they honor the coaches and figures who helped shape the legacy of Indiana basketball.
The statue, which is set to be unveiled in a grand ceremony at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, will stand as a permanent reminder of Crean’s pivotal role in lifting the Hoosiers back to national relevance after a period of sanctions, player losses, and deep turmoil.
—
A Coach Who Rebuilt from the Ground Up
When Tom Crean took over the Indiana Hoosiers in 2008, the program was reeling from NCAA violations and internal collapse under former coach Kelvin Sampson. The roster had been decimated, fan morale was at an all-time low, and national respect had nearly evaporated.
But Crean, who came to Bloomington fresh off a successful run at Marquette, embraced the challenge head-on.
> “I didn’t come here for comfort,” Crean famously said during his introductory press conference. “I came here because this is Indiana, and this program deserves greatness again.”
It took time—three painful seasons of rebuilding and losing—but by 2011-2012, the fruits of his labor began to blossom. That season, the Hoosiers stunned the nation with an upset victory over then-No. 1 ranked Kentucky, signaling that Indiana was no longer a rebuilding project, but a contender.
—
Restoring the Indiana Identity
Tom Crean’s impact wasn’t just about wins. He reintroduced discipline, recruited high-character players, and instilled a culture of accountability and pride that resonated with alumni, fans, and recruits. He brought in future NBA talent like Victor Oladipo, Cody Zeller, Yogi Ferrell, and OG Anunoby—players who would go on to succeed professionally and continue representing the IU legacy at the highest level.
Under Crean, Indiana achieved:
Two Big Ten regular season championships (2013, 2016)
Three Sweet Sixteen appearances
A No. 1 national ranking during the 2012-2013 season
A return to national spotlight and competitive respect
—
University and Fanbase Speak Out
Athletic Director Scott Dolson shared deep admiration for Crean during the announcement:
> “Coach Tom Crean did more than rebuild a basketball program—he reignited a tradition. He came during a time when many others would’ve said no, and he gave everything he had to restore Hoosier pride. This statue is our way of saying thank you—for the effort, the passion, and the belief he brought back to Indiana basketball.”
Longtime fans, including student alumni groups and Hoosier historians, echoed the sentiment. In online fan forums and message boards, many pointed out that Crean’s tenure laid the foundation for much of the current team’s stability and success. Despite criticism during his final seasons, time has softened perspectives and amplified appreciation for the monumental work he undertook.
—
The Statue Design and Ceremony
The statue of Coach Crean will be crafted by renowned sculptor Erik Blume, known for his lifelike representations of sports legends. It will be placed on the northwest plaza of Assembly Hall, alongside other Indiana greats.
The statue will depict Crean in one of his most iconic moments: arms stretched wide, shouting from the sideline, mid-game in Assembly Hall during a thrilling victory over Michigan. Behind him, the statue base will bear an engraved quote:
“We don’t just play for today. We play for tradition, for Indiana.”
The unveiling ceremony, scheduled for October 2025, will coincide with Hoosier Hysteria, the annual basketball kickoff event. The university has also announced that former players coached by Crean—including Victor Oladipo and Yogi Ferrell—will be in attendance to speak and participate.
—
Tom Crean Reacts with Emotion
In a recorded statement after hearing the news, a visibly moved Tom Crean expressed deep gratitude:
> “To be honored in such a way by Indiana University, a place that shaped my life and career so deeply, is incredibly humbling. I loved coaching there. I loved our players, our staff, and the fans who never stopped believing. My family and I are overwhelmed with this recognition. Indiana will always be a part of me.”
Crean, who has since worked as a television analyst and spent time coaching at Georgia, maintains close ties with Indiana and regularly communicates with players and staff. He has also continued advocating for player development and mental health awareness in college sports.
—
A Symbol of Resilience and Respect
In the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball, statues are more than just stone—they’re statements. They honor those whose influence lingers in the halls, in the banners, and in the hearts of fans. For Indiana, erecting a statue of Tom Crean isn’t just about one man—it’s about the journey of a program from brokenness to rebirth.
As the Hoosiers prepare for another promising season under current leadership, the addition of Tom Crean’s likeness will stand as a beacon of determination and a powerful reminder:
Indiana never stopped believing—and Tom Crean helped them remember why.
—
Written by:
Daniel Kreft | Indiana Sports Tribune
Bloomington, IN
Leave a Reply