Indiana University Athletics
Prepared to Compete and Win
7/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
July 18, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Upon their arrival last spring, Indiana head coach Kelvin Sampson and his staff hit the ground running in Bloomington - offseason workouts, summer camps, recruiting. While these are each essential aspects to the day-to-day operation of the basketball program, Sampson has also made numerous public appearances throughout the state. And according to the first-year Hoosier head coach, this community involvement is just as valuable.
"I have been all over the state - from Batesville to Starlight to Elkhart to Indianapolis to Bloomington - and the response has been overwhelming," Sampson said. "It's an honor to be the basketball coach at Indiana. We're thrilled and excited to be a part of something this special."
Sampson has high expectations for the Hoosiers on the court, and he maintains high standards of accountability in all aspects of the program.
"We're about making good decisions, doing things the right way and have a presence in the community," Sampson said. "I love the kids' attitude. With our current players and recruiting, we want to put ourselves in the best position to succeed, and right now, all things are going great."
It has been a busy summer for the Hoosiers, as junior All-American candidate D.J. White and guard A.J. Ratliff served as counselors at the Nike All-American Camp in Indianapolis, and senior guard Earl Calloway worked as a counselor at the adidas superstar camp in Suwanee, Ga. In addition, White is headed to Santa Barbara, Calif. next week to work at Michael Jordan's Flight School for the second straight summer.
Despite the travels, Sampson and his staff have set the tone for offseason workouts.
"I can't say enough about (strength and conditioning coach) Jeff Watkinson. He does a phenomenonal job," Sampson said. I want the kids in the best possible shape when individual workouts start in September. Anyone can be ready, but I want them prepared - prepared to compete and win."
The message is loud and clear.
"Basketball players are made from April to October," Sampson said. "Basketball teams are made from October to March."
