Pay It Forward – Cheaney Driven to Help Hoosiers Succeed
8/9/2023 10:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By Pete DiPrimio
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Can it really be 30 years since Calbert Cheaney dominated college basketball as a Hoosier All-America?
Is it really a decade since he helped an Indiana team led by Cody Zeller, Victor Oladipo, Christian Watford, Jordan Hulls, and Will Sheehey achieve the program's last No. 1 ranking?
Both answers are yes, with this addition:
He isn't done yet.
Here is Cheaney, a Hoosier once again, this time as director of player development, hoping to help current players achieve what so many have in this storied program -- impressive team and individual success.
"It's all about people pushing you to get to your goal," Cheaney says via a recent Zoom media availability. "No one can do it alone. Whether it's a team sport or you're playing golf or tennis, there will always be people along the way who help you get there.
"That's what I want to do. I want to help our players achieve. I'm looking for nothing in return. I've been there. Now it's time to help others achieve their success. That's what it's all about for me."
This pay-it-forward approach is crucial to long-term team success. Cheaney knows it well given his deep Cream 'n Crimson roots.
He played in an era -- 1989 to '93 -- when four-year standout college careers were the norm and not the exception. He took advantage to score a still Big Ten record 2,613 career points while earning All-America and national player of the year honors.
With coach Bob Knight directing the show, the Hoosiers won two Big Ten titles and reached the 1992 Final Four while compiling a 105-27 record in that stretch, including 87-17 over the final three seasons.
The No. 6 pick in the 1993 NBA draft, Cheaney went on to a 13-year professional career.
"A lot of people have helped me in this great game," he says. "I want to do the same.
"It's good to have former players come back to the program that helped them. That's all I try to do. It's not about money. It's all about paying it forward and doing what's best for the program. That's why I do it."
As for his specific duties, Cheaney says it's to develop players on and off the court. He can't recruit, but he can engage in coaching activities and skill instruction.
"On the court, develop them as basketball players," he says. "Off the court, help them understand how to become good young men and function in society. That's what it's all about for me."
**********
The calls kept coming. Mike Woodson knew what he wanted in a director of player development.
Cheaney, wrapping up his third season as an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers, checked all the boxes.
"I could not think of anyone better suited to be part of this program than Calbert Cheaney," Woodson says. "Every team or program he has been part of after his playing career, he has had an immense impact on. As a player in college and as a pro, his experiences are as good as it gets."
For Cheaney, a return to Bloomington came down to one over-riding factor: Woodson.
"I hadn't considered coming back to college. Woody was the determining factor. I have so much respect for the man and what he's been able to do. I've known him forever. I appreciate Woody wanting to include me in his dream."
Cheaney says they began talking last summer. Conversations resumed after the Pacers' season ended in the spring.
"Woody gave me a call. He talked about the opportunity to come back here. With the new (NCAA) rule, you can work with players on the court. I thought it would be an interesting deal.
"I've known the man for a long time. He's a helluva coach. I could help him and also learn from him."
For Woodson, Cheaney exemplifies the success many college players aspire to.
"Our players can ask him, how do you become successful when you get to college?" Woodson says. "What can I do to help my team win championships? What do I need to do to be an All-American, or national player of the year? How did you become a first-round draft pick?
"He can share his experiences of how teams expect their players to work every day to get the most out of their ability. He's done it; he's lived it."
Woodson did similar things during his IU and NBA playing days, then added to it as an NBA coach.
IU's return to NCAA tourney relevance the last two seasons after a five-year absence reflects Woodson's drive to return the program to championship glory.
"That's a wonderful success," Cheaney says. "You want to do that every year, but you're only as good as your players. You have to recruit and get the best talent you can. You have to get that talent to play together.
"Coach Woody and his staff have done a wonderful job of getting guys in here to have an opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament."
**********
IU hasn't won a Big Ten title or made a deep NCAA run since 2016.
Could that change this season?
Why not, asks Cheaney in so many words. He sees the potential in returning veterans Xavier Johnson, Malik Reneau and Trey Galloway, as well as standout newcomers Kel'el Ware, Mackenzie Mgbako, Payton Sparks, Anthony Walker, Gabe Cupps, and Jakai Newton, just as he did with the Zeller-Oladipo-led 2013 team while serving as director of operations and director of internal and external player development.
"They have some of the same abilities those guys did," Cheaney says. "They have to have the chemistry and work ethic. Head and heart determine how good you're going to be on the court and in life. Play your hearts out. Do everything hard. Play together. If you do those things, you'll be successful."
Offseason workouts are building toward improving last season's 23-12 record, 12-8 in the Big Ten.
"I think we can win," Cheaney says. "This team has a lot of potential. They can be better than last year's team. It's up to them in how good they want to be. I look forward to helping them achieve that goal."
Cheaney spent two seasons with the Hoosiers from 2011-13 under then coach Tom Crean. He saw what talent and chemistry could do, and if it didn't produce a national championship (IU lost to Syracuse in the Sweet 16), it provides a lesson this team could utilize.
"It was all about playing collectively," he says. "That team had some great guys. They clicked.
"I want these guys to understand the team concept. This is a team game."
**********
When did Cheaney and Woodson first connect?
Flash back to the winter of 1991.
Although dominant from his first game as a Hoosier, Cheaney struggled early as a junior, the result of a grueling summer of international competition while helping the United States win the 1991 World University Games.
He only scored eight points in a season-opening 87-72 loss to UCLA (IU would dominate the Elite Eight rematch four months later) and wasn't playing to his normal level.
A conversation with Woodson and fellow IU All-America Scott May helped. The result -- Cheaney led the Hoosiers to that 1992 Final Four appearance.
"I met Woody when I was going through a tough time as a player. I had played a lot of basketball over the summer. My body wasn't right.
"He and Scott May talked to me. Our relationship bloomed from there."
Cheaney went on to dominate as a senior, and then play 13 NBA seasons, with career averages of 9.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. His best year came in the 1994-95 season when he averaged 16.6 points and 4.1 rebounds.
After his playing career ended, Cheaney got into coaching, first as a special assistant and then assistant coach for the NBA's Golden State Warriors. Besides IU, he also was an assistant coach for Saint Louis University, and an assistant coach for the NBA G League's Erie Bay Hawks and College Park Skyhawks, before joining the Pacers in 2020.
Throughout those years, Cheaney found time to meet with Woodson.
"I went out of my way to talk with him. Our relationship has always been great.
"He understands the game. He understands what it takes and help players grow into the best they can be. It's great to be part of that."
**********
Last season IU showcased the best of the one-and-done and four-year approaches with guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and Trayce Jackson-Davis.
Hood-Schifino left after his freshman season to become last month's No. 17 pick and join the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jackson-Davis finished as one of the greatest players in Indiana history with four-year totals of 1,143 rebounds (school record), 270 blocks (school record), and 2,258 points (third behind Cheaney and Steve Alford's 2,438). He was the No. 57 pick and signed a four-year contract with Golden State.
"With what Jalen has done in just a year's time is huge," Cheaney says. "Then you have another player like Trayce, who stayed four years did some great things and got drafted."
Cheaney is prepared to maximize player development in either situation.
"There's a little bit of give and take, but whether it's one year or four years, you're still doing the same thing, which is help these guys get better. You want them to improve. You want them to be better when they leave than when they came here. That's what it's all about."
**********
College basketball has evolved far beyond what Cheaney experienced as a player or a coach due to the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), which allows players to make money and retain their eligibility.
IU has been at the forefront of helping its athletes maximize their NIL earning potential.
"It is what it is," Cheaney says. "You've got to adapt to the portal. Adapt to the NIL. Coach Woodson and his staff have done a wonderful job of adapting. The athletic department has done a great job of raising the NIL money and giving players the opportunity to make money while playing game they love."
The transfer portal has had a huge impact on parity. Traditional powerhouses can swiftly reload with experienced veterans. Lower profile teams can rise to elite status.
Consider Florida Atlantic (coached by former IU manager and assistant coach Dusty May) and San Diego State. Both made the Final Four last spring. Connecticut won the championship.
"So many players are transferring you never know who will get to the Final Four," Cheaney says. "You saw that with Dusty's team and Florida Atlantic. Now there are all kinds of teams that can get to the NCAA, knock off big teams and get to the Final Four.
"When I played, you knew who would go far in the tournament. It's different now. Winning is tougher, but it's still basketball. If you coach your team the best you can and get them to understand, you can help them get there.
"It's up to our guys to make that decision that they want to get to the tournament, go far and win a national championship. During the (regular) season, try to win a conference title. We'll push them the best we can and see where it takes us."
Cheaney is the third former IU player on the staff, joining Woodson and Hulls, who is the team and recruiting coordinator. All three grew up in Indiana -- Cheaney in Evansville, Woodson in Indianapolis, and Hulls in Bloomington.
"The camaraderie is great with the different generations and all being from the same state," Cheaney says. "The chemistry is automatically there."
Chemistry only goes so far.
"They both know that I'm the better player," Cheaney says with a laugh.
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Can it really be 30 years since Calbert Cheaney dominated college basketball as a Hoosier All-America?
Is it really a decade since he helped an Indiana team led by Cody Zeller, Victor Oladipo, Christian Watford, Jordan Hulls, and Will Sheehey achieve the program's last No. 1 ranking?
Both answers are yes, with this addition:
He isn't done yet.
Here is Cheaney, a Hoosier once again, this time as director of player development, hoping to help current players achieve what so many have in this storied program -- impressive team and individual success.
"It's all about people pushing you to get to your goal," Cheaney says via a recent Zoom media availability. "No one can do it alone. Whether it's a team sport or you're playing golf or tennis, there will always be people along the way who help you get there.
"That's what I want to do. I want to help our players achieve. I'm looking for nothing in return. I've been there. Now it's time to help others achieve their success. That's what it's all about for me."
This pay-it-forward approach is crucial to long-term team success. Cheaney knows it well given his deep Cream 'n Crimson roots.
He played in an era -- 1989 to '93 -- when four-year standout college careers were the norm and not the exception. He took advantage to score a still Big Ten record 2,613 career points while earning All-America and national player of the year honors.
With coach Bob Knight directing the show, the Hoosiers won two Big Ten titles and reached the 1992 Final Four while compiling a 105-27 record in that stretch, including 87-17 over the final three seasons.
The No. 6 pick in the 1993 NBA draft, Cheaney went on to a 13-year professional career.
"A lot of people have helped me in this great game," he says. "I want to do the same.
"It's good to have former players come back to the program that helped them. That's all I try to do. It's not about money. It's all about paying it forward and doing what's best for the program. That's why I do it."
As for his specific duties, Cheaney says it's to develop players on and off the court. He can't recruit, but he can engage in coaching activities and skill instruction.
"On the court, develop them as basketball players," he says. "Off the court, help them understand how to become good young men and function in society. That's what it's all about for me."
**********
The calls kept coming. Mike Woodson knew what he wanted in a director of player development.
Cheaney, wrapping up his third season as an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers, checked all the boxes.
"I could not think of anyone better suited to be part of this program than Calbert Cheaney," Woodson says. "Every team or program he has been part of after his playing career, he has had an immense impact on. As a player in college and as a pro, his experiences are as good as it gets."
For Cheaney, a return to Bloomington came down to one over-riding factor: Woodson.
"I hadn't considered coming back to college. Woody was the determining factor. I have so much respect for the man and what he's been able to do. I've known him forever. I appreciate Woody wanting to include me in his dream."
Cheaney says they began talking last summer. Conversations resumed after the Pacers' season ended in the spring.
"Woody gave me a call. He talked about the opportunity to come back here. With the new (NCAA) rule, you can work with players on the court. I thought it would be an interesting deal.
"I've known the man for a long time. He's a helluva coach. I could help him and also learn from him."
For Woodson, Cheaney exemplifies the success many college players aspire to.
"Our players can ask him, how do you become successful when you get to college?" Woodson says. "What can I do to help my team win championships? What do I need to do to be an All-American, or national player of the year? How did you become a first-round draft pick?
"He can share his experiences of how teams expect their players to work every day to get the most out of their ability. He's done it; he's lived it."
Woodson did similar things during his IU and NBA playing days, then added to it as an NBA coach.
IU's return to NCAA tourney relevance the last two seasons after a five-year absence reflects Woodson's drive to return the program to championship glory.
"That's a wonderful success," Cheaney says. "You want to do that every year, but you're only as good as your players. You have to recruit and get the best talent you can. You have to get that talent to play together.
"Coach Woody and his staff have done a wonderful job of getting guys in here to have an opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament."
**********
IU hasn't won a Big Ten title or made a deep NCAA run since 2016.
Could that change this season?
Why not, asks Cheaney in so many words. He sees the potential in returning veterans Xavier Johnson, Malik Reneau and Trey Galloway, as well as standout newcomers Kel'el Ware, Mackenzie Mgbako, Payton Sparks, Anthony Walker, Gabe Cupps, and Jakai Newton, just as he did with the Zeller-Oladipo-led 2013 team while serving as director of operations and director of internal and external player development.
"They have some of the same abilities those guys did," Cheaney says. "They have to have the chemistry and work ethic. Head and heart determine how good you're going to be on the court and in life. Play your hearts out. Do everything hard. Play together. If you do those things, you'll be successful."
Offseason workouts are building toward improving last season's 23-12 record, 12-8 in the Big Ten.
"I think we can win," Cheaney says. "This team has a lot of potential. They can be better than last year's team. It's up to them in how good they want to be. I look forward to helping them achieve that goal."
Cheaney spent two seasons with the Hoosiers from 2011-13 under then coach Tom Crean. He saw what talent and chemistry could do, and if it didn't produce a national championship (IU lost to Syracuse in the Sweet 16), it provides a lesson this team could utilize.
"It was all about playing collectively," he says. "That team had some great guys. They clicked.
"I want these guys to understand the team concept. This is a team game."
**********
When did Cheaney and Woodson first connect?
Flash back to the winter of 1991.
Although dominant from his first game as a Hoosier, Cheaney struggled early as a junior, the result of a grueling summer of international competition while helping the United States win the 1991 World University Games.
He only scored eight points in a season-opening 87-72 loss to UCLA (IU would dominate the Elite Eight rematch four months later) and wasn't playing to his normal level.
A conversation with Woodson and fellow IU All-America Scott May helped. The result -- Cheaney led the Hoosiers to that 1992 Final Four appearance.
"I met Woody when I was going through a tough time as a player. I had played a lot of basketball over the summer. My body wasn't right.
"He and Scott May talked to me. Our relationship bloomed from there."
Cheaney went on to dominate as a senior, and then play 13 NBA seasons, with career averages of 9.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. His best year came in the 1994-95 season when he averaged 16.6 points and 4.1 rebounds.
After his playing career ended, Cheaney got into coaching, first as a special assistant and then assistant coach for the NBA's Golden State Warriors. Besides IU, he also was an assistant coach for Saint Louis University, and an assistant coach for the NBA G League's Erie Bay Hawks and College Park Skyhawks, before joining the Pacers in 2020.
Throughout those years, Cheaney found time to meet with Woodson.
"I went out of my way to talk with him. Our relationship has always been great.
"He understands the game. He understands what it takes and help players grow into the best they can be. It's great to be part of that."
**********
Last season IU showcased the best of the one-and-done and four-year approaches with guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and Trayce Jackson-Davis.
Hood-Schifino left after his freshman season to become last month's No. 17 pick and join the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jackson-Davis finished as one of the greatest players in Indiana history with four-year totals of 1,143 rebounds (school record), 270 blocks (school record), and 2,258 points (third behind Cheaney and Steve Alford's 2,438). He was the No. 57 pick and signed a four-year contract with Golden State.
"With what Jalen has done in just a year's time is huge," Cheaney says. "Then you have another player like Trayce, who stayed four years did some great things and got drafted."
Cheaney is prepared to maximize player development in either situation.
"There's a little bit of give and take, but whether it's one year or four years, you're still doing the same thing, which is help these guys get better. You want them to improve. You want them to be better when they leave than when they came here. That's what it's all about."
**********
College basketball has evolved far beyond what Cheaney experienced as a player or a coach due to the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), which allows players to make money and retain their eligibility.
IU has been at the forefront of helping its athletes maximize their NIL earning potential.
"It is what it is," Cheaney says. "You've got to adapt to the portal. Adapt to the NIL. Coach Woodson and his staff have done a wonderful job of adapting. The athletic department has done a great job of raising the NIL money and giving players the opportunity to make money while playing game they love."
The transfer portal has had a huge impact on parity. Traditional powerhouses can swiftly reload with experienced veterans. Lower profile teams can rise to elite status.
Consider Florida Atlantic (coached by former IU manager and assistant coach Dusty May) and San Diego State. Both made the Final Four last spring. Connecticut won the championship.
"So many players are transferring you never know who will get to the Final Four," Cheaney says. "You saw that with Dusty's team and Florida Atlantic. Now there are all kinds of teams that can get to the NCAA, knock off big teams and get to the Final Four.
"When I played, you knew who would go far in the tournament. It's different now. Winning is tougher, but it's still basketball. If you coach your team the best you can and get them to understand, you can help them get there.
"It's up to our guys to make that decision that they want to get to the tournament, go far and win a national championship. During the (regular) season, try to win a conference title. We'll push them the best we can and see where it takes us."
Cheaney is the third former IU player on the staff, joining Woodson and Hulls, who is the team and recruiting coordinator. All three grew up in Indiana -- Cheaney in Evansville, Woodson in Indianapolis, and Hulls in Bloomington.
"The camaraderie is great with the different generations and all being from the same state," Cheaney says. "The chemistry is automatically there."
Chemistry only goes so far.
"They both know that I'm the better player," Cheaney says with a laugh.
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