Hello, Tom Crean.

The long-term answer to Indiana's short-term problems was lured from Marquette, where he'd built a powerful Big East program that went to the Final Four and was an NCAA Tournament regular.

He received rousing approval from the IU fan base, but the reception from his new team was a bit different. While, at least in terms of numbers. IU lost 81 points per game from last year's team.

Six players met with Crean at his first meeting with players. Eric Gordon was invited, but did not attend. His meetings will be with NBA coaches and talent evaluators. Gordon, the Big Ten's top scorer as a freshman, turned pro.

"We need everyone to understand this is going to take some time," Crean said.

Crean, whose reputation is that of a diligent worker and intelligent teacher, inherits a program with a reputation as a diamond of a program. But recently, IU has been made to appear as nothing more than top-quality cubic zirconium.

Indiana looked like a Final Four candidate in January. But amidst recruiting-related rules violations, repeat offender Kelvin Sampson was shown the door.

Indiana finished with a 25-8 record. However, the Hoosiers lost their final three games and were 3-4 after Sampson was forced to resign after being found to have violated NCAA rules regarding phone calls to recruits.

In his first meeting with his new team, Crean had six players.

But what will Crean have at IU when the Hoosiers take the court again in November? Ten new faces, only a few familiar to even the most loyal IU backers.

D.J. White is gone and Eric Gordon has entered the NBA draft. Sophomore guard Armon Bassett was dismissed from the team along with fellow guard Jamarcus Ellis on April 1 by interim coach Dan Dakich. Bassett had a fine season as he averaged 11.5 points and 3.3 assists a game and was third-team, All-Big Ten.

For Indiana to shine again soon, Crean will need more than elbow grease.

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