Rookies steal the show in 1st game

The results of the first two possessions for IU men’s basketball team against North Alabama should not have come as a surprise to the Hoosier faithful.\nAfter securing the tip-off, senior forward D.J. White went to work in the post, easily scoring over the outstretched arms of the North Alabama defender.\nOn the Hoosiers’ next possession, freshman guard Eric Gordon slashed into the lane for a lay up – Gordon’s first two points as a Hoosier.\nThe expectations for White and Gordon have been set high, as the duo captured most of the preseason headlines and accolades entering into the 2007-2008 edition of IU men’s basketball.\nWhite and Gordon did not disappoint, as they contributed 13 and 24 points respectively, and the Hoosiers cruised to a 121-76 victory over the Division II Lions. \nHowever, it was the play of freshman guard Jordan Crawford that stole the show. Crawford scored 30 points by going 10-11 from the field, including 6-6 from behind the 3-point line. He added five rebounds, three assists and a steal in the winning effort.\nIn his first game as a Hoosier, Crawford said his teammates helped him get accustomed to the college game, even if the basket seemed “pretty big” to Crawford.\n“I was nervous at first, but I knew I had some veteran guys who would take care of me,” Crawford said. “I got a lot of open shots because of D.J. and Armon (Bassett) penetrating, kicking it to me. It wasn’t just me; it was them helping me out.”\nCoaches and players had been praising Crawford during the fall and the beginning of practice, saying he would surprise people this season. Put on the big stage for the first time, Crawford lived up to the hype.\n“Jordan has just gotten better and better as he goes along,” Sampson said. “I don’t know if I’ve had a freshman have 30 out of the gate in an exhibition game.”\nOne member of the media asked if Crawford would become the next Rod Wilmont, who last year during his senior season averaged 12.6 points per game. With a little good-natured ribbing, Sampson shot down any comparison between Crawford and Wilmont.\n“There will never be another Rod Wilmont,” Sampson said. “Jordan can pass and dribble.”\nAlong with Crawford and Gordon, Sampson was impressed with the play of the other two freshmen on the team, center Eli Holman and forward Brandon McGee.\n“There are a lot of very good freshmen in this league, but all of those (IU freshmen) kids can do things that can contribute,” Sampson said. “I think they have a chance to be really good once they embrace the vision of the program.”\nOne notable absence from the court was senior forward Mike White. Sampson said the team is considering redshirting White. \nIf White played in the game, he would have been ineligible to redshirt for the season. Sampson said a decision should be made within a week to 10 days.\n“We haven’t decided yet,” Sampson said. “Ultimately, it will be his decision. We will do what’s best for Mike and what’s best for the team.”