Lone senior to speak after Michigan State

Through five years and four head coaches, Kyle Taber still doesn’t have a lot to say.
Just one day before delivering his farewell speech during senior night, Taber said he hasn’t written a word.

“I haven’t,” the senior forward said Monday. “Tijan (Jobe) has been joking with me and said he’s going to write it for me.”

The Evansville native has seen a lot since stepping foot on campus. He said he’s excited and sad for his final home game inside Assembly Hall.

“It’s my fifth year here, so I knew it was coming sooner or later,” he said.

With nearly 50 family members and friends coming to Bloomington for his last game, Taber said he’s “ready” for Tuesday night.

As for his speech, he’s hoping to learn from his teammates’ successes and mistakes. Forced to pick one, Taber chose Adam Ahlfeld’s speech last year as his favorite.

When asked which one was the worst, Taber hesitantly selected quiet former IU forward Mike White.

“I learned what not to do,” he said with a laugh. “He did good. They all helped me with remembering who has helped us along the way.”

Originally a walk-on, Taber has been a scholarship player the last two seasons. IU coach Tom Crean said the Hoosiers have asked a tremendous amount from the fifth-year senior, who had scored just 34 points his entire career heading into the season.

“He could probably write a book today, he’s seen so much,” Crean said. “I’d buy it, as long as he doesn’t treat me wrong.”

After graduating, Taber said he plans to finish up his master’s degree in sports administration and maybe work as a graduate assistant for a college team.

Asked if he’s reflected on his five years as a Hoosier yet, Taber said he hasn’t had time.

“After the season, I think I’ll see how crazy it really was,” he said.