Carlino discusses IU's newest 2011 recruit

Matt Carlino, the first 2011 commitment for IU’s basketball program, will be playing with a familiar face when he hits the Assembly Hall hardwood.

The face will be that of Austin Etherington, a 6-foot-6 small forward from Hamilton Heights High School in Arcadia, Ind., who committed to the IU basketball team Monday, becoming the second class of 2011 recruit to commit to IU.
The two have played together and competed against each other several times at camps and other events. Carlino took time to talk to the Indiana Daily Student about the new commit and what it means to the program and to himself. Here’s what he had to say:

On Etherington’s commitment

“I’m really excited. I got to play with Austin at the Elite Camp in June. I thought we played pretty well together. I played against him. He’s very talented and a really good guy, too, so I’ll be really excited to play with him.”

On Etherington’s abilities

“He can shoot the ball really well for how tall he is. He’s a good decision-maker, and he just plays the game very well and very smart.”

On his relationship with Etherington

“We talked to each other. I talked to him (Tuesday) just to tell him how excited I am to be able to play with him when we both get there. We talked at Elite Camp a lot. It’s just a good thing that he’s committing now. Our class looks a lot better.”

On other players committing

“I think there’s a good chance that players will look at me and Austin and like what they see and like Coach Crean and all that they’ll be able to get done. I think there’s a good chance that will interest some recruits.”

On the future of the program

“I am excited. It’s going to be a real good deal there. I’m excited to see how Coach Crean does with everything. I think he’ll have a good year this year, and it’ll just keep getting better. I’m real excited.”