Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, where we highlight the five most essential IU basketball stories of the past week, plus take a look at how the other IU sports programs are doing.
The major news story in Bloomington happened on the gridiron this week as Indiana football began its defense of its national title against North Texas. The offense looked ready to roll in a dominant win.
Also, a former Hoosier wants to return to the NBA, IU’s legendary announcer had a new documentary debut about him, and a Big Ten basketball roster preview. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the Hoosier sports scene, which was led by volleyball getting two huge victories over the SEC conference.
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Here is what is in this week’s edition:
Football Dominates North Texas In Season Opener
Victor Oladipo Wants Another Chance In NBA
Don Fischer Documentary Debuts
Big Ten Basketball Roster Preview
Weekly Shows
Hoosier Roundup-Volleyball Picks Up Two Huge Wins Over SEC
Banner #1: Football Dominates North Texas In Season Opener
IU football’s defense of its national title kicked off Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The Hoosiers are once again expected to be near the top of the conference and amongst the best teams in college football.
With expectations so high, Indiana opened its season with a showdown against North Texas as the heavy favorite. The program even held media availability last week before the contest. Curt Cignetti gave his weekly update, and Inside the Hall had a full transcript of his quotes.
In terms of players, offensive tackle Carter Smith, linebacker Isaiah Jones, and defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker were at the podium. Inside the Hall had a full transcript of their quotes.
With a veteran-laden squad, as well as excellent depth, including Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt for now, Indiana rolled to a 52-16 victory over the Mean Green in front of a sellout crowd. While the defense surprisingly struggled and Indiana’s trench play looked rusty, other areas thrived.
The offense and TCU transfer QB Josh Hoover was fantastic, going 13-for-16 with four touchdowns. Also, WR’s Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh looked in midseason form with tough touchdown grabs, and new RB Turbo Richard looked excellent as well.
Afterward, Cignetti spoke, and Inside the Hall had a photo gallery as a championship celebration took place pregame to reveal the new marquee in the stadium showing the national championship won in 2025. IU returns to action next week at noon on BTN against Howard.
Banner #2: Victor Oladipo Wants Another Chance In NBA
Former IU star Victor Oladipo had a turbulent NBA career. After starring for the Hoosiers and leading them to the number one ranking in the country during 2012-2013, he was drafted into the league by the Magic.
He initially lived up to the hype, having a solid career in Orlando and Oklahoma City. However, his big break appeared to come in 2017 when he was traded in the offseason back to Indiana and became the Pacers’ primary star during the next year. He led them to a near upset of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs and was named the league’s most improved player, averaging a career-high 23.1 points per game.
However, despite being embraced by the fans back home and appearing to be the next franchise cornerstone as a two-time All-Star, the following season changed his trajectory forever. On January 23 of 2019, he went down on a fast break in a game against the Raptors with a ruptured quadriceps tendon.
After this, he was never the same player again, losing a step in his athleticism and continually suffering injuries. Eventually, he was forced out of the league and played in China for a brief time.
He was since given a chance in G League last season. However, he recently penned a letter in the Player’s Tribune to GM’s asking for one more chance in the NBA, believing he is now healthy at 34 years old.
Whether anyone takes a flier on him remains to be seen. With that said, he remains one of the most beloved Indiana players of recent times between his stints with IU and the Pacers as their go-to contributor while there.
Banner #3: Don Fischer Documentary Debuts
IU legendary broadcaster Don Fischer had a documentary about him released recently. The lead producer and writer is Mark Alesia for the film Timeless: Don Fischer’s half-century broadcasting IU sports.
It debuted at Assembly Hall recently and is an Indiana Public Media production. It can be viewed on YouTube here.
Banner #4: Big Ten Basketball Roster Preview
The Big Ten saw massive roster turnover across multiple programs, including IU. As a result, Inside the Hall looked at where each team’s personnel stands heading into this fall.
Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel
Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.
The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both
Jerod Morris and Tony Adragna have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.
Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?
Banner #5: Weekly Shows
The Back Home Network has many shows. As a result, it was on air several times this week with programming.
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Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Volleyball Picks Up Two Huge Wins Over SEC
Volleyball had a huge week against the SEC, beating Georgia and defending national champ Texas A&M.
Men’s soccer tied Louisville and beat Cal Poly.
Field hockey lost to Louisville but beat New Hampshire.
Women’s soccer fell to St. Louis.
Women’s golf finished tied for ninth in its season-opening tournament.
Men’s golf finished tied for 16th in its season-opening tournament.
Cross country ran its season-opening event with the Sam Bell Invitational.
Baseball had an incoming recruit receive preseason honors.
Softball announced its fall exhibition schedule.
Track and Field announced its upcoming recruiting class.
Ten IU swimmers made the US National Team.
Finally, personnel were announced for the Student Athletic Board.
Thanks for your continued support of The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall. We’ll be back next weekend with a new roundup.
Now go enjoy yourself a 6-banner Sunday.
Aaron (Ari) Shifron
Assembly Call Contributor
The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.