[6BS] Hoosiers Hysteria Being Replaced By Hoosier Hoops On Kirkwood
Annual Event To Open Season Rebranded And Moved Outdoors on October 2
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 annual Hoosier Hysteria event that unofficially opens the basketball season is getting a major shakeup. It is moving to a new location, amongst other changes.
Also, a season preview, recruiting, and football improving to 3-0. As usual, we will conclude with weekly shows and a look at other IU sports, which was highlighted by volleyball remaining undefeated.
The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Here is what is in this week’s edition:
Hoosiers Hysteria Being Replaced By Hoosier Hoops On Kirkwood
Season Preview
Recruiting Update
Football Pitches Shutout Against Indiana State
Weekly Shows
Hoosier Roundup-Volleyball Remains Undefeated On Season
Banner #1: Hoosiers Hysteria Being Replaced By Hoosier Hoops On Kirkwood
An annual tradition that kicks off IU’s basketball season will be getting a major change. Instead of opening in the Assembly Hall with Hoosier Hysteria, IU is taking its opening fan engagement event outdoors.
This will be in the form of Hoosier Hoops on Kirkwood, which will take place under the stars on Bloomington’s main downtown street near the sample gates. The event will be on October 2 and take place from 8 pm to 10 pm on the 300, 400, and 500 blocks of Kirkwood Avenue.
The men’s and women’s basketball squads will still be featured. Also, many familiar events from the past will take place during this time, including player introductions and skills competitions.
However, the change from Indiana’s iconic home venue to a central location near campus represents a major reboot. It is also unclear how the event will proceed if inclement weather is an issue.
Banner #2: Season Preview
Projections for IU basketball are less optimistic than last season, as new Hoosier coach Darian DeVries takes over with an entirely new roster. Two prominent publications have Indiana in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten, with Blue Ribbon slotting them ninth in the league while Lindy’s Sports picks them 10th.
Also, Inside the Hall started a series previewing all the teams in the Big Ten. This week, Penn State, Rutgers, and Minnesota were broken down.
Banner #3: Recruiting Update
While the rosters for this coming year are set, DeVries is trying to reel in talent for down the road. This week, IU offered 2026 top-150 guard Anthony Brown a scholarship. Also, as recruiting continues, Inside the Hall provided an updated September Board of Indiana targets.
Banner #4: Football Pitches Shutout Against Indiana State
While 6-Banner is a basketball-focused column, the success of IU football in 2024 has led to unprecedented excitement amongst the fan base and increased media coverage for the program. As a result, 6-Banner, Assembly Call, The Back Home Network, and Inside the Hall are providing more coverage of the Hoosier squad on the gridiron now.
Expectations are high that Indiana can come close to repeating last year’s success. This weekend was matchup number three and the last one before Big Ten play.
Coming off a dominant, but imperfect win against Kennesaw State that saw the Hoosiers rise in the polls, IU got another one-sided result, blanking Indiana State 73-0. With the victory, the squad improved to a perfect 3-0.
Conference play begins next Saturday with a blockbuster. The Cream and Crimson will have one of their biggest games in Memorial Stadium history when they host top-10 Illinois at 7:30 pm on NBC.
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
Inside the Hall’s Podcast on the Brink returned this week. On it, UMHoops’ Dylan Burkhardt discussed the Big Ten’s best players.
The Back Home Network was on air many times this week as new shows continue to be added. Assembly Call, CrimsonCASH, Crimson Cast, Dribble Drive, Football Weather, Sideline Stories, and Right Up Meridian all had episodes over the last few days.
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Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Volleyball Remains Undefeated On Season
Volleyball has started its season with a bang. They are 8-0 after three more easy wins as they close in on the top-25.
Men’s Soccer knocked off Notre Dame to get to No. 1 in the country. However, they did a poor job defending that ranking as they fell 3-2 to Michigan in their Big Ten opener
Women’s soccer beat Ohio and tied Illinois in their first conference match.
Field hockey fell to Louisville and dominated Lock Haven.
Men’s golf finished third at the Rod Myers Invitational.
Women’s golf finished eighth at the Wolverine Invitational.
Cross country finished in the top-10 at the Spartan Invite.
Baseball announced its fall exhibition schedule.
Water polo added an assistant coach.
12 Hoosiers are now part of the USA Swimming National Team.
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.