Indiana was supposed to simply be putting the finishing touches on preparation for today’s Big Ten opener, at Illinois.
But at 10 o’clock Monday morning, freshman center Luke Fischer changed all that.
“He told us this morning at about 10 O’clock that he wanted to do something different,” said IU Coach Tom Crean. “It’s always in those situations that timing issues can surprise you, but I can’t stand here and say that I was in complete shock. I wish him the best, we will miss his potential, we will miss him as a person. He did an outstanding job here academically and he is an excellent young man. It wasn’t anything that anyone really saw coming.”
“Luke had great potential, there is no doubt about that. It creates a situation where people will take advantage of the opportunity. That is all you can really ask for. Time does not wait for anybody.”
Fischer met with Crean Monday morning. Despite having played every game this season and having seen double digit minutes in his last four games as his role expanded, the former Wisconsin Mr. Basketball was moving on.
“He told us that he wanted to do something different,” Crean said after Monday afternoon’s practice.
No official reason was given and no potential school was mentioned.
