ISU gamers, opponents blunt for Lansing | Sports

The last time the job status of the Indiana state men’s basketball coach was in doubt at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament was in 2007 when Royce Waltman confirmed published reports that he was gone and included in memorable press conference comments on the state of college basketball has been.

Current ISU coach Greg Lansing, who was an assistant coach at Waltman at the time, didn’t put on a similar fireworks display at what may be his final press conference on Arch Madness.

Lansing did not confirm his exit from the ISU program when asked about it after the ISU’s 65:49 loss to Loyola # 20 on Saturday.

“They [ISU’s administration] said they won’t talk about it later this year. I haven’t had any communication about it since before the season. It’s out of my control, ”said Lansing, who added that there is currently no scheduled meeting about his job status.

Lansing’s contract expires on March 31st. A tweet from Stadium.com’s Jeff Goodman on Feb.28 said Lansing – who has a career record of 181-164 at ISU and is two wins from Duane Klueh’s school record for wins – is unlikely despite the first being back as an ISU coach since two consecutive .600 or better seasons since the 2000 and 2001 campaigns.

Goodman’s tweet revealed what many in Lansing’s orbit were expecting.

Lansing pointed out what he was proud of during his time and expressed his love for ISU – where he spent two different periods totaling 20 seasons, counting his two stints under three different coaches as assistant and eleven seasons as head coach.

“I did everything to have a successful season. This group achieved some special things. I’m fine and have appreciated the support that I have. I feel humble and grateful for that. I love indiana state. What a wonderful community, ”said Lansing.

The stumping for Lansing was done by others, including one of the best players of the Lansing era – Jake LaRavia.

The second year was a big reason Lansing’s career at ISU turned after five consecutive losses. LaRavia averaged 10.7 and six rebounds as an underclassman and was the second team All-MVC this season.

LaRavia was asked about his future with the ISU program and what he needs to consider in the future.

“I am everything to G. Lansing. So it is with him [for LaRavia]. That’s pretty much my attitude, ”said LaRavia.

The ISU guard Tyreke Key, who can turn professional after the season but can also return to the team due to the relaxation of the COVID-19 eligibility, was proud of the culture that has established itself in the last two seasons. ISU was a combined 33-22.

“It’s so obvious that the culture has changed. It started with Jordan Barnes, who is one of the greatest to have ever played here. I’ve done everything to change the culture. I think I did for the most part and the coaching team prepared us for every single game, ”said Key.



Chicago head coach Porter Moser’s Loyola is seen on the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Indiana State in the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference men’s tournament on Saturday, March 6, 2021 in St. Louis. (AP Photo / Jeff Roberson)



Lansing’s biggest supporter on Saturday was Loyola trainer Porter Moser. The two have trained against each other since Loyola joined the MVC in 2013/14 and have known each other for a long time. The men hugged in court at the last summer and Moser knows what Lansing is going through. Moser was fired from the State of Illinois in 2007.

“I heard the chants last night and today I heard ‘Keep Greg Lansing’. I just find it hard to swallow that. Why is it a problem at all? The guy is almost the all-time leading winner in the history of his school, he’s fighting for a championship, ”said Moser.

“He’s doing it right, he’s an incredible coach, how hard they play, the young players they have, they fight for championships. I found it difficult to hear this singing because it shouldn’t even be a question, ”added Moser.

Lansing was selfless when he heard of Moser’s comments.

“He just wants me with him so he can hit me,” said Lansing.

Lansing could just be the third Division I coach since 1971, with two consecutive seasons at 600 or better so as not to renew his contract.

Stan Heath in Arkansas in 2007 and Jim Harding in Detroit in 1973 were the other two.

Neither situation fits the decision that the ISU must make. The senior razorbacks had a loss at the Southeastern Conference in 2007, and Harding had personality conflicts with the Detroit administrators in the early 1970s.

Seven other Division I coaches have left after their dismissal after 600 consecutive seasons since 1971 or resigned under pressure because they didn’t win enough or won the NCAA tournament. All but two were in Power Five schools.

Every other coach with two consecutive 600s or better seasons in Division I since 1971 who left their schools – 323 total – either left college to join the ranks of college coaches, retired, moved into administration or went to the pros, went the coaching business alone was laid off or resigned due to NCAA or legal issues, canceled its program, and tragically died in the tragic case of former southern Illinois coach Paul Lambert.

Lansing didn’t want to focus on that. He talked about what he told the sycamore maples after their season ended.

“I told them that I love and appreciate them. It’s more fun than ever in my career. I love her to death You are great guys. I’m sorry we couldn’t make it happen for them. There are quite a few programmers on the Indiana State team, ”Lansing said.

He highlighted ISU’s only four-year senior, Key, for a special mention.

“Tyreke Key? What can you say? One of the best jerseys ever worn in Indiana State, ”said Lansing. “He has played with injuries throughout his career. He’s a special guy. I thanked him and told him I love him. “

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