The Assembly Call IU Basketball Podcast and Postgame Show

Jerod Morris
  • 4.7 (409)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Weekly

Following your Hoosiers is always more fun with friends. Come hang out with us after every Indiana basketball game, and every Thursday night, as our team of hosts -- Jerod Morris, Andy Bottoms, Ryan Phillips, and Brian "The Coach" Tonsoni dissect every angle of IU basketball, as we've been doing since 2011. We are equal parts unabashed fandom and objective analysis, with plenty of laughter along the way. If you're looking for knee-jerk analysis and hot takes, this is NOT the show for you. But if you want a show that isn't afraid to critique play while always staying supportive of players, then this is the place for you.

  1. [1123] Offseason Update: Player Observations, Indy Games, and NCAA Talk

    Jun 19

    [1123] Offseason Update: Player Observations, Indy Games, and NCAA Talk

    In this episode of The Assembly Call, the crew checks in from the quiet part of the offseason—but with plenty to discuss. From the first glimpses of summer workouts to Indiana's exhibition schedule and the ongoing debate around NCAA Tournament expansion, there's no shortage of reasons to start getting excited for basketball again. The Banner Moment: Summer Workouts Are Here For the first time, we're getting a peek behind the curtain at this completely rebuilt roster. Early practice observations from those in attendanceWhy Coach Tonsoni is suddenly paying attention to practice videosWhat stood out from the first few days in BloomingtonLooking ahead to Peru and why those games could be so valuable Breaking Down the New-Look Roster The conversation digs into what little we've seen—and what it might tell us. Why Indiana's roster construction feels more intentional this time aroundThe importance of having multiple ways to create spacing offensivelyWhich newcomers could quietly become the biggest difference-makersA fun exercise: if you're scouting Indiana, who do you try to stop first?The discussion also explores why this team may simply have more answers than recent IU squads when defenses take away the first option. Scheduling, Expansion, and the Bigger Picture The show wraps with a look beyond the roster. Thoughts on playing marquee games in Indianapolis versus Assembly HallWhether expanding the NCAA Tournament to 76 teams actually improves the eventHow a larger field could change scheduling philosophy across college basketballA few final reflections on the ever-changing landscape of the sport See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 17m
  2. [1122] B1G Schedule, New Roster Additions, Tournament Expansion

    May 15

    [1122] B1G Schedule, New Roster Additions, Tournament Expansion

    The crew opens with something Indiana fans haven’t had in a while during May: actual basketball stuff to look forward to. Between the Peru trip, summer practices, and a roster that finally looks balanced on paper, there’s a real sense of momentum around the program. Why the Peru trip could end up being way more important than just “extra games”The hidden value of IU adding “practice body” depth pieces late in the portal cycleHow Darian DeVries may have quietly overachieved in the transfer portalWhy this roster feels fundamentally different from some recent IU teamsThe discussion turns into a surprisingly optimistic conversation about fit, shooting, and actual roster construction There’s also some fun reflection on the current state of IU athletics overall — from football momentum to the feeling that Indiana is finally showing up in national conversations for positive reasons again. And yes… the guys briefly spiral into memories of the 1992 Final Four loss to Duke, because some wounds apparently never heal. Segment 2: The Big Ten Schedule Is Out… and IU Might’ve Actually Caught a Break The conference opponents are officially set, and the panel wastes no time dissecting what’s good, what’s dangerous, and what could become sneaky problem spots. A few major themes emerge quickly: Not having to visit Illinois, Michigan, and Michigan State feels enormousWhy this schedule may set up well for a first-year roster still learning how to play togetherThe road games everyone says are “winnable”… but somehow never feel comfortableAn unfortunate amount of skepticism about beating Northwestern despite their roster turnoverWisconsin in Madison somehow turns into its own emotional subplot The conversation eventually drifts into way-too-early Big Ten record predictions, and suddenly the panel is casually throwing around numbers that would represent Indiana’s best conference season in years. Some restraint is attempted. It does not last long. Segment 3: NCAA Tournament Expansion, College Basketball Chaos, and Coach Wants Golf Partners The final segment tackles the looming NCAA Tournament expansion debate, and the conversation gets surprisingly thoughtful about what the tournament should actually represent. Topics include: Why expanding the field feels inevitable whether fans like it or notThe biggest issue with the current “First Four” setupA genuinely interesting idea for helping mid-major teams and preserving tournament magicWhy the NCAA still doesn’t know how to properly treat smaller schools that earn tournament bidsThe guys accidentally workshop better tournament formats than the NCAA itselfAnd in true offseason fashion, the episode closes with: Indy 500 talksummer basketball planspodcast updatesretirement excitementand Coach Tonsoni openly recruiting Assembly Call listeners to play golf with him around IndianaWhich honestly feels exactly right for a mid-May IU basketball show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    57 min
  3. [1121] Inside the Haul -- Breaking Down Indiana's Early Portal Activity

    Apr 16

    [1121] Inside the Haul -- Breaking Down Indiana's Early Portal Activity

    In this episode of The Assembly Call, we react to Indiana’s massive transfer portal haul and what it might mean for year two under Darian DeVries. After a disappointing season, the tone has shifted quickly—and the conversation wrestles with how much of this excitement is justified versus how much still needs to be proven on the court. Segment 1: Inside Indiana’s Portal Haul The discussion centers on just how dramatic this roster overhaul has been—and why it feels different from past offseasons. Why this group appears more balanced than recent Indiana teamsHow the pieces might actually fit together in a modern offenseThe significance of adding a true lead guard and legit size up frontA surprise commitment during the show that adds another wrinkleWhether this is finally a roster without an obvious fatal flaw Segment 2: What It Means (and What’s Still Missing) The excitement is real—but so are the questions. How much of last year’s struggles were roster vs. coachingWhy this offseason suggests the staff may have learned from year oneThe importance of continuity and multi-year playersWhat positions still need to be addressed before the roster is completeThe big unknown: how it all comes together once games actually start Bottoms line: There’s real momentum—and a real plan. But this episode makes it clear: April wins don’t mean much unless they translate to November. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 5m
  4. [1120] IU-Northwestern BTT Postgame Show

    Mar 12

    [1120] IU-Northwestern BTT Postgame Show

    Indiana fell to Northwestern 74–61 in the Big Ten Tournament, dropping to 18–14 and surely ending any remaining hopes of an NCAA tournament bid. The Hoosiers built an early 10-point lead and looked sharp offensively before a late first-half collapse and second-half defensive breakdown allowed Northwestern to seize control and pull away. Andy Bottoms, Coach Tonsoni, Jerod Morris, and Ryan Phillips break down the season-ending loss and what it revealed about Indiana’s roster and program direction: The strong opening stretch where Tucker DeVries, Lamar Wilkerson, and Sam Alexis fueled an early double-digit Indiana lead before everything unraveledThe brutal offensive collapse late in the first half that flipped momentum and set the tone for the rest of the gameNorthwestern’s Nick Martinelli dominating the second half and why Indiana never found a defensive answer for himThe recurring defensive strategy questions — especially switching decisions that repeatedly created favorable matchups for NorthwesternFrustration with Indiana’s shot selection and empty possessions during a pivotal second-half stretchA bigger-picture discussion of the offseason ahead and why portal additions will define the next phase of Darian DeVries’ rebuildPlus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 8m
  5. [1119] IU-Ohio State Postgame Show

    Mar 8

    [1119] IU-Ohio State Postgame Show

    Indiana fell to Ohio State 91–78 in Columbus in the regular-season finale, dropping to 18–13 overall and 9–11 in Big Ten play and effectively ending their at-large NCAA tournament hopes. The Hoosiers kept the game competitive early but were undone by Ohio State’s hot perimeter shooting and Indiana’s inability to match the Buckeyes’ physicality and shot creation for long stretches. Jerod Morris, Ryan Phillips, Mike Wiemuth, and Bob Moats break down the disappointing road loss and what it says about Indiana’s roster and future: Ohio State’s blistering three-point shooting that repeatedly stretched Indiana’s defense beyond its limitsThe physical mismatch that showed up in rebounding battles, defensive rotations, and late-game foulingLamar Wilkerson’s aggressive play — including one costly late decision — that captured both his importance and the burden he carried all seasonWhy Indiana’s roster construction left them without enough playmakers or shot creators to keep up with elite Big Ten teamsThe defensive dilemma of trying to contain Bruce Thornton while Ohio State’s other weapons punished every adjustmentJerod’s sobering “banner moment” reflection on what the end of the regular season means for the program’s immediate futureThe looming offseason and why roster upgrades are now the clearest path forward for Darian DeVries’ system Plus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 25m
  6. [1118] IU-Minnesota Postgame Show

    Mar 5

    [1118] IU-Minnesota Postgame Show

    Indiana rolled past Minnesota 77–47 to improve to 18–12 overall and 9–10 in Big Ten play, delivering one of the team’s most complete performances of the season at exactly the moment it was needed most. After losing four straight and watching their NCAA tournament hopes slip, the Hoosiers responded with a dominant defensive effort, balanced scoring, and a decisive closing run late in the first half that effectively ended the game early. Jerod Morris, Andy Bottoms, and Brian Tonsoni break down the emphatic win and what it means heading into a crucial road test at Ohio State: The decisive late-first-half burst that turned a somewhat close game into a comfortable Indiana leadSam Alexis’ dominant interior presence that earned him the night’s game ballTucker DeVries’ all-around stat line and leadership performance that showcased how valuable his versatility can beIndiana’s suffocating defensive performance that held Minnesota to just 47 points and one of its worst offensive nights of the seasonThe massive edge in points off turnovers that turned defensive stops into easy scoring opportunitiesWhy this balanced team effort — on both ends of the floor — looked like the Indiana team fans had been hoping to see for weeksWhat the win means for Indiana’s fading NCAA tournament hopes with a massive bubble matchup looming against Ohio State Plus, the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 hr
  7. [1117] IU-Michigan State Postgame Show

    Mar 2

    [1117] IU-Michigan State Postgame Show

    Indiana dropped its fourth straight game, falling 77–64 to Michigan State as the Hoosiers’ late-season slide continued and their NCAA tournament hopes faded further. Despite sustained effort and moments of competitiveness, Indiana again struggled to overcome talent gaps, rebounding issues, and offensive limitations against a top-tier Big Ten opponent. Coach Tonsoni and Ryan Phillips break down another frustrating loss and what it says about Indiana’s present — and future: How Indiana’s defensive adjustment to a matchup zone briefly slowed Michigan State but couldn’t overcome sustained shooting efficiencyThe momentum-killing offensive rebounds that repeatedly erased Indiana runsWhy the Hoosiers’ offense stalled without a consistent downhill creator to put defenses in rotationThe growing consensus that effort isn’t the issue — roster talent and fit areTucker DeVries’ all-around performance and leadership amid difficult offensive circumstancesThe broader impact of Indiana’s four-game skid on postseason hopes and program trajectoryWhy the upcoming offseason — especially portal additions — now looms as the program’s most important stretchPlus, key statistical takeaways, game ball and Hoosier Hustle Award selections, and a discussion of how Indiana should approach the final games with pride and long-term perspective in mind. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    47 min
  8. [1116] IU-Northwestern Postgame Show

    Feb 25

    [1116] IU-Northwestern Postgame Show

    Indiana suffered a devastating 72–68 home loss to Northwestern, falling to 17–11 overall and 8–9 in Big Ten play after squandering a strong first half and enduring another prolonged offensive drought. The Hoosiers built an early lead behind hot shooting but went cold late, allowing a struggling Northwestern team to seize control and dramatically complicate Indiana’s NCAA tournament outlook. Andy, Ryan, and Coach Tonsoni break down a frustrating defeat that exposed familiar issues on both ends of the floor: How Indiana’s red-hot start — fueled by Lamar Wilkerson’s early shooting — unraveled into a second-half scoring drought that decided the gameWhy the offense stalled into perimeter passing and late-clock jumpers during a decisive 10-minute stretch without a field goalThe puzzling rotation decisions surrounding Tayton Conerway despite his clear impact attacking the rimDefensive breakdowns and matchup choices that allowed Northwestern’s Nick Martinelli to take over the second halfThe rebounding and physicality gaps that turned a struggling opponent into the more aggressive teamMissed late foul calls that loomed large — while also highlighting why Indiana never should have been in that positionWhat this loss means for Indiana’s tournament chances with urgency now surrounding the final stretch of the season Plus, the Hall of a Moment, game balls, Hoosier Hustle Award, and a candid discussion of where Indiana stands heading into a critical matchup with Michigan State. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 10m
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4.7
out of 5
409 Ratings

About

Following your Hoosiers is always more fun with friends. Come hang out with us after every Indiana basketball game, and every Thursday night, as our team of hosts -- Jerod Morris, Andy Bottoms, Ryan Phillips, and Brian "The Coach" Tonsoni dissect every angle of IU basketball, as we've been doing since 2011. We are equal parts unabashed fandom and objective analysis, with plenty of laughter along the way. If you're looking for knee-jerk analysis and hot takes, this is NOT the show for you. But if you want a show that isn't afraid to critique play while always staying supportive of players, then this is the place for you.

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