BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - It doesn't really matter that the atmosphere in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall was drastically different than usual.
It's not important that the players and coaches could clearly be heard communicating to each other due to the lack of noise. The band and the excitement and the energy was missed, but the basketball—always the main draw—was back.
And it looks promising.
The Hoosiers beat Tennessee Tech 89-59 to open the 2020-21 season, and the simple fact that first step was taken is a milestone. As programs across college basketball work to overcome the obstacles of a global pandemic and disruptions that can strike without warning, hearing the ball bounce and the whistles blow was music to anyone who loves the game.