Indiana men’s basketball made a front office type of move on Monday with the hiring of Ryan Carr, a former program manager, as Executive Director of Basketball, effectively a general manager type role with a focus on roster building.
Such hirings have become more common in college basketball due to relatively recent shifts in team and program building philosophies with the onset of NIL and the transfer portal. Indiana has plenty of connections around the basketball world with former players and managers in coaching and front office roles around college basketball, the NBA and other levels. Carr, working just up the road in Indianapolis with plenty of scouting and leadership experience, seems a natural fit.
Which seems to be the broad takeaway from the move based on reactions around social media. Here’s some that stick out:
Pacers guards Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell:
Former Indiana men’s basketball head coach Tom Crean:
ESPN reporter Pete Thamel:
NBA Draft analyst Jonathon Givony:
Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard:
Pacers assistant coach Jenny Boucek