CHICAGO - Low expectations weren't the only thing that greeted new Indiana basketball coach Tom Crean at his first Big Ten media day.

The only newcomer on the conference's coaching roster was also greeted by a crowd.

The curious onlookers questioned Crean about why he chose to trade a Marquette program he had led to nine consecutive winning seasons for a job at a tradition-rich program currently waiting to learn if the NCAA will add to self-imposed sanctions for rules violations.

Crean responded by pointing to the crowd.

"It's that passion, whether it's from the fans or elsewhere," Crean said. "People care about Indiana basketball. I feel that every day with every step I take. That doesn't happen everywhere."

Crean's arrival led to an exodus by a number of players, including some who were shown the door, but he doesn't concern himself with that or with preseason prognostications that peg the Hoosiers to finish last in the Big Ten race, something that was last a reality for Indiana in 1970.

"There were a lot of days early on, back in April and May, that left a lot to be desired. There have been no regrets in any area, taking the job or the decisions that were made," Crean said. "Now, we've just got to move forward. That's what I find myself saying all the time."

Although his staff cobbled together a 13-player roster that counts eight freshmen among 11 newcomers, Crean isn't writing off the upcoming season.

"I think we will have a team that will play with energy, will play hard and will compete," Crean said. "I also think they will represent Indiana University the right way. That is our focus as we begin to build."

Crean, who has not talked to his team about sanctions Indiana could be handed next month, brought his most experienced returning player and his only senior to Sunday's gathering.

Kyle Taber, a 6-foot-7 forward, is the Hoosiers' lone returning scholarship athlete. He did start three games a year ago and averaged 1.6 points, but is currently working his way back from knee surgery in late August.

"It's been crazy. I never expected to be in this situation in my senior year at Indiana, but it is what it is," Taber said. "The expectations don't change, not at Indiana. We will work hard every day and do what we can to win every game we play."

Several coaches suspect the winning may come sooner than expected as Hoosier players feed off of the intensity and energy that Crean brings to the court.

"People are writing them off, but I think he'll surprise some people," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "I think he'll win a couple of games people don't give him a chance to win. It's a tough situation, but they've got the right guy."

Iowa coach Todd Lickliter, two seasons removed from coaching at Butler, believes the Indiana program's tradition and the state's talent-filled high schools will help Crean quickly compete.

"All programs have issues and problems that you have to work through," Lickliter said. "That's part of it, but he's at a school with a great tradition. That's not a bad start."

Contact Steve Batterson at (563) 383-2290 or sbatterson@qctimes.com