Romeo Langford committed to Indiana less than 11 months ago. He’s the same kid, but many fans have turned.
Romeo Langford wants to compete at basketball. He wants to win. He wants to improve.
Somehow, Indiana fans have come to the conclusion he’s counting the days until the NBA Draft, and that wealth is his only priority as his time at IU draws to a close.
They are crapping on Romeo with enthusiasm. Its has been as relentless as the cold this winter.
None of it is justified, funny, or reasonable.
People, including some in sports media, were on Twitter before yesterday’s NIT opener speculating that Romeo would have played if this had been an NCAA Tournament game as though they have some special powers to diagnose a back injury from 100 miles away and understand how it impacts a 19-year old’s ability to compete.
Seems guessing about a kid’s health has become OK – even to the media.
I have no special insight into Romeo – no gift for understanding exactly what he’s thinking. I spent an hour with him at New Albany High School a year ago to talk about how he needs to view the media, and he was the same kid you see on the floor – expressionless and stoic. He made constant eye contact, but until I asked him a few questions I wasn’t certain he was listening.
Indiana fans are unsure Romeo cares because he doesn’t scream and play air guitar with every basket.
He was listening, and he cares. Just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it is not there.
I’ve watched Romeo play basketball since he was an eighth grader, and I have never seen him celebrate a dunk, three-pointer, or steal. He doesn’t smile, point to the ceiling, or wave his arms to get the crowd hyped. Competing at basketball is its own reward for him.
Waiting to party until a game ended used to be respected, but not with Romeo. Some guys flash threes after every bomb, and we don’t like that either. Seems like no matter what Romeo does, it’s not enough – or maybe too much.
Romeo will finish this season as the third all-time leading scorer among freshman in program history, and will be drafted into the NBA somewhere in the top 15.
Fans will continue to ask whether he is the biggest disappointment in program history – as though that is somehow Romeo’s doing, and not the fault of those whose expectations were way out of whack.
Indiana has been down this five-star road before with Cody Zeller, Yogi Ferrell, Noah Vonleh, Thomas Bryant, and James Blackmon. You would think fans would know by now that freshmen need to learn how to play at the Big 10 level. Very few are like Zion Williamson – perfect when they show up on campus.
Like almost all freshmen, Romeo isn’t perfect.
So let’s take out our frustrations on this 19-year old in social media.
Yeah, that makes sense.
Agree with most of your opinions and will take it one step further. As a IU grad I appreciate knowing about why he will most certainly go into the draft(financial), but airing his family business (Star) is not acceptable. He definitely has shooting issues but those can be corrected. I had hoped the IU staff would have done that during his time in Bloomington. Good luck Romeo.
Agree 100% .Romeo is a great kid blessed with outstanding talent and maturity for someone with so much pressure and expection on him. He has handled it with class and style. All you have to do is watch some of the talented players today. No thank you! Hoosier Nation needs to let the past go
It is gone forever. If given the chance Archie will bring his culture and build a new way of winning consistently. He will build a strong program the right way. Romeo has led team in scoring and is a quality person. Indy Star no longer a quality source with integrity . When Archie gets his own players then we can judge. Until then embrace the fact that Romeo chose INDIANA for however long we are lucky to have him.
I for one am proud that an Indiana boy stayed in state and came to IU. Even though the program was not where it should could or will be. He came he played great ball and now will go on to make his money good for him and good for IU! Thanks for giving all you had Romeo! Best of luck to you!! Keep making Indiana proud!!
I love Romeo. He’s a class kid and a great basketball player. Nobody (myself included) has any idea the pressure this kid is under and how well he has handled it. Shame on you IndyStar for your article including his parents financial business. That is not any of our business and surely not for you to put in print. Thanks for coming to Indiana Romeo; sorry there are fans and papers out there that aren’t a tenth as respectful as you.
I agree with everyone, Romeo doesn’t celebrate after every basket, steal , dunk. It doesn’t mean he don’t care he plays the game with respect and the way it should be played. Yea I think he should come back just because what Coach Miller has coming in, this team could be very special . He is very humble and won’t brag or act stupid when he plays never have never will. I just think with a little work he could be the #1 pick in the draft next year, he is going to play with grown men and he just isn’t ready yet. He was able to do anything he wanted in high school and in college it is a totally different game he can excel next year and Coach Miller has to use him right
Maybe your expectations are out of whack. I expect a “future lottery pick” and someone who packs a gym for the big “decision” to perform a bit better than what transpired this season. He was projected around a 5 pick in the draft at the beginning of the season and now as low as 20. Now is all of this Romeo’s fault? I doubt anyone who has been critical of him or IU’s season places the blame squarely on him. Damon Bailey had a hard time living up to his high school fame at IU as well. When much is made of you much is expected. Is it fair? Sure it is. He will be cashing million dollar paychecks soon.
Oh Romeo! Oh Romeo!
Where for art thou, Romeo?
I’m on my way, to the NBA
And never again will I play,
For the Cream & Crimson whose in my way.
Kent, the stories you print plus the feedback you get from IU and the other players are fake news.
Fire Fred glass