Indiana athletic director Fred Glass is pleased with the buzz around his department as the IU Tailgate Tour begins. And that energy was palpable at the tour's first stop in Fort Wayne on Tuesday.BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Donors and fans energized by the resurgence of Indiana University's men's basketball program are showing their approval to the tune of millions of dollars.
The Indianapolis Business Journal reports donations targeted for the athletics department have risen nearly $5 million since 2005-2006, when Kelvin Sampson became coach. Sales of IU-licensed merchandise are expected to top $2 million this year.
Experts say those figures could go higher if IU wins the Big Ten or national championship.
Athletics Director Fred Glass and former player Phil Isenbarger say the credit goes to current coach Tom Crean. Isenbarger notes that Crean's players graduate and some are even pursuing master's degrees.
Basketball revenue has accounted for nearly a third of total IU athletic department revenue in recent years.
