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Tom Crean’s accidental tweet shows coaches are still adapting to social media change

TomCreanClap

The recruiting landscape has shifted in the 21st century and sometimes coaches are still adapting.

Take Indiana’s Tom Crean, for instance, who accidently tweeted what should have been a direct message to a recruit on Twitter.

Though the tweet was later deleted, the mistaken tweet/DM read, “I am doing great. I have been thinking about you alot since last weekend. A whole lot. How are you doing?”

Once realizing the error, he tweeted two apologies and poked fun at his lack of social media skills.

Sorry. That was to a new recruit. Wish I could tell you who. Sent it by mistake. Don’t panic. Lol

— Tom Crean (@TomCrean) August 3, 2012


My wife and daughter are laughing at my lack of ability to use technology. Sorry purdue fans, it’s not what you want to think

— Tom Crean (@TomCrean) August 3, 2012

But Crean’s small mistake highlights the changes that coaches are encountering when it comes to recruiting players.

Not only have text messages become the norm for casual conversation, but Twitter has become almost as common. A coach who can maintain a strong social media presence has gained the upper hand on coaches who reject the medium all together.

Among those who have embraced it are John Calipari, Jay Wright, Mike Rice, Steve Lavin, and Sean Miller, all of whom have had success in recruiting.

Of course, there are other reasons for their success than social media, but by connecting with the young generation of players, appearing to be “in the loop” and up-to-date with what is going on can only help.

It also gives athletic departments a chance to flaunt their newness and openness to change, which can be difficult to do through the traditional press release/press conference style.

Coaches will continue to get a feel for the medium, as will players. Don’t expect the trend to fade away any time soon.

Daniel Martin is a writer and editor at JohnnyJungle.com, covering St. John’s. You can find him on Twitter:@DanielJMartin_