The box score for the IU/PU when AJ was a freshman doesn't paint the picture. That game was out of hand quickly and AJ didn't get a majority of those points until the second half IIRC, again when things were out of hand. It's not like Zeller was just over-matched. AJ had 30 points, yes, but it's not because he outplayed Zeller. AJ only had six points in the second game. He didn't have a ton of rebounds in either game, IIRC correctly either. So your whole thought process on this is false. Below is a quick write up on the game. It doesn't mention anything about AJ outplaying Zeller, quit the opposite in fact. Like I also said, the second game against Zeller was a domination as AJ had six points. So again, your whole thought process is false.
http://espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=330302509
Oh and I also say that the tougher schedule works against you guys and is a reason I don't see you all finishing in the top two or three in the B10. I didn't say that's a reason IU would finish ahead of you. Also, I said I wouldn't be shocked if IU's defense was ranked around the 75 range. That doesn't mean I expect it to end ranked that way. I do think it's safe to assume we'll be a good amount better, though. As for Bryant, he's known to be a big physical guy who can rebound in traffic, runs the floor well, can score with his back to the basket and can also knock down the three. I've not read anything about him moving around the perimeter. He played on the perimeter earlier in high school, but that's not where he ended. Everything I've read (and seen) speaks more toward his length and ability to protect the rim. So, I don't know where you're getting your info.
Here's a little piece about Bryant going up against Diamond Stone, you know, the other 5* big man going to Maryland who is a beast.
"Bryant was matched up with Diamond Stone, a blue-chip center destined for Maryland (and a rematch with Bryant next winter). Stone hit two quick 3-pointers, pushing his team ahead.
But then Bryant cracked down. He posted Stone up at one end of the floor, and threw his body into him at the other. All-star games aren't often marked by committed defense, but Bryant wanted to make Stone work.
Stone shot just 2-of-8 the rest of the evening.
"(Bryant) is a great competitor and he's refreshing, because he brings an old school passion and competitiveness to the court," said Jerry Meyer, director of basketball scouting for 247Sports. "He's a grinder."
As Stone faded, Bryant sharpened. By the end of the night, he Bryant had 19 points, six boards, a team MVP award and a win."
Doesn't really sound like anything you're describing. Stone is pretty big, 6'10 250lbs. Doesn't really matchup with what you're saying, huh? My whole point to this is I don't think that Bryant is going to get the best of AJH and Haas, but I don't think it's going to be like last year, either. In fact, I expect Bryant to be able to hold his own against those guys. I get that you believe Bryant won't be a factor at all in the game against Purdue.