Five Random Thoughts

[SixthFlagComing]

1) Modern Basketball: One of the things I was most excited about when we hired Coach Woodson was my expectation/hope that he would implement some of the concepts of "Modern Basketball". I was really tired of the plodding, boring Archie teams. We're a LONG way from modern basketball and a lot closer to the plodding, boring Archie teams than I hoped we would be right now.

The Modernization of NBA Offenses and Why Small Ball Is Here to Stay | The Analyst

The small-ball era in the NBA isn’t actually about how tall your center is. What’s it actually about? Here's an update on where the NBA’s offensive revolution stands in 2021.

theanalyst.com

I think Woody is trying to adjust to the talent on his team, and that's admirable, but, at some point, we gotta start modernizing or we're just going to be a boring, plodding program.

2) What Has Changed...Really?: I'm not behind the scenes. I'm just an average Joe watching from the cheap seats, but it's a bit strange to me how little seems to have changed from the Archie era. Many of the same players, most of the same staff, same S/C guy. We had Fife and Matta for a minute, but that's over. Promoted Walsh from within. There have been several posts saying the team is more joyful and the Archie cloud was lifted, but if we don't start winning more than we did under Archie, I can't imagine that joy is going to last long. I love and support Woody, but I can't help but wonder if he's done too much trying to maintain continuity.

3) 3-point Shooting: This is related to point #1, but, we're #81 in the country in 3-point percentage, but #254 in 3-point attempts.

2022-23 Men's College Basketball School Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

2022-23 Men's College Basketball Season Summary and More About College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

www.sports-reference.com

It just seems to me we HAVE to shoot more threes.

4) Defense: Our defensive efficiency has gone from top-five to mid-30s.

NCAA Basketball Stats - NCAA BB Team Defensive Efficiency | TeamRankings.com

NCAA Basketball defensive efficiency, by team.

www.teamrankings.com

I understand the opponents we've been playing have gotten better as the year has gone on, but, still, mid-30s defense isn't good enough for this team to go where we all want it to go.

5) Kentucky Sucks: I love reading Rupp's Rafters these days. Ah the tears of unfathomable sadness. Hahaha

 

[Hoosier Clarion]

We've been beaten handily by 2 damn talented outfits and 1 very respectable B1G team. Not 1 loss to a low level conference program. Key injuries and a Frosh PG and some fans are self destructing the season. We've got a Sophomore gaining momentum from the 3 line + creating off the dribble. The only player I'd even lean toward the plodding subject is Kopp and he's achieving far more than last season. Home games certainly favor IU. Away games will require energy, guts and BB IQ. Something Coach Woodson has a bag full. The sky is still intact above us.

 

[steelyvan]

I believe we should have added a 6'7"-6'8" athlete, driver with shooting ability from the portal for this year and next. I am unsure how much effort we placed in that task. But we had a very compelling story to tell to recruits.

 

[gator mcCluskey]

1) Modern Basketball: One of the things I was most excited about when we hired Coach Woodson was my expectation/hope that he would implement some of the concepts of "Modern Basketball". I was really tired of the plodding, boring Archie teams. We're a LONG way from modern basketball and a lot closer to the plodding, boring Archie teams than I hoped we would be right now.

The Modernization of NBA Offenses and Why Small Ball Is Here to Stay | The Analyst

The small-ball era in the NBA isn’t actually about how tall your center is. What’s it actually about? Here's an update on where the NBA’s offensive revolution stands in 2021.

theanalyst.com

I think Woody is trying to adjust to the talent on his team, and that's admirable, but, at some point, we gotta start modernizing or we're just going to be a boring, plodding program.

2) What Has Changed...Really?: I'm not behind the scenes. I'm just an average Joe watching from the cheap seats, but it's a bit strange to me how little seems to have changed from the Archie era. Many of the same players, most of the same staff, same S/C guy. We had Fife and Matta for a minute, but that's over. Promoted Walsh from within. There have been several posts saying the team is more joyful and the Archie cloud was lifted, but if we don't start winning more than we did under Archie, I can't imagine that joy is going to last long. I love and support Woody, but I can't help but wonder if he's done too much trying to maintain continuity.

3) 3-point Shooting: This is related to point #1, but, we're #81 in the country in 3-point percentage, but #254 in 3-point attempts.

2022-23 Men's College Basketball School Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

2022-23 Men's College Basketball Season Summary and More About College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

www.sports-reference.com

It just seems to me we HAVE to shoot more threes.

4) Defense: Our defensive efficiency has gone from top-five to mid-30s.

NCAA Basketball Stats - NCAA BB Team Defensive Efficiency | TeamRankings.com

NCAA Basketball defensive efficiency, by team.

www.teamrankings.com

I understand the opponents we've been playing have gotten better as the year has gone on, but, still, mid-30s defense isn't good enough for this team to go where we all want it to go.

5) Kentucky Sucks: I love reading Rupp's Rafters these days. Ah the tears of unfathomable sadness. Hahaha

View embedded media

You don’t think we’re winning more than we did under Archie?

 

[Sope Creek]

I believe we should have added a 6'7"-6'8" athlete, driver with shooting ability from the portal for this year and next. I am unsure how much effort we placed in that task. But we had a very compelling story to tell to recruits.

You mean like Banks?

 

[Sope Creek]

1) Modern Basketball: One of the things I was most excited about when we hired Coach Woodson was my expectation/hope that he would implement some of the concepts of "Modern Basketball". I was really tired of the plodding, boring Archie teams. We're a LONG way from modern basketball and a lot closer to the plodding, boring Archie teams than I hoped we would be right now.

The Modernization of NBA Offenses and Why Small Ball Is Here to Stay | The Analyst

The small-ball era in the NBA isn’t actually about how tall your center is. What’s it actually about? Here's an update on where the NBA’s offensive revolution stands in 2021.

theanalyst.com

I think Woody is trying to adjust to the talent on his team, and that's admirable, but, at some point, we gotta start modernizing or we're just going to be a boring, plodding program.

2) What Has Changed...Really?: I'm not behind the scenes. I'm just an average Joe watching from the cheap seats, but it's a bit strange to me how little seems to have changed from the Archie era. Many of the same players, most of the same staff, same S/C guy. We had Fife and Matta for a minute, but that's over. Promoted Walsh from within. There have been several posts saying the team is more joyful and the Archie cloud was lifted, but if we don't start winning more than we did under Archie, I can't imagine that joy is going to last long. I love and support Woody, but I can't help but wonder if he's done too much trying to maintain continuity.

3) 3-point Shooting: This is related to point #1, but, we're #81 in the country in 3-point percentage, but #254 in 3-point attempts.

2022-23 Men's College Basketball School Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

2022-23 Men's College Basketball Season Summary and More About College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

www.sports-reference.com

It just seems to me we HAVE to shoot more threes.

4) Defense: Our defensive efficiency has gone from top-five to mid-30s.

NCAA Basketball Stats - NCAA BB Team Defensive Efficiency | TeamRankings.com

NCAA Basketball defensive efficiency, by team.

www.teamrankings.com

I understand the opponents we've been playing have gotten better as the year has gone on, but, still, mid-30s defense isn't good enough for this team to go where we all want it to go.

5) Kentucky Sucks: I love reading Rupp's Rafters these days. Ah the tears of unfathomable sadness. Hahaha

View embedded media

We'd have never tried to recruit either JHS or Malik, much less actually landed them. When were we in the top 5 defensively with Archie?

 

[steelyvan]

You mean like Banks?

I like Banks' potential. But I'm referring to an upper class man with experience and quickness.

 

[abraxis]

1) Modern Basketball: One of the things I was most excited about when we hired Coach Woodson was my expectation/hope that he would implement some of the concepts of "Modern Basketball". I was really tired of the plodding, boring Archie teams. We're a LONG way from modern basketball and a lot closer to the plodding, boring Archie teams than I hoped we would be right now.

The Modernization of NBA Offenses and Why Small Ball Is Here to Stay | The Analyst

The small-ball era in the NBA isn’t actually about how tall your center is. What’s it actually about? Here's an update on where the NBA’s offensive revolution stands in 2021.

theanalyst.com

I think Woody is trying to adjust to the talent on his team, and that's admirable, but, at some point, we gotta start modernizing or we're just going to be a boring, plodding program.

2) What Has Changed...Really?: I'm not behind the scenes. I'm just an average Joe watching from the cheap seats, but it's a bit strange to me how little seems to have changed from the Archie era. Many of the same players, most of the same staff, same S/C guy. We had Fife and Matta for a minute, but that's over. Promoted Walsh from within. There have been several posts saying the team is more joyful and the Archie cloud was lifted, but if we don't start winning more than we did under Archie, I can't imagine that joy is going to last long. I love and support Woody, but I can't help but wonder if he's done too much trying to maintain continuity.

3) 3-point Shooting: This is related to point #1, but, we're #81 in the country in 3-point percentage, but #254 in 3-point attempts.

2022-23 Men's College Basketball School Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

2022-23 Men's College Basketball Season Summary and More About College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

www.sports-reference.com

It just seems to me we HAVE to shoot more threes.

4) Defense: Our defensive efficiency has gone from top-five to mid-30s.

NCAA Basketball Stats - NCAA BB Team Defensive Efficiency | TeamRankings.com

NCAA Basketball defensive efficiency, by team.

www.teamrankings.com

I understand the opponents we've been playing have gotten better as the year has gone on, but, still, mid-30s defense isn't good enough for this team to go where we all want it to go.

5) Kentucky Sucks: I love reading Rupp's Rafters these days. Ah the tears of unfathomable sadness. Hahaha

View embedded media

Random answers regarding random thoughts

Regarding 1), there is only so much 5 guys can do with a bouncing ball and a bottomless hoop. Any scheme you see to put ball through hoop has already been done by someone. The talent of the players add style to the movement. It's the style of performance that entertains us. More talent=more entertaining game=more wins over the less talented/style-ized=happier campers. It a really simple formula, difficult to achieve.

Regarding 2), Mike "Woody" Woodson is a more likable guy than his immediate predecessor. "Wait until he gets all his own players" is heard about every coach once disgruntlement sets in. Unfortunately for IU, his advancing years become a factor that doesn't age well.

Regarding 3), More three point shots will be taken as "catch-up" ball becomes necessary. When not necessary, our game is more geared towards forcing the ball inside. To date, we've had more easy opponents than difficult ones. That trend ends Jan 5.

Regarding 4), Injuries have resulted in limited playing time for some of our best defenders. With limited player time, others tire more easily because of more playing time. Second wind is found in rest. Less time for restful wind blows the desire to defend as tired sets in.

Regarding 5), we laugh at them while they laugh at us, meanwhile our true arch-rival as the undefeated #1 team laughs at both of us. In reflection, the tears of sadness are no laughing matter, viewed through a bathroom mirror in unfavorable light, just awakened.

 

[Sope Creek]

I like Banks' potential. But I'm referring to an upper class man with experience and quickness.

I'm gonna guess that Banks thinks Woody's experience playing as a freshman should count for something and work in his favor. Banks doesn't know how lean that '76-'77 team was. Sure they had a POY in Benson, but Benson wasn't even the best player on that team. Woody was. As a small forward that could shoot and rebound.

 

[bawlmer]

I like Banks' potential. But I'm referring to an upper class man with experience and quickness.

Seemed like anybody like that (eg, the Wichita State kid) was NIL shopping. Quick fixes are still hard to come by without disrupting team culture.

 

[frikkenfrakken]

Seemed like anybody like that (eg, the Wichita State kid) was NIL shopping. Quick fixes are still hard to come by without disrupting team culture.

Dexter Dennis is shooting 20-something percent from 3 for a 7-5 team. Doubtful he'd provide us anything Race isn't providing.

 

[Sope Creek]

Dexter Dennis is shooting 20-something percent from 3 for a 7-5 team. Doubtful he'd provide us anything Race isn't providing.

So the NIL investment would have been wasted? Is that what you're saying?

Sounds like he's trying to do too much.

 

[Coach Geez]

1) Modern Basketball: One of the things I was most excited about when we hired Coach Woodson was my expectation/hope that he would implement some of the concepts of "Modern Basketball". I was really tired of the plodding, boring Archie teams. We're a LONG way from modern basketball and a lot closer to the plodding, boring Archie teams than I hoped we would be right now.

The Modernization of NBA Offenses and Why Small Ball Is Here to Stay | The Analyst

The small-ball era in the NBA isn’t actually about how tall your center is. What’s it actually about? Here's an update on where the NBA’s offensive revolution stands in 2021.

theanalyst.com

I think Woody is trying to adjust to the talent on his team, and that's admirable, but, at some point, we gotta start modernizing or we're just going to be a boring, plodding program.

2) What Has Changed...Really?: I'm not behind the scenes. I'm just an average Joe watching from the cheap seats, but it's a bit strange to me how little seems to have changed from the Archie era. Many of the same players, most of the same staff, same S/C guy. We had Fife and Matta for a minute, but that's over. Promoted Walsh from within. There have been several posts saying the team is more joyful and the Archie cloud was lifted, but if we don't start winning more than we did under Archie, I can't imagine that joy is going to last long. I love and support Woody, but I can't help but wonder if he's done too much trying to maintain continuity.

3) 3-point Shooting: This is related to point #1, but, we're #81 in the country in 3-point percentage, but #254 in 3-point attempts.

2022-23 Men's College Basketball School Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

2022-23 Men's College Basketball Season Summary and More About College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

www.sports-reference.com

It just seems to me we HAVE to shoot more threes.

4) Defense: Our defensive efficiency has gone from top-five to mid-30s.

NCAA Basketball Stats - NCAA BB Team Defensive Efficiency | TeamRankings.com

NCAA Basketball defensive efficiency, by team.

www.teamrankings.com

I understand the opponents we've been playing have gotten better as the year has gone on, but, still, mid-30s defense isn't good enough for this team to go where we all want it to go.

5) Kentucky Sucks: I love reading Rupp's Rafters these days. Ah the tears of unfathomable sadness. Hahaha

View embedded media

1. What's "Modern Basketball"? Running up and down the court chucking 3's at rabbit f***** pace? Does IU have the personnel to do that? IU could implement that if they wanted too, they'd be awful. Woodson plays to the strengths of the personnel on the roster which is what any smart coach would do. Purdue doesn't run a "modern offense", they're #1 in the country. Houston, Virginia, and Wisconsin play at a snails pace and they're all pretty damn good teams. You know who runs a modern offense? Kentucky. Kentucky sucks this year.

2. IU right now is better under Woodson than at any point of the Archie Miller tenure. And there's still a ton of Archie holdovers from that squad. That's coaching. IU is going to look a little bit different in the next year or two once Woodson gets his own players in place. I for one am happy that Woodson didn't come in and completely gut the roster.

3. Well no, you don't HAVE to shoot more three's, and that's not something IU needs to do. IU currently is shooting at a more than respectable clip from distance. The last thing IU needs to do is shoot another 10-15 three's a game at the expense of plummeting its offensive efficiency and drawing out more empty possessions than it already has. Stick to your strengths. Shooting 30-35 3's isn't one of those.

4. Typically when teams are without their best rim protector AND best on-ball defender an inevitable drop off is bound to happen. Defense needs to get more consistent and hopefully that happens as some of the younger guys gain experience and become more comfortable in greater roles. Next man up is the term I believe is used.

5. Can't disagree there

 

[.Gerdis]

Last season IU was fairly imbalanced (offense versus defense). They have made significant offensive improvements, but their D has struggled a bit lately (due to injuries, which is mentioned here often). Still, they are fairly balanced.

The conference is full of teams that are imbalanced, BTW. Wisconsin, Rutgers, NU (D)/Iowa, OSU and MI (O) as examples.


I guess my point is that we are significantly improved offensively, but our strength should be defense. We’ve struggled a bit on D (and rebounding), hopefully we get TJD healthy and x back fairly soon. That will make a huge difference.

 

[IUNorth]

1. What's "Modern Basketball"? Running up and down the court chucking 3's at rabbit f***** pace? Does IU have the personnel to do that? IU could implement that if they wanted too, they'd be awful. Woodson plays to the strengths of the personnel on the roster which is what any smart coach would do. Purdue doesn't run a "modern offense", they're #1 in the country. Houston, Virginia, and Wisconsin play at a snails pace and they're all pretty damn good teams. You know who runs a modern offense? Kentucky. Kentucky sucks this year.

2. IU right now is better under Woodson than at any point of the Archie Miller tenure. And there's still a ton of Archie holdovers from that squad. That's coaching. IU is going to look a little bit different in the next year or two once Woodson gets his own players in place. I for one am happy that Woodson didn't come in and completely gut the roster.

3. Well no, you don't HAVE to shoot more three's, and that's not something IU needs to do. IU currently is shooting at a more than respectable clip from distance. The last thing IU needs to do is shoot another 10-15 three's a game at the expense of plummeting its offensive efficiency and drawing out more empty possessions than it already has. Stick to your strengths. Shooting 30-35 3's isn't one of those.

4. Typically when teams are without their best rim protector AND best on-ball defender an inevitable drop off is bound to happen. Defense needs to get more consistent and hopefully that happens as some of the younger guys gain experience and become more comfortable in greater roles. Next man up is the term I believe is used.

5. Can't disagree there

1. We definitely don’t have the personnel to play modern Warriors style bball. But we also aren’t a good offensive basketball team playing how we largely have since Woody arrived. I’ve been advocating for a complete change in how TJD is utilized for over a year now. For whatever reason, we saw a dramatic difference in the Nebraska game? I didn’t see the matchup differences, versus our other opponents, that should have led to that chance. But it was there. I don’t know if that would work for us against elite teams or not. But someway, somehow Woody needs to figure out how to run something that promotes more player and ball movement. He adjusted in the 2nd half of the KSU game, and it worked well. But for most of the season, we were the typical, dump it down to Race/TJD and everyone else literally stand still in the perimeter. Nebraska offense, 2nd half of KSU, whatever. Find something that promotes more movement.

2. I think I agree. Last years team was similar to a couple Archie teams though. We’ll see where this team goes. It feels like we’re better than the Covid cancelled team that likely would have gotten an at large. But with X out, it’s not a huge stretch that we could fade during the B10 season. It’s not a very forgiving league.

3. I think this connected to 1. We don’t have the shooters to start chucking a ton of 3s. If we start moving people and the ball better though, it should open up more good 3 opportunities. With Kopp and Bates, and Galloway with an improved shot, I’m not so certain running a more open offense for them would be a terrible idea. As good as TJD and Race are/can be…we KNOW running it through them and not creating more good outside looks, isn’t a good or efficient way to run our offense.

4. Agree on the defense. I haven’t like the “look” energy and intensity wise since we looked dominant against UNC. But obviously losing your best perimeter defender and your best interior defender is going to have a huge impact. Need to get TJD back and healthy. And figure out how to get the intensity back. If we don’t figure out that side of the ball, we’re a bubble team yet again.

5. Don’t really care about what Kentucky is doing. It does feel like it might be nearing the end of the Calipari era. Scared they might get a guy like Donovan. Which would suck, very, very badly.

 

[.Gerdis]

1. We definitely don’t have the personnel to play modern Warriors style bball. But we also aren’t a good offensive basketball team playing how we largely have since Woody arrived. I’ve been advocating for a complete change in how TJD is utilized for over a year now. For whatever reason, we saw a dramatic difference in the Nebraska game? I didn’t see the matchup differences, versus our other opponents, that should have led to that chance. But it was there. I don’t know if that would work for us against elite teams or not. But someway, somehow Woody needs to figure out how to run something that promotes more player and ball movement. He adjusted in the 2nd half of the KSU game, and it worked well. But for most of the season, we were the typical, dump it down to Race/TJD and everyone else literally stand still in the perimeter. Nebraska offense, 2nd half of KSU, whatever. Find something that promotes more movement.

2. I think I agree. Last years team was similar to a couple Archie teams though. We’ll see where this team goes. It feels like we’re better than the Covid cancelled team that likely would have gotten an at large. But with X out, it’s not a huge stretch that we could fade during the B10 season. It’s not a very forgiving league.

3. I think this connected to 1. We don’t have the shooters to start chucking a ton of 3s. If we start moving people and the ball better though, it should open up more good 3 opportunities. With Kopp and Bates, and Galloway with an improved shot, I’m not so certain running a more open offense for them would be a terrible idea. As good as TJD and Race are/can be…we KNOW running it through them and not creating more good outside looks, isn’t a good or efficient way to run our offense.

4. Agree on the defense. I haven’t like the “look” energy and intensity wise since we looked dominant against UNC. But obviously losing your best perimeter defender and your best interior defender is going to have a huge impact. Need to get TJD back and healthy. And figure out how to get the intensity back. If we don’t figure out that side of the ball, we’re a bubble team yet again.

5. Don’t really care about what Kentucky is doing. It does feel like it might be nearing the end of the Calipari era. Scared they might get a guy like Donovan. Which would suck, very, very badly.

Yeah, 2nd half of the KSU game. They have a fairly small lineup (starting 4 guards, and their post isn’t exactly Goliath), and are primarily a perimeter team. Not sure if that is the best barometer going into conference play. Not that I am disagreeing with your premise, mind you.

 

[IUNorth]

Yeah, 2nd half of the KSU game. They have a fairly small lineup (starting 4 guards, and their post isn’t exactly Goliath), and are primarily a perimeter team. Not sure if that is the best barometer going into conference play. Not that I am disagreeing with your premise, mind you.

I just liked that we pulled Race away from the basket. It allowed for our perimeter guys to have better cutting and driving lanes. As you say, might not work as well against most B10 size. But the possibility is worth trying, in my opinion. As we KNOW playing through the post largely doesn’t work.

It’s a fascinating dynamic though. How we’ve played has created an All American candidate and a very solid 5 year man. So it’s natural to think that’s the strength of our team. And it has been that. The problem I’ve had is it’s been the strength of a mediocre team. And we’ve not consistently tried to play any other way. I would, 100%, play a more perimeter oriented offense if I were Woody. I can’t fathom we’d be any worse. And if nothing else, it would help with recruiting.

 

[.Gerdis]

I just liked that we pulled Race away from the basket. It allowed for our perimeter guys to have better cutting and driving lanes. As you say, might not work as well against most B10 size. But the possibility is worth trying, in my opinion. As we KNOW playing through the post largely doesn’t work.

It’s a fascinating dynamic though. How we’ve played has created an All American candidate and a very solid 5 year man. So it’s natural to think that’s the strength of our team. And it has been that. The problem I’ve had is it’s been the strength of a mediocre team. And we’ve not consistently tried to play any other way. I would, 100%, play a more perimeter oriented offense if I were Woody. I can’t fathom we’d be any worse. And if nothing else, it would help with recruiting.

I know what you are saying, but let’s face it: Our style suits the B10. It’s a league of teams that have their strength in the frontcourt. And, coaches know this and recruit to it.

 

[kkott]

1. What's "Modern Basketball"? Running up and down the court chucking 3's at rabbit f***** pace? Does IU have the personnel to do that? IU could implement that if they wanted too, they'd be awful. Woodson plays to the strengths of the personnel on the roster which is what any smart coach would do. Purdue doesn't run a "modern offense", they're #1 in the country. Houston, Virginia, and Wisconsin play at a snails pace and they're all pretty damn good teams. You know who runs a modern offense? Kentucky. Kentucky sucks this year.

2. IU right now is better under Woodson than at any point of the Archie Miller tenure. And there's still a ton of Archie holdovers from that squad. That's coaching. IU is going to look a little bit different in the next year or two once Woodson gets his own players in place. I for one am happy that Woodson didn't come in and completely gut the roster.

3. Well no, you don't HAVE to shoot more three's, and that's not something IU needs to do. IU currently is shooting at a more than respectable clip from distance. The last thing IU needs to do is shoot another 10-15 three's a game at the expense of plummeting its offensive efficiency and drawing out more empty possessions than it already has. Stick to your strengths. Shooting 30-35 3's isn't one of those.

4. Typically when teams are without their best rim protector AND best on-ball defender an inevitable drop off is bound to happen. Defense needs to get more consistent and hopefully that happens as some of the younger guys gain experience and become more comfortable in greater roles. Next man up is the term I believe is used.

5. Can't disagree there

Yep, I don't know why with our personnel, folks are crying for more 3s; I'm happy with the rate we are making, but I would like to see better D and rebounding. I could care less about Modern basketball. Give me winning basketball! In future years that may be shooting more 3s when we have a team of shooters. For now, I would think a good adjustment would be to go to a 4 out scheme and at least open up driving lanes and shots for the shooters. Will be interesting to see if we try more of that versus Iowa and into the B10 season.

 

[IUNorth]

I know what you are saying, but let’s face it: Our style suits the B10. It’s a league of teams that have their strength in the frontcourt. And, coaches know this and recruit to it.

Yeah. It’s tough one to figure. Woody has a tough task ahead of him.

But we, obviously, haven’t been good within the B10 playing how we have.

Heck this year we’ve played two very different styles offensively in our two conference games. Old style didn’t work. Different style largely did. Obviously not a conclusive test, as the old style game was against a good team on the road, and the different style was against a low level team at home.

I don’t know what will work. But I know what hasn’t, and likely won’t work. And we’ve seen flashes of dynamic play when we bring our bigs away from the basket.

 

[bsmitty08]

We've been beaten handily by 2 damn talented outfits and 1 very respectable B1G team. Not 1 loss to a low level conference program. Key injuries and a Frosh PG and some fans are self destructing the season. We've got a Sophomore gaining momentum from the 3 line + creating off the dribble. The only player I'd even lean toward the plodding subject is Kopp and he's achieving far more than last season. Home games certainly favor IU. Away games will require energy, guts and BB IQ. Something Coach Woodson has a bag full. The sky is still intact above us.

We still struggle on offense. I’m not a fan of what I have seen from Woodson.

 

[frikkenfrakken]

So the NIL investment would have been wasted? Is that what you're saying?

Sounds like he's trying to do too much.

On Dennis? Yes. If we vould have nabbed a true stretch 4 that can shoot above 40% from 3 and defend, it would probably be worth it.

Just pointing out that the "Witchita State kid" wouldn't have helped.

 

[DANC]

I just liked that we pulled Race away from the basket. It allowed for our perimeter guys to have better cutting and driving lanes. As you say, might not work as well against most B10 size. But the possibility is worth trying, in my opinion. As we KNOW playing through the post largely doesn’t work.

It’s a fascinating dynamic though. How we’ve played has created an All American candidate and a very solid 5 year man. So it’s natural to think that’s the strength of our team. And it has been that. The problem I’ve had is it’s been the strength of a mediocre team. And we’ve not consistently tried to play any other way. I would, 100%, play a more perimeter oriented offense if I were Woody. I can’t fathom we’d be any worse. And if nothing else, it would help with recruiting.

Didn't we win a few games a couple years ago with TJD out? I don't think I'm dreaming it, but it seems we beat at least 1 good team with him out.

I think, at the time, it forced others to step up and it helped offensive movement.

I'm not suggesting we bench TJD - just that we can win without him always being our #1 option.

 

[bawlmer]

On Dennis? Yes. If we vould have nabbed a true stretch 4 that can shoot above 40% from 3 and defend, it would probably be worth it.

Just pointing out that the "Witchita State kid" wouldn't have helped.

Is there anyone in last year's portal who would have fit that description? I don't know either way, just suspect those guys aren't transferring or else everyone is after them.

 

[frikkenfrakken]

Is there anyone in last year's portal who would have fit that description? I don't know either way, just suspect those guys aren't transferring or else everyone is after them.

I imagine there was, but we obviously didn't get anyone. We were full, if I remember correctly, once Malik signed.

 

[SixthFlagComing]

I know what you are saying, but let’s face it: Our style suits the B10. It’s a league of teams that have their strength in the frontcourt. And, coaches know this and recruit to it.

And the Big Ten hasn't won a national championship since 2000 because of it.

 

[ams66]

Is there anyone in last year's portal who would have fit that description? I don't know either way, just suspect those guys aren't transferring or else everyone is after them.

You allude to another point that the portal is not "order a custom built player who perfectly fits your needs" but instead is a marketplace of dissatisfied players who are what they are and if one mostly fits what you are looking for, he will need to be sold on the opportunity you are offering. And you'll have to hope that whatever the reason they left their prior school is a problem at that school and not a problem within themselves.

 

[Crayfish57]

You allude to another point that the portal is not "order a custom built player who perfectly fits your needs" but instead is a marketplace of dissatisfied players who are what they are and if one mostly fits what you are looking for, he will need to be sold on the opportunity you are offering. And you'll have to hope that whatever the reason they left their prior school is a problem at that school and not a problem within themselves.

Maybe the portal should be working out trades for players? I mean that is where it will be heading

 

[DANC]

Maybe the portal should be working out trades for players? I mean that is where it will be heading

Hey, why not?

 

[bawlmer]

Hey, why not?

Would you want to trade Western Kentucky for Lander? Didn't think so.

 

[Cavanagh]

Would you want to trade Western Kentucky for Lander? Didn't think so.

Luke Frampton would start for us.

 

[DANC]

Would you want to trade Western Kentucky for Lander? Didn't think so.

You're wound a little tight.

 

[SixthFlagComing]

1. What's "Modern Basketball"? Running up and down the court chucking 3's at rabbit f***** pace? Does IU have the personnel to do that? IU could implement that if they wanted too, they'd be awful. Woodson plays to the strengths of the personnel on the roster which is what any smart coach would do. Purdue doesn't run a "modern offense", they're #1 in the country. Houston, Virginia, and Wisconsin play at a snails pace and they're all pretty damn good teams. You know who runs a modern offense? Kentucky. Kentucky sucks this year.

2. IU right now is better under Woodson than at any point of the Archie Miller tenure. And there's still a ton of Archie holdovers from that squad. That's coaching. IU is going to look a little bit different in the next year or two once Woodson gets his own players in place. I for one am happy that Woodson didn't come in and completely gut the roster.

3. Well no, you don't HAVE to shoot more three's, and that's not something IU needs to do. IU currently is shooting at a more than respectable clip from distance. The last thing IU needs to do is shoot another 10-15 three's a game at the expense of plummeting its offensive efficiency and drawing out more empty possessions than it already has. Stick to your strengths. Shooting 30-35 3's isn't one of those.

4. Typically when teams are without their best rim protector AND best on-ball defender an inevitable drop off is bound to happen. Defense needs to get more consistent and hopefully that happens as some of the younger guys gain experience and become more comfortable in greater roles. Next man up is the term I believe is used.

5. Can't disagree there

#1 - Coach Geez, I respectfully disagree with your assertion in #1. Kentucky is the farthest thing from a modern offense. They have the same problem we have - running everything through the low post and Tsheibwe. As a matter of fact, there's an interesting article about how opposing coaches view Calipari's offense:

“Their offense is archaic,’’ says one coach. “It’s gotta be the same s— he was running with the New Jersey Nets.” Predictable is how another coach describes it

Is John Calipari now the Jimbo Fisher of college basketball?

Coaches who've scouted Kentucky this season describe an "archaic" offense that is easy to scout. "It’s like there’s an identity crisis.’’

theathletic.com

 

[8Stars5Banners]

#1 - Coach Geez, I respectfully disagree with your assertion in #1. Kentucky is the farthest thing from a modern offense. They have the same problem we have - running everything through the low post and Tsheibwe. As a matter of fact, there's an interesting article about how opposing coaches view Calipari's offense:

“Their offense is archaic,’’ says one coach. “It’s gotta be the same s— he was running with the New Jersey Nets.” Predictable is how another coach describes it

Is John Calipari now the Jimbo Fisher of college basketball?

Coaches who've scouted Kentucky this season describe an "archaic" offense that is easy to scout. "It’s like there’s an identity crisis.’’

theathletic.com

Without AD in 2012 he has ZERO titles with all that freaking talent

 

[TR32]

You don’t think we’re winning more than we did under Archie?

In Archie's 2nd year, IU was 11-2, 2-0 in the conference, and ranked 22nd, on December 31st, 2018.

At this time in his tenure people were excited and comparing him favorably to Crean.

This team is talented enough to be no worse than one loss right now. That doesn't mean they can't still achieve to expectations, but being 3-3 against competition with a supposed 1st team AA and a load of experience and talent doesn't exactly send a rosy picture of the future.

 

[Sope Creek]

In Archie's 2nd year, IU was 11-2, 2-0 in the conference, and ranked 22nd, on December 31st, 2018.

xdAt this time in his tenure people were excited and comparing him favorably to Crean.

Whom had we played? Did we play Duke? Arizona? UNC? Xavier at Xavier? Kansas? Or a bunch of cupcakes?

What happened after that? My whole problem with Crean and Archie was that IU's teams would invariably be playing their best basketball at the beginning of the year and worse as the season progressed. That's coaching . . . .

 

[Sope Creek]

delete -- duplicate

 

[wi_hoosier]

1) Modern Basketball:

There is only 1 player with significant playing time that fits Woody's "modern basketball" concept. And that player is a Freshman. Reneau has shown some flash, but obviously needs to grow. Same for Gunn and Banks. That's one cycle of recruiting. I know with the transfer portal and all people think you can just retool with new players instantly, but Woody has one year to show good transfers some improvement.

2) What Has Changed...Really?:

Same core players, same inconsistent results... are you really surprised?

3) 3-point Shooting:

See #1 and #2

4) Defense:

There are several factors that could take a team from #5 to #30... opponents, officiating, players, other oddities and coaching can all have an effect.

IU has played at least 3 significantly better teams in the offseason than they saw last year. While other teams may or may not be better teams, they could be better offensively. You would also have to take into consideration that IU lost arguably it's best defender and possibly one of the best defenders in all of the B1G last year. W/O doing any comparative analysis, I would guess that 5 to 30 is probably not as big of a gap as it may sound.

 

[go_iu]

I just liked that we pulled Race away from the basket. It allowed for our perimeter guys to have better cutting and driving lanes. As you say, might not work as well against most B10 size. But the possibility is worth trying, in my opinion. As we KNOW playing through the post largely doesn’t work.

It’s a fascinating dynamic though. How we’ve played has created an All American candidate and a very solid 5 year man. So it’s natural to think that’s the strength of our team. And it has been that. The problem I’ve had is it’s been the strength of a mediocre team. And we’ve not consistently tried to play any other way. I would, 100%, play a more perimeter oriented offense if I were Woody. I can’t fathom we’d be any worse. And if nothing else, it would help with recruiting.

Not related, but it is just enough annoying to me that it keeps being repeated that we lost to Kansas State University, i.e., KSU. We lost to Kansas University, KU

 

[go_iu]

Last season IU was fairly imbalanced (offense versus defense). They have made significant offensive improvements, but their D has struggled a bit lately (due to injuries, which is mentioned here often). Still, they are fairly balanced.

The conference is full of teams that are imbalanced, BTW. Wisconsin, Rutgers, NU (D)/Iowa, OSU and MI (O) as examples.


I guess my point is that we are significantly improved offensively, but our strength should be defense. We’ve struggled a bit on D (and rebounding), hopefully we get TJD healthy and x back fairly soon. That will make a huge difference.

We are significantly improved in any way, pray tell? None of the supposed talent on this team that should be leaning towards doctoral degrees is any better than they played last year when they got the shit kicked out of them by a mediocre team from California, There is no further analysis needed, it's called recruiting