Mid-Season predictions. Who wants to play?

[rikki-tikka-tava]

Jonezing for the Season to begin and yet still two months away from MM. Alas. Must be time for half-assed conjecture. So - given a worthy Starting Five of veterans, seven AH virgins + Moore and an ephemeral quartet of walk-on guards, what's the word WRT player development, rotation, stats, record, etc? I'll go first.

To be clear, mid-Season means status at end of THIS year (not season):

Projected Starters September: Devonte, Evan, Justin, Juwan & Romeo
First off the bench (position dependent)/Subs: Aljami/Zach, Phinisee, Jake & Race
Juwan finishes Non-C play teasing a 20/10 stat-line and looking every bit first team B10.
Romeo finds his groove just shy of 20/5 - buries Louisville @ AH
Some begin referring to IU's 5th year transfer as Evan Almighty - tied for B10 best 3-pt.%
Aljami and Devonte eclipse last year's starting backcourt performance at both ends
Justin exceeds JM's 2nd year improvement
Zack plays his game only better
Clifton Moore keeps growing
DD completes his re-hab over Xmas
IU in top three within B10 in A/TO ratio, fast-break pts., and pts. off TOs.
Team has best defensive efficiency in Conference
Archie Miller omens the changing of the guard by besting Coach K @ Cameron

Now it gets harder:
Projected starters December: Devonte, Evan, Justin, Juwan & Romeo
First off the bench/Subs: Aljami, Phinisee, Jake, Zach, Race & Damezi
Phinisee figures it out and begins to deliver as advertised - flirts with freshman assist record
Jake Forrester draws comparison to Juwan
Rotation goes 10+ deep and Dread Anderson, Race and Jerome all get minutes
3P% goes from #316 to almost top 50.
At least one of IU's walk-on guards gets some backcourt time

Love to see (but am from Missouri) category:
Devonte as one of the most disruptive and/or deadly perimeter guards in the country
Quentin & Vijay moments in the sun
Undefeated and national top ten (beware of Butler & ND)

Since IU's walk-on guards didn't get minutes last year, even with the less than stellar backcourt performance, hard to see how that changes unless someone(s) found another gear - chalk up suggesting otherwise to wishful thinking/sentimentality. The 'wishful' aspect also applies to anticipating that incoming freshmen will be able to make the leap from Bench to Floor by the time Conference play begins. As predicted rotation (and depth) also invite reprisal, will say that the Team strikes me as so talented that it's hard to see how not to give out minutes to some Players. Similarly, in trying to predict starters and the like occurred to me how very difficult it must be as a Coach to play some guys and not others. Thinking that anyone saying it's just X's and O's really doesn't have a clue.

Roster below for reference. Have fun.

# Player Hgt. Wt. Position/Yr. Hometown

13 Juwan Morgan 6-8 230 F - Sr. Waynesville, MO

Evan Fitzner 6-10 230 C - Gr/Sr. San Diego, CA

15 Zach McRoberts 6-6 205 G - R/Sr. Carmel, IN

11 Devonte Green 6-3 186 G - Jr. North Babylon, NY

20 De'Ron Davis 6-10 249 F - Jr. Park Hill, CO

1 Aljami Durham 6-4 175 G - So. Lilburn, GA

3 Justin Smith 6-7 220 F - So. Buffalo Grove, Ill.

22 Clifton Moore 6-10 220 F - So. Ambler, PA

5 Quentin Taylor 6-2 187 G - Sr. Indianapolis, IN

10 Johnny Jager 6-0 185 G - R/Jr. Bloomington, IN

24 Vijay Blackmon 6-2 175 G - Jr. Marion, IN

12 Ethan Lasko 6-2 171 G - So. Hollywood, FL

25 Race Thompson 6-8 220 F - R/So. Plymouth, MN

Romeo Langford 6'5" 185 G - Fr. New Albany, IN

Robert Phinisee 6'0" 175 G - Fr. Lafayette, IN

Jake Forrester 6'8" 215 F - Fr. Westtown, PA

Damezi Anderson 6'7" 205 F - Fr. South Bend, IN

Jerome Hunter 6’7" 185 F - Fr. Pickerington, OH

 

[topset81]

Jonezing for the Season to begin and yet still two months away from MM. Alas. Must be time for half-assed conjecture. So - given a worthy Starting Five of veterans, seven AH virgins + Moore and an ephemeral quartet of walk-on guards, what's the word WRT player development, rotation, stats, record, etc? I'll go first.

To be clear, mid-Season means status at end of THIS year (not season):

Projected Starters September: Devonte, Evan, Justin, Juwan & Romeo
First off the bench (position dependent)/Subs: Aljami/Zach, Phinisee, Jake & Race
Juwan finishes Non-C play teasing a 20/10 stat-line and looking every bit first team B10.
Romeo finds his groove just shy of 20/5 - buries Louisville @ AH
Some begin referring to IU's 5th year transfer as Evan Almighty - tied for B10 best 3-pt.%
Aljami and Devonte eclipse last year's starting backcourt performance at both ends
Justin exceeds JM's 2nd year improvement
Zack plays his game only better
Clifton Moore keeps growing
DD completes his re-hab over Xmas
IU in top three within B10 in A/TO ratio, fast-break pts., and pts. off TOs.
Team has best defensive efficiency in Conference
Archie Miller omens the changing of the guard by besting Coach K @ Cameron

Now it gets harder:
Projected starters December: Devonte, Evan, Justin, Juwan & Romeo
First off the bench/Subs: Aljami, Phinisee, Jake, Zach, Race & Damezi
Phinisee figures it out and begins to deliver as advertised - flirts with freshman assist record
Jake Forrester draws comparison to Juwan
Rotation goes 10+ deep and Dread Anderson, Race and Jerome all get minutes
3P% goes from #316 to almost top 50.
At least one of IU's walk-on guards gets some backcourt time

Love to see (but am from Missouri) category:
Devonte as one of the most disruptive and/or deadly perimeter guards in the country
Quentin & Vijay moments in the sun
Undefeated and national top ten (beware of Butler & ND)

Since IU's walk-on guards didn't get minutes last year, even with the less than stellar backcourt performance, hard to see how that changes unless someone(s) found another gear - chalk up suggesting otherwise to wishful thinking/sentimentality. The 'wishful' aspect also applies to anticipating that incoming freshmen will be able to make the leap from Bench to Floor by the time Conference play begins. As predicted rotation (and depth) also invite reprisal, will say that the Team strikes me as so talented that it's hard to see how not to give out minutes to some Players. Similarly, in trying to predict starters and the like occurred to me how very difficult it must be as a Coach to play some guys and not others. Thinking that anyone saying it's just X's and O's really doesn't have a clue.

Roster below for reference. Have fun.

# Player Hgt. Wt. Position/Yr. Hometown

13 Juwan Morgan 6-8 230 F - Sr. Waynesville, MO

Evan Fitzner 6-10 230 C - Gr/Sr. San Diego, CA

15 Zach McRoberts 6-6 205 G - R/Sr. Carmel, IN

11 Devonte Green 6-3 186 G - Jr. North Babylon, NY

20 De'Ron Davis 6-10 249 F - Jr. Park Hill, CO

1 Aljami Durham 6-4 175 G - So. Lilburn, GA

3 Justin Smith 6-7 220 F - So. Buffalo Grove, Ill.

22 Clifton Moore 6-10 220 F - So. Ambler, PA

5 Quentin Taylor 6-2 187 G - Sr. Indianapolis, IN

10 Johnny Jager 6-0 185 G - R/Jr. Bloomington, IN

24 Vijay Blackmon 6-2 175 G - Jr. Marion, IN

12 Ethan Lasko 6-2 171 G - So. Hollywood, FL

25 Race Thompson 6-8 220 F - R/So. Plymouth, MN

Romeo Langford 6'5" 185 G - Fr. New Albany, IN

Robert Phinisee 6'0" 175 G - Fr. Lafayette, IN

Jake Forrester 6'8" 215 F - Fr. Westtown, PA

Damezi Anderson 6'7" 205 F - Fr. South Bend, IN

Jerome Hunter 6’7" 185 F - Fr. Pickerington, OH

How much time did you spend on your post?

 

[cheeseman18]

I think you're a little too optimistic on some things, bust agree with a lot of it. However, I will say that I think you're WAY underestimating Jerome. He's a legit player, he will be in the main rotation and possibly even be 6th man or start on certain occasions. When Romeo is calling home to tell dad how impressed he is with this Jerome Hunter kid....he's got to have some skill.

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

I think you're a little too optimistic on some things, bust agree with a lot of it. However, I will say that I think you're WAY underestimating Jerome. He's a legit player, he will be in the main rotation and possibly even be 6th man or start on certain occasions. When Romeo is calling home to tell dad how impressed he is with this Jerome Hunter kid....he's got to have some skill.

You may well be right - admittedly a problem when one's perspective is mostly based on highlight reels. Will say Jake looks like a handful and his play reminds me of Juwan. Jerome's clips just didn't show me enough to pencil him in as an immediate contributor. Wrong or right, looks like a really deep and solid Bench.

 

[Frosty83]

Remember the name Jerome Hunter.

 

[T.M.P.]

Jonezing for the Season to begin and yet still two months away from MM. Alas. Must be time for half-assed conjecture. So - given a worthy Starting Five of veterans, seven AH virgins + Moore and an ephemeral quartet of walk-on guards, what's the word WRT player development, rotation, stats, record, etc? I'll go first.

To be clear, mid-Season means status at end of THIS year (not season):

Projected Starters September: Devonte, Evan, Justin, Juwan & Romeo
First off the bench (position dependent)/Subs: Aljami/Zach, Phinisee, Jake & Race
Juwan finishes Non-C play teasing a 20/10 stat-line and looking every bit first team B10.
Romeo finds his groove just shy of 20/5 - buries Louisville @ AH
Some begin referring to IU's 5th year transfer as Evan Almighty - tied for B10 best 3-pt.%
Aljami and Devonte eclipse last year's starting backcourt performance at both ends
Justin exceeds JM's 2nd year improvement
Zack plays his game only better
Clifton Moore keeps growing
DD completes his re-hab over Xmas
IU in top three within B10 in A/TO ratio, fast-break pts., and pts. off TOs.
Team has best defensive efficiency in Conference
Archie Miller omens the changing of the guard by besting Coach K @ Cameron

Now it gets harder:
Projected starters December: Devonte, Evan, Justin, Juwan & Romeo
First off the bench/Subs: Aljami, Phinisee, Jake, Zach, Race & Damezi
Phinisee figures it out and begins to deliver as advertised - flirts with freshman assist record
Jake Forrester draws comparison to Juwan
Rotation goes 10+ deep and Dread Anderson, Race and Jerome all get minutes
3P% goes from #316 to almost top 50.
At least one of IU's walk-on guards gets some backcourt time

Love to see (but am from Missouri) category:
Devonte as one of the most disruptive and/or deadly perimeter guards in the country
Quentin & Vijay moments in the sun
Undefeated and national top ten (beware of Butler & ND)

Since IU's walk-on guards didn't get minutes last year, even with the less than stellar backcourt performance, hard to see how that changes unless someone(s) found another gear - chalk up suggesting otherwise to wishful thinking/sentimentality. The 'wishful' aspect also applies to anticipating that incoming freshmen will be able to make the leap from Bench to Floor by the time Conference play begins. As predicted rotation (and depth) also invite reprisal, will say that the Team strikes me as so talented that it's hard to see how not to give out minutes to some Players. Similarly, in trying to predict starters and the like occurred to me how very difficult it must be as a Coach to play some guys and not others. Thinking that anyone saying it's just X's and O's really doesn't have a clue.

Roster below for reference. Have fun.

# Player Hgt. Wt. Position/Yr. Hometown

13 Juwan Morgan 6-8 230 F - Sr. Waynesville, MO

Evan Fitzner 6-10 230 C - Gr/Sr. San Diego, CA

15 Zach McRoberts 6-6 205 G - R/Sr. Carmel, IN

11 Devonte Green 6-3 186 G - Jr. North Babylon, NY

20 De'Ron Davis 6-10 249 F - Jr. Park Hill, CO

1 Aljami Durham 6-4 175 G - So. Lilburn, GA

3 Justin Smith 6-7 220 F - So. Buffalo Grove, Ill.

22 Clifton Moore 6-10 220 F - So. Ambler, PA

5 Quentin Taylor 6-2 187 G - Sr. Indianapolis, IN

10 Johnny Jager 6-0 185 G - R/Jr. Bloomington, IN

24 Vijay Blackmon 6-2 175 G - Jr. Marion, IN

12 Ethan Lasko 6-2 171 G - So. Hollywood, FL

25 Race Thompson 6-8 220 F - R/So. Plymouth, MN

Romeo Langford 6'5" 185 G - Fr. New Albany, IN

Robert Phinisee 6'0" 175 G - Fr. Lafayette, IN

Jake Forrester 6'8" 215 F - Fr. Westtown, PA

Damezi Anderson 6'7" 205 F - Fr. South Bend, IN

Jerome Hunter 6’7" 185 F - Fr. Pickerington, OH

Good coaches only use 7 to 8 players at seasons end. Only full court pressing teams will use up to 10+. Meaning only 8 players on average will get more than 8 minutes a game. Which means 5 to 6 guys will be sitting on the bench waiting for next year. Expect Arch to trim the rotation to 8 or 9 by Feb.

Also, Davis is expected to play before January, just not at full strength, he will most likely be platooned with Fitz at the 5 spot when we go big. Expect both post players to play around 15 a game.

Almost impossible to pick a starting 5 or 8 man rotation currently as there's too many questions. Has Green grown a brain? Is Phin ready as a frosh? Can Smith play on the perimeter? etc ..

Juwan, Langford, and a platoon of Davis and Fitz, are the only locks. JM, DD, EF, along with Smith (when we go small) is our post rotation. With Green, Phin, Smith, Durham and Hunter filling out the rest of the rotation. Which means Forrester, Anderson, Moore, and Thompson wait on the bench until next year.

Also of note, the transition from HS to college takes longer for players who play the 3,4 and 5 positions, especially the 4 and 5. Which is why good coaches stockpile bigs, nly half of them will ever play extensive minutes. The exception being pro quality bigs. (which is why they're pro quality) Expecting a four star forward to come in and get minutes, though it can happen, is a longshot, especially when they're behind Morgan, Davis, Fitz, and Smith.

Of those Thompson is probably the most ready to go and could break in if Davis isn't ready, or Fitz disappoints. Forrester is a bit raw skillswise, Moore if he gets his footwork down could break into the rotation but he had a long way to go.

Picking a starting lineup and playing rotation currently is like untying the Gordian Knot. Good problem to have.

Also of note: you severely underestimate Jerome Hunter. He may not be great at any one skill or trait, but he's very good at everything. It will be tough keeping him off the floor.

 

[speroni]

Good coaches only use 7 to 8 players at seasons end. Only full court pressing teams will use up to 10+. Meaning only 8 players on average will get more than 8 minutes a game. Which means 5 to 6 guys will be sitting on the bench waiting for next year. Expect Arch to trim the rotation to 8 or 9 by Feb.

Also, Davis is expected to play before January, just not at full strength, he will most likely be platooned with Fitz at the 5 spot when we go big. Expect both post players to play around 15 a game.

Almost impossible to pick a starting 5 or 8 man rotation currently as there's too many questions. Has Green grown a brain? Is Phin ready as a frosh? Can Smith play on the perimeter? etc ..

Juwan, Langford, and a platoon of Davis and Fitz, are the only locks. JM, DD, EF, along with Smith (when we go small) is our post rotation. With Green, Phin, Smith, Durham and Hunter filling out the rest of the rotation. Which means Forrester, Anderson, Moore, and Thompson wait on the bench until next year.

Also of note, the transition from HS to college takes longer for players who play the 3,4 and 5 positions, especially the 4 and 5. Which is why good coaches stockpile bigs, nly half of them will ever play extensive minutes. The exception being pro quality bigs. (which is why they're pro quality) Expecting a four star forward to come in and get minutes, though it can happen, is a longshot, especially when they're behind Morgan, Davis, Fitz, and Smith.

Of those Thompson is probably the most ready to go and could break in if Davis isn't ready, or Fitz disappoints. Forrester is a bit raw skillswise, Moore if he gets his footwork down could break into the rotation but he had a long way to go.

Picking a starting lineup and playing rotation currently is like untying the Gordian Knot. Good problem to have.

Also of note: you severely underestimate Jerome Hunter. He may not be great at any one skill or trait, but he's very good at everything. It will be tough keeping him off the floor.

Did you forget about McRoberts, or do you expect him to be completely out of the picture this year? I think it may be tough to keep him completely off the court, especially at times when a strong defensive team is needed.

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

Good coaches only use 7 to 8 players at seasons end. Only full court pressing teams will use up to 10+. Meaning only 8 players on average will get more than 8 minutes a game. Which means 5 to 6 guys will be sitting on the bench waiting for next year. Expect Arch to trim the rotation to 8 or 9 by Feb.

Also, Davis is expected to play before January, just not at full strength, he will most likely be platooned with Fitz at the 5 spot when we go big. Expect both post players to play around 15 a game.

Almost impossible to pick a starting 5 or 8 man rotation currently as there's too many questions. Has Green grown a brain? Is Phin ready as a frosh? Can Smith play on the perimeter? etc ..

Juwan, Langford, and a platoon of Davis and Fitz, are the only locks. JM, DD, EF, along with Smith (when we go small) is our post rotation. With Green, Phin, Smith, Durham and Hunter filling out the rest of the rotation. Which means Forrester, Anderson, Moore, and Thompson wait on the bench until next year.

Also of note, the transition from HS to college takes longer for players who play the 3,4 and 5 positions, especially the 4 and 5. Which is why good coaches stockpile bigs, nly half of them will ever play extensive minutes. The exception being pro quality bigs. (which is why they're pro quality) Expecting a four star forward to come in and get minutes, though it can happen, is a longshot, especially when they're behind Morgan, Davis, Fitz, and Smith.

Of those Thompson is probably the most ready to go and could break in if Davis isn't ready, or Fitz disappoints. Forrester is a bit raw skillswise, Moore if he gets his footwork down could break into the rotation but he had a long way to go.

Picking a starting lineup and playing rotation currently is like untying the Gordian Knot. Good problem to have.

Also of note: you severely underestimate Jerome Hunter. He may not be great at any one skill or trait, but he's very good at everything. It will be tough keeping him off the floor.

Acknowledge the "good coach" rotation numbers once B10 play begins, as well as the futility of prognostication re: same at this point - as you say, just too many unknowns. Hope you're right about DD - longer he has to play the likelier we get a sense of how good he can be after only just getting started last year.

Glad to hear I'm underestimating someone, felt like I was being overly generous/optimistic. Look forward to JH being a revelation - admittedly limited input there from three highlight reels but just didn't see it. JF on the other hand seemed to play like a beast, and Race and Damezi remain absolute mysteries. In any case, this Season has just got to be infinitely more satisfying than the last one if not mostly the last ten.

 

[TommyCracker]

I was able to rewatch last year's MSU game (my DVR keeps recording IU games and the BTN replays 'classic' games in the off season) and some things stood out.

1. It was a good Devonte game...and he made plays that no other guard on the floor including Cass could make. Had four to five El Mago passes that we're incredible, and he twice broke the ankles of the MSU player guarding him. Unfortunately we couldn't finish or hit water (we were something like 6 - 32 in the first half) as MSU blocked everything in sight and we obviously had no outside game.

2. It was a really good McRoberts game .A really good one. He had three amazing steals, several hustle rebounds and several just hustle plays where you thought we lost the possession but no...Zack saved it. He also hit his three and it was the game that he surpringly pulled his crossover move on a fast break that was really pretty and probably will never happen again. Basically he was a difference maker and why we kept it so close even though, again we were 6 - 32 from the field.

3. Smith and Durham were completely non existent. They came into the game and were bullied...like a junior high kid playing high school kids.

Which hit it home.

It was brutally physical. We were dishing it out too (that's the only way we stayed in the game was out hustling and dominating on the boards). Brutally physical. Even Jackson, who was sensational, was getting pushed around (he still blocked everything in sight).

Just don't forget that Archie loves to play tough and freshman physically have to develop.

I think his optimal rotation is going to be who he would want in an alley fight and this year I would bet that's Morgan, McRoberts, Green, Davis (if he can get him), Durham, Smith, Romeo, Fitzner and then whatever freshman plus Moore can give him some solid minutes.

I like Race as a sleeper (because he plays so violently) but he might need another year to goon up his body.

Hunter obviously is very talented as he is versatile. Love that with Romeo we don't need him to step in right away but wouldn't be shocked if he did. I'm expecting a Smith like season.

If Rob isn't physically ready he might be below Durham.

Man was that a game of men.

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

What? Everyone's lose their (crystal) balls?

 

[h20pls]

Remember the name Jerome Hunter.

Man I hope you're right.

Hunter and an ascendant Smith.

Wow.

 

[ufo33]

Beginning of season:
Fitzner
Juwan
McRoberts
Romeo
Devonte

Smith
Phinesee
Hunter
Durham
Race
Jake
Damezi
Cliffton

Start of B1G Season:
DeRon
Juwan
Smith
Romeo
Durham

Phinesee
Devonte
Hunter
Fitzner
McRoberts
Race
Damezi
Jake
Clifton
Vijay

Postseason:
Fitzner/DeRon
Juwan
Hunter
Romeo
Phinesee

Smith
Devonte
Jake
Damezi
Race
Durham
McRoberts
Clifton
Vijay

Phinesee, Hunter, Smith, Damezi, Jake, Race, Durham, Clifton are all major improvement candidates

 

[h20pls]

Beginning of season:
Fitzner
Juwan
McRoberts
Romeo
Devonte

Smith
Phinesee
Hunter
Durham
Race
Jake
Damezi
Cliffton

Start of B1G Season:
DeRon
Juwan
Smith
Romeo
Durham

Phinesee
Devonte
Hunter
Fitzner
McRoberts
Race
Damezi
Jake
Clifton
Vijay

Postseason:
Fitzner/DeRon
Juwan
Hunter
Romeo
Phinesee

Smith
Devonte
Jake
Damezi
Race
Durham
McRoberts
Clifton
Vijay

Phinesee, Hunter, Smith, Damezi, Jake, Race, Durham, Clifton are all major improvement candidates

I hear you.

I love McRoberts.

I hope a group of kids who can play...perform him out of the lineup by the season's opening.

 

[iubud]

Jonezing for the Season to begin and yet still two months away from MM. Alas. Must be time for half-assed conjecture. So - given a worthy Starting Five of veterans, seven AH virgins + Moore and an ephemeral quartet of walk-on guards, what's the word WRT player development, rotation, stats, record, etc? I'll go first.

To be clear, mid-Season means status at end of THIS year (not season):

Projected Starters September: Devonte, Evan, Justin, Juwan & Romeo
First off the bench (position dependent)/Subs: Aljami/Zach, Phinisee, Jake & Race
Juwan finishes Non-C play teasing a 20/10 stat-line and looking every bit first team B10.
Romeo finds his groove just shy of 20/5 - buries Louisville @ AH
Some begin referring to IU's 5th year transfer as Evan Almighty - tied for B10 best 3-pt.%
Aljami and Devonte eclipse last year's starting backcourt performance at both ends
Justin exceeds JM's 2nd year improvement
Zack plays his game only better
Clifton Moore keeps growing
DD completes his re-hab over Xmas
IU in top three within B10 in A/TO ratio, fast-break pts., and pts. off TOs.
Team has best defensive efficiency in Conference
Archie Miller omens the changing of the guard by besting Coach K @ Cameron

Now it gets harder:
Projected starters December: Devonte, Evan, Justin, Juwan & Romeo
First off the bench/Subs: Aljami, Phinisee, Jake, Zach, Race & Damezi
Phinisee figures it out and begins to deliver as advertised - flirts with freshman assist record
Jake Forrester draws comparison to Juwan
Rotation goes 10+ deep and Dread Anderson, Race and Jerome all get minutes
3P% goes from #316 to almost top 50.
At least one of IU's walk-on guards gets some backcourt time

Love to see (but am from Missouri) category:
Devonte as one of the most disruptive and/or deadly perimeter guards in the country
Quentin & Vijay moments in the sun
Undefeated and national top ten (beware of Butler & ND)

Since IU's walk-on guards didn't get minutes last year, even with the less than stellar backcourt performance, hard to see how that changes unless someone(s) found another gear - chalk up suggesting otherwise to wishful thinking/sentimentality. The 'wishful' aspect also applies to anticipating that incoming freshmen will be able to make the leap from Bench to Floor by the time Conference play begins. As predicted rotation (and depth) also invite reprisal, will say that the Team strikes me as so talented that it's hard to see how not to give out minutes to some Players. Similarly, in trying to predict starters and the like occurred to me how very difficult it must be as a Coach to play some guys and not others. Thinking that anyone saying it's just X's and O's really doesn't have a clue.

Roster below for reference. Have fun.

# Player Hgt. Wt. Position/Yr. Hometown

13 Juwan Morgan 6-8 230 F - Sr. Waynesville, MO

Evan Fitzner 6-10 230 C - Gr/Sr. San Diego, CA

15 Zach McRoberts 6-6 205 G - R/Sr. Carmel, IN

11 Devonte Green 6-3 186 G - Jr. North Babylon, NY

20 De'Ron Davis 6-10 249 F - Jr. Park Hill, CO

1 Aljami Durham 6-4 175 G - So. Lilburn, GA

3 Justin Smith 6-7 220 F - So. Buffalo Grove, Ill.

22 Clifton Moore 6-10 220 F - So. Ambler, PA

5 Quentin Taylor 6-2 187 G - Sr. Indianapolis, IN

10 Johnny Jager 6-0 185 G - R/Jr. Bloomington, IN

24 Vijay Blackmon 6-2 175 G - Jr. Marion, IN

12 Ethan Lasko 6-2 171 G - So. Hollywood, FL

25 Race Thompson 6-8 220 F - R/So. Plymouth, MN

Romeo Langford 6'5" 185 G - Fr. New Albany, IN

Robert Phinisee 6'0" 175 G - Fr. Lafayette, IN

Jake Forrester 6'8" 215 F - Fr. Westtown, PA

Damezi Anderson 6'7" 205 F - Fr. South Bend, IN

Jerome Hunter 6’7" 185 F - Fr. Pickerington, OH

I would expect Hunter to be in the rotation and possible starting lineup after that instead of Jake or Race.

Thoughts on Evan are in line with one of the videos. Someone asked who the best dunker was. The answer was Justin. They asked who the best 3 point shooter was. I was shocked to hear the answer was Evan. He must be making a good first impression with his team mates.

 

[reabhnt]

I would expect Hunter to be in the rotation and possible starting lineup after that instead of Jake or Race.

Thoughts on Evan are in line with one of the videos. Someone asked who the best dunker was. The answer was Justin. They asked who the best 3 point shooter was. I was shocked to hear the answer was Evan. He must be making a good first impression with his team mates.

 

[reabhnt]

I think Hunter will surprise a lot of people.

 

[TommyCracker]

Assembly Call had a nice breakdown of Fitzner.

The good, he's definitely an elite shooter like we know.

The okay is he's an okay rebounder.

The ugly, his individual defensive numbers are atrocious. Now he was playing small ball in a conference that played small ball and he played forward but...yikes. This however falls in line with what we heard... great shooter, but really stiff legged.

I think he'll be a specialist, like Matt Roth was. Not sure I buy him being a starter logging 25 - 30 minutes.

My guess is they'll play a core of Green, Romeo, Smith, McRoberts and Juwan while Davis is out.

 

[speroni]

Assembly Call had a nice breakdown of Fitzner.

The good, he's definitely an elite shooter like we know.

The okay is he's an okay rebounder.

The ugly, his individual defensive numbers are atrocious. Now he was playing small ball in a conference that played small ball and he played forward but...yikes. This however falls in line with what we heard... great shooter, but really stiff legged.

I think he'll be a specialist, like Matt Roth was. Not sure I buy him being a starter logging 25 - 30 minutes.

My guess is they'll play a core of Green, Romeo, Smith, McRoberts and Juwan while Davis is out.

It's a summer ritual - all the new faces have expectations that are often a little too lofty for reality. Our hopes often eclipse the player's abilities as we have yet to see them in a Hoosier uniform playing against B1G talent, and therefore we don't really know their weaknesses. It's like a perfect first date when the expectations are so high - and then we find out all the crap we discover on dates two through five!

Hope springs eternal...

 

[ufo33]

I dont know the out of state talent as well as the in-state Indiana players, which I have seen all of them play multiple times. I will say this, Romeo is a great player, probably the best I've seen watching Indiana HS games since the 1970s. Phinesee is a solid PG who can run the offense and make good decisions with the ball in his hands and can also score, and he finishes at the rim really well with either hand, and Damezi has a well rounded offensive and defensive game and is strong and will only get stronger at IU. I admit I don't know the out of state players' games as well as highlight videos do not show weaknesses only strengths. But I've seen enough of the incoming players to say that IU has gained far more than they lost from last season.

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

Assembly Call had a nice breakdown of Fitzner.

The good, he's definitely an elite shooter like we know.

The okay is he's an okay rebounder.

The ugly, his individual defensive numbers are atrocious. Now he was playing small ball in a conference that played small ball and he played forward but...yikes. This however falls in line with what we heard... great shooter, but really stiff legged.

I think he'll be a specialist, like Matt Roth was. Not sure I buy him being a starter logging 25 - 30 minutes.

My guess is they'll play a core of Green, Romeo, Smith, McRoberts and Juwan while Davis is out.

My bad. Didn't imagine as a 6'10" fifth year, and something of a sixth man for some decent St. Mary's teams, that Evan might be defensively challenged. Archie doesn't strike me as someone willing to indulge defensive liabilities, or at least not as much as offensive shortcomings. Maybe Zach gets the nod to start, do expect him to be better than last year, how much so remains to be seen. And then there's five other guys 6'7" or better - sure would be something if one of them is good enough to play from day one.

Do recall Justin for all his athleticism having his fair share of rough outings, in hindsight have to agree with TMP that it's going to be tough for any of the first/second year forwards to crack the rotation especially if they have to go through Juwan, Justin and Zach to do it. Think they're all by and large potential 'gems', going to be interesting to see how much of the 'rough and tumble' it takes before they show some polish and who breaks through first, second, etc.

 

[speroni]

... it's going to be tough for any of the first/second year forwards to crack the rotation especially if they have to go through Juwan, Justin and Zach to do it. Think they're all by and large potential 'gems', going to be interesting to see how much of the 'rough and tumble' it takes before they show some polish and who breaks through first, second, etc.

For my tastes, that's a major reason why I enjoy college basketball so much. One never knows who is going to take that huge leap forward - and when. Watching Oladipo make that leap, watching Juwan's improvement last year, seeing Justin begin to "get it" at the end of the season... that's excitement! And yes, knowing that one of those first/second year forwards will likely transform into a force to be reckoned with, but not knowing who it will be... It's all part of the drama - the backstory - of a season of Hoosier basketball.

 

[ufo33]

For my tastes, that's a major reason why I enjoy college basketball so much. One never knows who is going to take that huge leap forward - and when. Watching Oladipo make that leap, watching Juwan's improvement last year, seeing Justin begin to "get it" at the end of the season... that's excitement! And yes, knowing that one of those first/second year forwards will likely transform into a force to be reckoned with, but not knowing who it will be... It's all part of the drama - the backstory - of a season of Hoosier basketball.

Yes it is!

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

It's like a perfect first date when the expectations are so high - and then we find out all the crap we discover on dates two through five!

It's all about shot-selection.

 

[kmathum]

I think Hunter will surprise a lot of people.

i think anderson might as well.

 

[MilanHoosier78]

I will say this is one of the deepest teams we have had in some time. I think we have a lot of kids ready to step in right away.
RP reminds me a little of Marshall Strickland. He has some swagger to his game and the moments dont seem to big for him. And my sleeper is Jake. He has a bulldog mentality and doesn’t need the ball to impact the game. Playing in HS with the likes of Cam reddish and Mo Bamba I feel makes him truly ready to come in right away.

But don’t ask PU fans about Romeo because they dodged a bullet there by turning him down because Eastern is better than Romeo... just ask his mom...

 

[ufo33]

I will say this is one of the deepest teams we have had in some time. I think we have a lot of kids ready to step in right away.
RP reminds me a little of Marshall Strickland. He has some swagger to his game and the moments dont seem to big for him. And my sleeper is Jake. He has a bulldog mentality and doesn’t need the ball to impact the game. Playing in HS with the likes of Cam reddish and Mo Bamba I feel makes him truly ready to come in right away.

But don’t ask PU fans about Romeo because they dodged a bullet there by turning him down because Eastern is better than Romeo... just ask his mom...

I think IU has several sleepers on this team. I will go with Damezi and Jake. I expect Romeo, Hunter, and Phinesee to contribute immediately.

 

[Frosty83]

I think IU has several sleepers on this team. I will go with Damezi and Jake. I expect Romeo, Hunter, and Phinesee to contribute immediately.

The depth is also a worry for team chemistry. I hope it's very clear who is the best at every position. The ND women won the championship last year with basically 7 players after all the injuries. Everyone knew their role and felt good about it.

 

[ufo33]

The depth is also a worry for team chemistry. I hope it's very clear who is the best at every position. The ND women won the championship last year with basically 7 players after all the injuries. Everyone knew their role and felt good about it.

I would prefer to have 10 play and wear teams down. I dom't think it will be clear who the top 7 are, as each player has strengths and weaknesses, so playing time could be situational. The goal is to win every game with a unique matchup each game.
Everyone can still contribute and know their role. If someone is hot that night you ride the hot hand. If someone gets.injured only playing 7 you are in trouble.