Shazzam

[rikki-tikka-tava]

That was brilliant. Most dangerous IU has looked on both ends all Season. So I imagine.

Devonte's back/arrived. The offense tonight was actually crisp, innovative and at times ruthlessly opportunistic, contagiously so. Green.

They're ready for Conference. Doesn't mean they'll run the table, but they're a Team.

 

[speroni]

Damezi has also impressed me as of late. He's been playing some very tight defense.

 

[TR32]

Damezi gained confidence tonight and that is good timing. They wanted to get others involved offensively and accomplished that, but these last two teams, plus Chicago st.. are the worst they play all season. Jacksonville did not play defense.

But 11-2, that is good. It is right about what could be expected from this young team.

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

Aljami! Hah!

I don't care if it was Jacksonville, there was an atypical energy and direction in IU's play tonight. And even style. Be easy (and foolish) to say something like it's Devonte's Team (although this Team has never moved the ball anything close to like this before), or giddily predict more wins in Conference on the basis of play, but damn that was fun to watch. If it hadn't been for the late rash of questionable calls down low, IU probably breaks 100.

Really like the help/efficiency on screens - consistent fluid denial, and the perimeter movement and interior passing were a step up from anything all Season. And this without Rob and Zach. Couple weeks for them to get healthy and some more time for De'Ron, whatever - just really satisfying to see such a strong expression of character and performance. Feels like the offense is waking/catching up, little to no discontinuity or drop-off through the rotation, and everyone really and truly seemed to be on the same damn page. Feels like it's finally coming alive.

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

All five starters in double figures but Juwan only had 10 - sort of an off night for him.

 

[TR32]

Poor defense by Jacksonville. They did not offer much of a challenge. But IU got accomplished things they wanted to do and I am pleased with that going into the break.

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

Pretty tepid/simple summation. Come on - you didn't see anything even mildly remarkable? Like perhaps a significant part of the reason their D was so poor is that IU's O was just damn good. Looked to me a different animal than previously...

 

[IU40IU]

Damezi has also impressed me as of late. He's been playing some very tight defense.

Are you serious? Did you miss his double dribble? One of the most embarrassing plays I’ve seen. His defense was ok.

Not saying he can’t become a good player but right now he is far from what we need. His negatives out weigh his positives at this point.

 

[speroni]

Are you serious? Did you miss his double dribble? One of the most embarrassing plays I’ve seen. His defense was ok.

Not saying he can’t become a good player but right now he is far from what we need. His negatives out weigh his positives at this point.

I don't believe I said he played error-free ball. But I have noticed a big difference in his defense in the past couple of games. Yes, the quality of the opponent hasn't been all that good, but he's been getting after it on that end of the court. Which may be one reason why Archie has moved him up higher on the depth chart. And yes, I DO realize that injuries are another reason he's playing more.

 

[TommyCracker]

Devonte had amazing energy initiating the offense and I believe that's by design (as you always see Archie pushing them to get down the court).

He still is a little loose but can get the ball going down field as well as anyone we have, and that's how I believe Archie wants it.

He was pretty ferocious on the ball defensively...ripping rebounds and grabbing most 50/50 balls in his reach.

I'll take that from him all day!