Thoughts after 2 exhibition games

[NOMORENIT]

let me start out by saying Marian looked like an average HS Team

Ballo- Love him so far. Fills the middle. Rebounds, plays D, hangs around the bucket.
Rice- Best player on the team. Lighting quick in transition and can shoot.
Tucker- Only played against Marian but unlike Mgbako, a true 5 Star. He can shoot outside and create his own shot.
Goode- Very confident in his shot. Great form. One thing....the ball hasn't gone in yet
Mgbako- Looks the same as last year. We will see if he improves.
Galloway- no comment, injured. He might not get minutes if Tucker keeps getting better
Cupps- Can't play passive this year. Rice will take all his minutes
Reneau- He's looked really good. Would love to see him develop a 10ft jumper.
Carlyle, James, Newton, Hatton- remains to be seen

 

[ndhuntington]

6-25 from 3 will only go as far as we shoot from 3.

 

[TR32]

individual assessments don't matter in games like this.

Did they execute?
Did they hit shots?
Did they win both halves?
Hit free throws?
Move the ball without turnovers?
Force bad shots/turnovers?
Rebound?
Deny passing lanes?

 

[Imsowyctcwuzbetta]

individual assessments don't matter in games like this.

Did they execute?
Did they hit shots?
Did they win both halves?
Hit free throws?
Move the ball without turnovers?
Force bad shots/turnovers?
Rebound?
Deny passing lanes?

We were just way too big and fast for Marian to handle. Scored easily, kept the pace up, and really took over on fast breaks.

Our 3-point shooting still needs work, though. Had a rough night from deep, but you could see Goode finally got the feel when he had a couple of 3s go down.

Tucker looked smooth and confident, nice finish at the rim from a lob... Definitely keep an eye on his minutes as the season progresses.
Nice to see Newton actually play some minutes.

 

[GeorgeStrait IU]

let me start out by saying Marian looked like an average HS Team

Ballo- Love him so far. Fills the middle. Rebounds, plays D, hangs around the bucket.
Rice- Best player on the team. Lighting quick in transition and can shoot.
Tucker- Only played against Marian but unlike Mgbako, a true 5 Star. He can shoot outside and create his own shot.
Goode- Very confident in his shot. Great form. One thing....the ball hasn't gone in yet
Mgbako- Looks the same as last year. We will see if he improves.
Galloway- no comment, injured. He might not get minutes if Tucker keeps getting better
Cupps- Can't play passive this year. Rice will take all his minutes
Reneau- He's looked really good. Would love to see him develop a 10ft jumper.
Carlyle, James, Newton, Hatton- remains to be seen

Marian would defeat any average hs team. Thanks for the list and reviews.

 

[T.M.P.]

individual assessments don't matter in games like this.

Did they execute?
Did they hit shots?
Did they win both halves?
Hit free throws?
Move the ball without turnovers?
Force bad shots/turnovers?
Rebound?
Deny passing lanes?

 

[BGunn]

6-25 from 3 will only go as far as we shoot from 3.

It was much worse at TN, but it was bad for both teams. I was there and at one point we noticed both teams were like 10-47. I will say that FT shooting was much improved.

 

[edub72]

Hopefully it’s just a preseason slump. The roster is better. Guys have pretty good shooting form. Hopefully 3 pt shots start going in

 

[Blimpy]

It was much worse at TN, but it was bad for both teams. I was there and at one point we noticed both teams were like 10-47. I will say that FT shooting was much improved.

Is Ballo over 50% yet? Assy Hall looked EMPTY!

 

[abraxis]

Is Ballo over 50% yet? Assy Hall looked EMPTY!

Despite Ballo being naturally left handed, Fish commented that Ballo has switched to shooting FT’s with his left hand in an attempt to improve things. He finished the game shooting 4-6.

 

[Cavanagh]

Is Ballo over 50% yet? Assy Hall looked EMPTY!

That’s what happens when you have shit to do and you are playing Purdue’s sister school.

 

[Pryght]

The team appears to have good camaraderie.

 

[Blimpy]

That’s what happens when you have shit to do and you are playing Purdue’s sister school.

You can take your Halloween mask off now!

 

[IUfan1957]

It's early, although the depth of talent is miles ahead of last year's team. Was glad to see Calloway back on the floor, limited minutes and he was exciting to watch. Rice is a real point guard. Reneau is leaner, stronger and quicker. Ballo looks to dominate the post on both ends of the floor. Go Hoosiers!

 

[Cavanagh]

You can take your Halloween mask off now!

Something a PU husband never says to his wife before sex.

 

[Imsowyctcwuzbetta]

Marian would defeat any average hs team. Thanks for the list and reviews.

Guess you do not watch HS basketball much and you didn't watch the game... Kind of shows... An above average to elite team playing Marian would be like Indiana playing Marian.

 

[BA47591]

Hot take: Tucker is a better all around player than Mgbako. He looks more mature and more comfortable on the floor. Where I would call Mgbako a shooter I would call Tucker a scorer.

 

[Middawg]

Mgbako- Looks the same as last year. We will see if he improves.

100% disagree.

His improvements from last season are fairly apparent, keep watching.

 

[IUgradman]

Is Ballo over 50% yet? Assy Hall looked EMPTY!

Why is this shit eating troll allowed to post here?

 

[steelyvan]

Hot take: Tucker is a better all around player than Mgbako. He looks more mature and more comfortable on the floor. Where I would call Mgbako a shooter I would call Tucker a scorer.

neither are lock-down defenders. but I give a pass to motherTucker because he is a freshman. they need to get better in a hurry.
but in the right offense with them both on the floor at the 3 and 4 spots = very interesting

 

[rocketo]

let me start out by saying Marian looked like an average HS Team

Ballo- Love him so far. Fills the middle. Rebounds, plays D, hangs around the bucket.
Rice- Best player on the team. Lighting quick in transition and can shoot.
Tucker- Only played against Marian but unlike Mgbako, a true 5 Star. He can shoot outside and create his own shot.
Goode- Very confident in his shot. Great form. One thing....the ball hasn't gone in yet
Mgbako- Looks the same as last year. We will see if he improves.
Galloway- no comment, injured. He might not get minutes if Tucker keeps getting better
Cupps- Can't play passive this year. Rice will take all his minutes
Reneau- He's looked really good. Would love to see him develop a 10ft jumper.
Carlyle, James, Newton, Hatton- remains to be seen

All opinions and I agree with many of them. I’m not as high on Ballo, but we shall see how he does against B1G competition. I hope he is a very good banger for us.

As for MM, he looks a lot better to me. Much better on D and looks more explosive. And he still has a nice touch. He might be our best player, but he has to pass MR and Rice.

I will hold judgement on Tucker. He played against HS kids against Marian. But looks very promising and he will have some struggles against good B1G comp, but if he adjusts, watch out.

Rice is super quick and a really good handle. If he can be a threat from deep, he might be our best player.

TG will be a great player for us, doing whatever is needed and I suspect his 3pt percentage will go up to the 40% range without having the pressure to score so much.

Goode finally broke the seal and I hope he can drain some serious deep shots for us. If not, he should ride a lot of pine.

 

[GThomas]

6-25 from 3 will only go as far as we shoot from 3.

This ⬆️.

After two games--albeit exhibition--it's fairly evident this is Woody's deepest, most talented team. However, I think 3-point shooting will continue to be an issue (rinse, repeat).

As you allude to, the difference between being a good team and being a contender is the 3-point shot. If the Hoosiers' perimeter shooting mirrors Woody's first three seasons, '24-'25 will be disappointing. Yes, Reneau and Ballo will 2-point opponents to death at times, but the ceiling is capped if IU doesn't shoot the 3-ball at a decent volume and percentage.

 

[TR32]

Hot take: Tucker is a better all around player than Mgbako. He looks more mature and more comfortable on the floor. Where I would call Mgbako a shooter I would call Tucker a scorer.

I am seeing that as well. Mainly on the defensive end. I'm trying not to rip Mgbako yet because I do see him trying to move his feet more, but he had several lazy plays in the first couple minutes against Marian. In terms of awareness assertiveness and overall scrap, Tucker looks like a guy who is going to be able to play some this season. Thise minutes have to come from somewhere.

 

[TR32]

It's early, although the depth of talent is miles ahead of last year's team. Was glad to see Calloway back on the floor, limited minutes and he was exciting to watch. Rice is a real point guard. Reneau is leaner, stronger and quicker. Ballo looks to dominate the post on both ends of the floor. Go Hoosiers!

agreed. Even Newton showed promise, though I expect him not to play much in big games yet.

 

[Imsowyctcwuzbetta]

neither are lock-down defenders. but I give a pass to motherTucker because he is a freshman. they need to get better in a hurry.
but in the right offense with them both on the floor at the 3 and 4 spots = very interesting

Geez they will be fine... Unbelievable

 

[steelyvan]

Geez they will be fine... Unbelievable

“Unbelievable” - am I being a bit impatient? I’ve been waiting about 37 years.

 

[Fred C. Dobbs]

Would someone provide a cogent explanation of how IU benefits from playing Marian. The exhibition against Tennessee gave both teams a baseline from which to measure progress. Other than minutes for TG, Tucker and Newton Marian gave IU nothing. MR scoring at will does not prepare him to score in the B1G. Wouldn't IU be far better off scheduling an exhibition against a tough mid-major? A practice with Butler would have far more teaching points than a game against Marian.

Cognitive dissonance game moment: Pat Knight's team playing a 1-3-1 zone

 

[Imsowyctcwuzbetta]

“Unbelievable” - am I being a bit impatient? I’ve been waiting about 37 years.

Good for you... But get real... This was an exhibition game... Making silly judgements because you want something from the past is ludicrous.

 

[Imsowyctcwuzbetta]

Would someone provide a cogent explanation of how IU benefits from playing Marian. The exhibition against Tennessee gave both teams a baseline from which to measure progress. Other than minutes for TG, Tucker and Newton Marian gave IU nothing. MR scoring at will does not prepare him to score in the B1G. Wouldn't IU be far better off scheduling an exhibition against a tough mid-major? A practice with Butler would have far more teaching points than a game against Marian.

Cognitive dissonance game moment: Pat Knight's team playing a 1-3-1 zone

Pat Knight former Hoosier

 

[OneWayStreet]

Would someone provide a cogent explanation of how IU benefits from playing Marian. The exhibition against Tennessee gave both teams a baseline from which to measure progress. Other than minutes for TG, Tucker and Newton Marian gave IU nothing. MR scoring at will does not prepare him to score in the B1G. Wouldn't IU be far better off scheduling an exhibition against a tough mid-major? A practice with Butler would have far more teaching points than a game against Marian.

Cognitive dissonance game moment: Pat Knight's team playing a 1-3-1 zone

They are literally dress rehearsals. A chance to put on the uniform, go through game day prep and make mistakes without jeopardy. Gives a smaller school a chance to play in an environment they won't see the rest of the year. I have no issue with the exhibition games. But I know what you're saying. I can't believe I'm going to say 30-40 years ago (sheesh I don't feel that old) but it seems like they were against other national teams and semi-pro outfits (Russia, Athletes in Action, etc). Those eras did seem to have better competition.

 

[Imsowyctcwuzbetta]

They are literally dress rehearsals. A chance to put on the uniform, go through game day prep and make mistakes without jeopardy. Gives a smaller school a chance to play in an environment they won't see the rest of the year. I have no issue with the exhibition games. But I know what you're saying. I can't believe I'm going to say 30-40 years ago (sheesh I don't feel that old) but it seems like they were against other national teams and semi-pro outfits (Russia, Athletes in Action, etc). Those eras did seem to have better competition.

I think the Tennessee game will evolve into a home and home series....

 

[NOMORENIT]

Looks to be a battle for court time at the big guard/small forward position. Galloway, Tucker, Mgbako, Newton, Carlyle, Goode, and even Leal. Good problem to have.

 

[hookyIU1990]

Would someone provide a cogent explanation of how IU benefits from playing Marian. The exhibition against Tennessee gave both teams a baseline from which to measure progress. Other than minutes for TG, Tucker and Newton Marian gave IU nothing. MR scoring at will does not prepare him to score in the B1G. Wouldn't IU be far better off scheduling an exhibition against a tough mid-major? A practice with Butler would have far more teaching points than a game against Marian.

Cognitive dissonance game moment: Pat Knight's team playing a 1-3-1 zone

As mentioned, Pat Knight as HC, but that's predated by Downing as the AD.

We've done this for decades. Athletes in Action anyone?

 

[BA47591]

We have Carlyle, Rice, Tucker and Galloway that can cover the 1-3
Mgbako and Goode to stretch the floor at the 4.
An elite old school 5 and an elite stretch 5 to cover the post.

We have 8 starters that should carry us through the season. You can only arrange them a couple of ways that can fail. Putting a less mobile 5 in place of Ware, that should never be 8 feet from the basket and think Rice being really good while running the same 5hit as b4 is going to be significantly different....that's insulting.

 

[jopajackson]

We have Carlyle, Rice, Tucker and Galloway that can cover the 1-3
Mgbako and Goode to stretch the floor at the 4.
An elite old school 5 and an elite stretch 5 to cover the post.

We have 8 starters that should carry us through the season. You can only arrange them a couple of ways that can fail. Putting a less mobile 5 in place of Ware, that should never be 8 feet from the basket and think Rice being really good while running the same 5hit as b4 is going to be significantly different....that's insulting.

What’s significantly different is the level of talent. Last years team was booty.

 

[ulrey]

Looks to be a battle for is court time at the big guard/small forward position. Galloway, Tucker, Mgbako, Newton, Carlyle, Goode, and even Leal. Good problem to have.

Yeah. Woodson is always changing the starting lineup in his 3 years of coaching..

 

[kkott]

Would someone provide a cogent explanation of how IU benefits from playing Marian. The exhibition against Tennessee gave both teams a baseline from which to measure progress. Other than minutes for TG, Tucker and Newton Marian gave IU nothing. MR scoring at will does not prepare him to score in the B1G. Wouldn't IU be far better off scheduling an exhibition against a tough mid-major? A practice with Butler would have far more teaching points than a game against Marian.

Cognitive dissonance game moment: Pat Knight's team playing a 1-3-1 zone

Man, everyone wants to complain. You think we're the only team that plays a cupcake in preseason? Many teams play 2. We played a good opponent for a test and gauge on where we are and we played a cupcake vs a team with terrific IU ties, maybe as a favor to them, but also a "feel good" game for fans, some of whom can't always get tickets to regular season games. 0 reason to complain on that.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

Would someone provide a cogent explanation of how IU benefits from playing Marian. The exhibition against Tennessee gave both teams a baseline from which to measure progress. Other than minutes for TG, Tucker and Newton Marian gave IU nothing. MR scoring at will does not prepare him to score in the B1G. Wouldn't IU be far better off scheduling an exhibition against a tough mid-major? A practice with Butler would have far more teaching points than a game against Marian.

Cognitive dissonance game moment: Pat Knight's team playing a 1-3-1 zone

The home schedule completely sucks.

 

[TR32]

Would someone provide a cogent explanation of how IU benefits from playing Marian. The exhibition against Tennessee gave both teams a baseline from which to measure progress. Other than minutes for TG, Tucker and Newton Marian gave IU nothing. MR scoring at will does not prepare him to score in the B1G. Wouldn't IU be far better off scheduling an exhibition against a tough mid-major? A practice with Butler would have far more teaching points than a game against Marian.

Cognitive dissonance game moment: Pat Knight's team playing a 1-3-1 zone

It is a chance to have an organized game-like atmosphere very early. That's all. They used to play Athletes in Action, who were likely better than Marion College, but that is certainly a favor to Downing and now Pat Knight.

That's about it. Having a more competitive scrimmage vs Tenn was a step in the right direction for Woodson though.

 

[kkott]

Hot take: Tucker is a better all around player than Mgbako. He looks more mature and more comfortable on the floor. Where I would call Mgbako a shooter I would call Tucker a scorer.

Hot take: don't make hot takes after 1 exhibition game against a vastly inferior opponent!