Freshman Tracker: Alcorn State

1. Thomas Bryant

Bryant went 5 for 7 from the field, and 3 for 5 in free throws. He was the second-leading scorer for the Hoosiers with 13 points. Yogi Ferrell also had 13 and James Blackmon Jr. led the Hoosiers with 33 points. Bryant had five rebounds, two assists one block and one steal in his 20 minutes on the court. He did lead the team in turnovers though, with three of IU’s 12.

After the disastrous trip to Maui, Bryant looked like his normal self on Monday night coming out right away with his energy. This could have to do with the fact that he just plays better at home. On Wednesday night the Hoosiers will travel to Durham to play Duke, which will be a true road game and the most important test for IU so far. Bryant, 6’ 10” will have to face 7’ 0” center, Marshall Plumlee.

Bryant had some better defense tonight and hustled up and down the court, even when IU was up 40 points. Bryant battled inside for the Hoosiers, taking good shots and working to get open. He knows which shots he can make and he quickly learned after Creighton, he’s not going to be the one shooting all of the three-pointers.

One thing I’ve noticed about Bryant is how strong he is down low, on offense and defense. On offense, he continues to have a presence down low that is a good option for IU, on nights where its outside shots aren’t falling. He always goes up and finishes strong, which helps him keep a consistent spot on the Hoosiers starting lineup.

2. O.G. Anunoby

Anunoby played 17 minutes and had four points with one field goal and two free throws. He also added four rebounds and one assist Monday night. He looked more comfortable on the court, compared to IU’s overall sloppy performance last week against Wake Forest during the Maui Invitational.

Anunoby also had two turnovers immediately following two of his rebounds. Although he didn’t enter the game until 8:59 left in the first half, with his athleticism and a little bit more experience and control, he has the ability to be a threat on both ends of the court.

With freshman teammate Juwan Morgan in a walking boot, he may see more playing time coming in to give forward Collin Hartman a breather.

3. Harrison Niego

Niego came in off the bench and made a three-pointer from deep in the corner to give him his first points as a Hoosier. After he hit the shot, the IU bench was on its feet, clearly enthused for the guard’s first made shot.

He didn’t look anxious or nervous out there, and in his three minutes of play, he showed composure and hustle. He also added a steal and a turnover. It was clear he wanted to take advantage of his chance on the court and he brought fresh energy that was easy to see after IU had a 47-point lead.

4. Quentin Taylor

Taylor had about two minutes of play on Monday night, entering the game after IU had a 47-point lead. In my opinion, it would have been nice to give Niego and Taylor a few more minutes of action with such a substantial lead, but then again Crean could argue he was using every available minute to allow the starters a chance to work on fundamentals before taking on the Blue Devils on Wednesday.

5. Juwan Morgan

Morgan remained on the bench with a walking boot on his right foot after being hurt in the UNLV game. According to Crean, the Hoosiers will be without Morgan for a little while.