Luke Fischer Leaves Indiana, Adds to Big Ten Uncertainty

Happy New Year, Coach. At 10 AM Monday, December 30, Luke Fischer informed Tom Crean that he is leaving the Indiana basketball program.

Why? Homesick? Frustrated with possible lack of playing time? Does he want the rotation cut-down as much as the average Hoosier fan? Maybe a combination of all three.

Most were shocked, but not Crean.

“I can’t stand here and say I was in complete shock,” Crean said before adding that his lack of shock is just his personal opinion.

It’s a big blow to Indiana, as the freshman was beginning to get better and better after recovering from his pre-season shoulder injury.

He tallied double-digit minutes in each of the last four games, giving him the second most MPG among bench post players. He was also coming off a very solid performance against Kennesaw State in which he scored ten points and added three blocks.

Luke was slowly healing, producing, and becoming a fan favorite. His offensive rebounding rate of 10.5% was second on the team, only behind Noah Vonleh (14.2%). On a young team with little frontcourt depth, Fischer was carving out a role for himself.

After the Kennesaw State game, Crean marveled, “Luke, he’s knocking on the door, right now, of being a really productive player for us.”

Turns out, he was also knocking on the door of leaving Indiana.

So, what’s next for Indiana, as it prepares to open Big Ten play without its best bench post-player?

Will Hanner Mosquera-Perea get thrown into a much more meaningful and important role that he may not be ready for? Will Devin Davis see more time at the four? Will Hoosier Nation witness the return of Jeff Howard to the rotation? Oh, and Peter Jurkin is still tall. Will he see the court at all?

Yes, most likely, maybe, and doubtful.

The loss of Fischer impacts the future as much as the present.

The good news: Indiana isn’t over signed for next season anymore (Crean may look to put a swift end to that, though.) The bad news: With few quality names available, the Hoosiers are looking at greater frontcourt depth issues in 2014-15 and are screwed if Vonleh departs for the NBA.

The Hoosiers will have to take a “next man up” mentality to replace Fischer, and they have the collective talent to do so. It won’t be easy, however.

The real impact of Fischer’s departure may come when Vonleh gets into foul trouble. Perea has had his foul trouble issues as well, and who will play in the post if both are on the bench?

Crean has a challenge in replacing the Wisconsin native. It will be interesting to see how he reacts and adjusts in conference play.

This team already had to grow up fast, and now they’ll have to do it without the Big Fisch.

Time will tell how much of an impact the decision has on this young Hoosier squad. For now, just sit back and try to enjoy the ride.

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