Freshmen To be in Regular Rotation

After another offseason of attrition, Indiana added three freshmen to the roster in Thomas Bryant, Juwan Morgan, and O.G. Anunoby. Originally, it appeared as if only Bryant would receive extensive playing time as a freshman but with the dismissal of Emmitt Holt, Devin Davis and Hanner -Mosquera-Perea, all three now look to be rotational players.

Bryant, a former five star center from New York, is projected to start this season at center despite having missed extensive time in the preseason. According to head coach Tom Crean, Hoosier Hysteria was only the seventh day Bryant had experienced “live contact.”

The cause of Bryant’s missed time is mostly due to a foot injury, but also a bout with strep throat. Now, he claims to be mostly healed.

“I’m feeling good,” Bryant said. “The coaching staff and trainers that we have are getting me into the best shape I can be … Running up and down the floor felt real good.”

With the three freshmen figuring into the regular rotation, it is critical that any learning curve is accelerated. The freshmen know they are responsible for getting as good as possible as fast as possible.

“Thomas is a very willing learner, he is a very quick learner, he is a sponge,” Crean said of Bryant. “He came in with tremendous humility, combine that with his upside and he has a great future.”

Anunoby also said college basketball has taught him how important details are thanks to the emphasis of the coaching staff.

“I’ve learned to just try and stay focused on everything to get better at everything at the same time,” Anunoby said. “I’ve been working on shooting, ball handling, defense, everything.”

As the freshman trio, who composed the 26^th ranked overall 2015 recruiting class, tailors their games to the collegiate level, they know adjustments have to be made.

“The biggest adjustment is the strength of the guys and the speed of the game,” Anunoby shared.

“I think post defense will be one of the biggest parts of my game, being able to guard bigger players,” Morgan said. “I’m not a super quick wing or a powerhouse power forward, so I know I have to be smarter than them, beat them to the spot and things like that.”

The freshmen embrace the obstacles ahead of them with enthusiasm, Crean said. “The best thing to say about Thomas is we knew every day when he wasn’t there,” Crean said. “I think makes practice better every day.”

Bryant serves as inspiration for Morgan, who says players of Bryant’s level normally don’t have his work ethic. Personally, Bryant believes a positive attitude can be extremely helpful to the team.

Bryant later stated that fan support is a huge reason he works the way he does.

“It felt real good seeing those fans come out and support us because we wouldn’t be out there if it wasn’t for them,” Bryant went on. “Being out there got me really excited.”

The energy, according to Morgan, surpassed the prior year’s event.

“It was crazy, I was not expecting it to be this loud,” Morgan said. “Actually being on the court and hearing it, it was a different level.”

Ultimately the freshmen are aware of the responsibility they shoulder. Preparation will be key in masking their youth and featuring their talents. Luckily for them, they have the coaching staff to guide them along the way.

“Coach Crean and the rest of the staff will put us in the best position to be successful out there,” Bryant said. “We just have to go out there and play the game.”