All_Hoosiers

  I don't know how Hoosier fans would react to another transfer.

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. Follow me: @All_Hoosiers

Freshman Luke Fischer rather abruptly left the Indiana basketball program just a day before the start of Big Ten play. Indiana will need to adjust to life without him. 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. Follow me: @All_Hoosiers [url=https://btownbanners.com/page/articles.html/_/basketball/luke-fischer-leaves-indiana-adds-to-big-ten-un-r128]Click here to view the article[/url]

  I'm also enraged Crean didn't start a freshmen with a bum shoulder!! 

Even he wanted Crean to cut down the rotation. On a serious note, this is a big loss. Best of the luck to him, and I think ends up at Marquette. On a not-so-serious note, I hear Chane Behanan is available. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

Where are we seeing these rumors?

1.) Wisconsin 13-0 (0-0): While the Badgers aren’t the top Big Ten team in the polls, it’s hard to not put them at number one. As is the case most years, Bo Ryan’s squad doesn’t look pretty, but it gets the job done night in and night out. The Badgers feature the most wins (seven) against top 100 KenPom teams, including three wins over top 25 KenPom teams. Wisconsin is led by the 7-footer that shoots 42% from three, Frank Kaminsky, and Naismath Award watch list member Sam Dekker. The Badgers will look to stay near the top of the Big Ten all season, and have legitimate national title hopes. (Upcoming: @Northwestern 1/2, Iowa 1/5) 2.) Ohio State 13-0 (0-0): The Buckeyes enter conference play as the only other undefeated Big Ten team. Although they are currently ranked higher than Wisconsin, Ohio State’s hasn’t looked as good. The Buckeyes feature six wins over top 100 KenPom teams, their highest coming against Marquette (44). OSU has looked strong for the most part, but needed an epic collapse from Notre Dame to beat the Irish. The good news: LaQuinton Ross has started to come on as of late, and he will be key for national title expectations. (Upcoming: @Purdue 12/31, Nebraska 1/4) 3.) Michigan State 11-1 (0-0): Michigan State enters B1G play with only one loss, but they haven’t looked spectacular except for a great first half against Kentucky early in the season. They were flat and faced injury trouble in a 14-point home loss to North Carolina, but recently trounced Texas, a team that beat UNC. Michigan State ranks first in the NCAA in assists per game, and are top 40 in points, field goal percentage and rebounds per game. With a trio of Adrien Payne, Gary Harris, and Keith Appling, the Spartans look poised to stay atop the Big Ten mountain. (Upcoming: @Penn State 12/31, @Indiana 1/4) 4.) Iowa 11-2 (0-0): Led by senior Roy Devyn Marble, the experienced Hawkeyes have high hopes for this season. While they may not be the most talented group, they play very well together. Iowa is a top 13 team in the KenPom rankings, showcasing the ninth best adjusted offense rating. Even more impressive, Iowa ranks in the top four nationally in points, rebounds, and assists per game. Even though the Hawkeyes have suffered two heartbreaking losses, a three-point road loss to rival Iowa State and a five-point OT loss to top-ten Villanova, expectations are high as they prepare for a tournament run. (Upcoming: Nebraska 12/31, @Wisconsin 1/5) 5.) Illinois 11-2 (0-0): The Fighting Illini have something few other Big Ten teams do: a victory over a top-25 team. Illinois has looked good for the most part this season, but suffered a bad loss to Georgia Tech Dec. 3. As conference play begins, the Illini have momentum on their side, though, recently defeating Missouri on a neutral floor. Illinois is ranked behind the likes of Indiana, Michigan, and Minnesota in the KenPom rankings, but their body of work is slightly better, pushing them to number five in the rankings. John Groce may struggle to keep his team in the top half of the Big Ten, however. (Upcoming: Indiana 12/31, Penn State 1/4) 6.) Minnesota 11-2 (0-0): With little Pitino in his first year at the helm, Minnesota has had a solid start to the season. After two hiccups to Syracuse and Arkansas in the Maui Inivtational, the Gophers have rolled off six straight wins heading into B1G play. Pitino will have his work cut out for him as a first year B1G coach, and he’ll need the Hollins brothers to carry his team. The Gophers will be tested early when Michigan comes to town Jan. 2. (Upcoming: Michigan 1/2, Purdue 1/5) 7.) Indiana 10-3 (0-0): The young Hoosiers have had good moments, bad moments, and downright ugly moments. The lights were too bright against UCONN and Notre Dame, and don’t even mention the Syracuse debacle. Indiana has zero good wins, but a have great opportunity to earn one when Michigan State visits Assembly Hall Jan. 4. Luke Fischer, Stan Robinson, and Evan Gordon have looked good recently, giving Hoosier Nation hope for conference play. Tom Crean will need his young squad to grow up fast, but the Hoosiers have the talent to finish in the top half of the conference and make the tournament. B1G play may be interesting this year, however. (Upcoming: @Illinois 12/31, Michigan State 1/4) 8.) Michigan 8-4 (0-0): A year removed from a national championships game appearance, expectations remain high for the Wolverines. Things haven’t been perfect, as Michigan suffered losses to Iowa State, Charlotte, Duke, and Arizona. Although they don’t have a dazzling record, they feature two wins over KenPom top 50 teams, each on neutral courts. Nik Staskus has been sensational this season, but he and Glenn Robinson III will need to do even more with the loss of Mitch McGary. The Wolverines have the parts to be really good, but things aren’t looking great right now. (Upcoming: @Minnesota 1/2, Northwestern 1/5) 9.) Purdue 10-3 (0-0): An odd team, the Boilermakers have shown fight at times, but have looked lackadaisical at other times. The Boilermakers don’t necessarily have a bad loss, but they lack a good win. AJ Hammons should be better than he is, and one could say that about the team in general. Matt Painter isn’t a bad coach, but he’ll have his work cut out for him if he wants to lead his team to the NCAA Tournament. Purdue may win a few games it shouldn’t, beginning with a home game against Ohio State on New Year’s Eve. (Upcoming: Ohio State 12/31, @Minnesota 1/5) 10.) Penn State 9-4 (0-0): The Nittany Lions have been bad for as long as I remember, but they have the potential to be good this year with the return of Tim Frazier. The fifth-year senior is playing at the first team All Big-Ten level he was a couple years ago, but he gives Penn State a chance to win each game. He leads the team in assists (7.5 apg) and averages just over 18 points per game. A tournament appearance may be a long shot, but Penn State has an outside chance. Guards DJ Newbill and John Johnson will carry the team along with Frazier. This will be an interesting team to watch this year. (Upcoming: Michigan State 12/31, @Illinois 1/5) 11.) Nebraska 8-4 (0-0): Head coach Tim Miles may have one of the best twitter accounts, but he certainly doesn’t have one of the best teams. Nebrasketball is making progress in building a formidable program, but this will be another tough year for the Cornhuskers. (Upcoming: @Iowa 12/31, @Ohio State 1/4) 12.) Northwestern 7-6 (0-0): Chris Collins has an uphill battle to build the Northwestern basketball program. Besides Drew Crawford, the Wildcats just aren’t very good. They’ll likely be in the cellar of the Big Ten all season. Opening against Wisconsin won’t help their build the team’s confidence. (Upcoming: Wisconsin 1/2, @Michigan 1/5) *Saying these are the best B1G power rankings is debatable. Tell me what I got right and what I got wrong. Follow me: @All_Hoosiers

Big Ten play is finally upon us. In accordance with the advent of play among the best conference in college basketball, the best* B1G power rankings make their 2013-14 debut, and will be featured on BtownBanners each Sunday. Without further ado, we begin with number one. 1.) Wisconsin 13-0 (0-0): While the Badgers aren’t the top Big Ten team in the polls, it’s hard to not put them at number one. As is the case most years, Bo Ryan’s squad doesn’t look pretty, but it gets the job done night in and night out. The Badgers feature the most wins (seven) against top 100 KenPom teams, including three wins over top 25 KenPom teams. Wisconsin is led by the 7-footer that shoots 42% from three, Frank Kaminsky, and Naismath Award watch list member Sam Dekker. The Badgers will look to stay near the top of the Big Ten all season, and have legitimate national title hopes. (Upcoming: @Northwestern 1/2, Iowa 1/5) 2.) Ohio State 13-0 (0-0): The Buckeyes enter conference play as the only other undefeated Big Ten team. Although they are currently ranked higher than Wisconsin, Ohio State’s hasn’t looked as good. The Buckeyes feature six wins over top 100 KenPom teams, their highest coming against Marquette (44). OSU has looked strong for the most part, but needed an epic collapse from Notre Dame to beat the Irish. The good news: LaQuinton Ross has started to come on as of late, and he will be key for national title expectations. (Upcoming: @Purdue 12/31, Nebraska 1/4) 3.) Michigan State 11-1 (0-0): Michigan State enters B1G play with only one loss, but they haven’t looked spectacular except for a great first half against Kentucky early in the season. They were flat and faced injury trouble in a 14-point home loss to North Carolina, but recently trounced Texas, a team that beat UNC. Michigan State ranks first in the NCAA in assists per game, and are top 40 in points, field goal percentage and rebounds per game. With a trio of Adrien Payne, Gary Harris, and Keith Appling, the Spartans look poised to stay atop the Big Ten mountain. (Upcoming: @Penn State 12/31, @Indiana 1/4) 4.) Iowa 11-2 (0-0): Led by senior Roy Devyn Marble, the experienced Hawkeyes have high hopes for this season. While they may not be the most talented group, they play very well together. Iowa is a top 13 team in the KenPom rankings, showcasing the ninth best adjusted offense rating. Even more impressive, Iowa ranks in the top four nationally in points, rebounds, and assists per game. Even though the Hawkeyes have suffered two heartbreaking losses, a three-point road loss to rival Iowa State and a five-point OT loss to top-ten Villanova, expectations are high as they prepare for a tournament run. (Upcoming: Nebraska 12/31, @Wisconsin 1/5) 5.) Illinois 11-2 (0-0): The Fighting Illini have something few other Big Ten teams do: a victory over a top-25 team. Illinois has looked good for the most part this season, but suffered a bad loss to Georgia Tech Dec. 3. As conference play begins, the Illini have momentum on their side, though, recently defeating Missouri on a neutral floor. Illinois is ranked behind the likes of Indiana, Michigan, and Minnesota in the KenPom rankings, but their body of work is slightly better, pushing them to number five in the rankings. John Groce may struggle to keep his team in the top half of the Big Ten, however. (Upcoming: Indiana 12/31, Penn State 1/4) 6.) Minnesota 11-2 (0-0): With little Pitino in his first year at the helm, Minnesota has had a solid start to the season. After two hiccups to Syracuse and Arkansas in the Maui Inivtational, the Gophers have rolled off six straight wins heading into B1G play. Pitino will have his work cut out for him as a first year B1G coach, and he’ll need the Hollins brothers to carry his team. The Gophers will be tested early when Michigan comes to town Jan. 2. (Upcoming: Michigan 1/2, Purdue 1/5) 7.) Indiana 10-3 (0-0): The young Hoosiers have had good moments, bad moments, and downright ugly moments. The lights were too bright against UCONN and Notre Dame, and don’t even mention the Syracuse debacle. Indiana has zero good wins, but a have great opportunity to earn one when Michigan State visits Assembly Hall Jan. 4. Luke Fischer, Stan Robinson, and Evan Gordon have looked good recently, giving Hoosier Nation hope for conference play. Tom Crean will need his young squad to grow up fast, but the Hoosiers have the talent to finish in the top half of the conference and make the tournament. B1G play may be interesting this year, however. (Upcoming: @Illinois 12/31, Michigan State 1/4) 8.) Michigan 8-4 (0-0): A year removed from a national championships game appearance, expectations remain high for the Wolverines. Things haven’t been perfect, as Michigan suffered losses to Iowa State, Charlotte, Duke, and Arizona. Although they don’t have a dazzling record, they feature two wins over KenPom top 50 teams, each on neutral courts. Nik Staskus has been sensational this season, but he and Glenn Robinson III will need to do even more with the loss of Mitch McGary. The Wolverines have the parts to be really good, but things aren’t looking great right now. (Upcoming: @Minnesota 1/2, Northwestern 1/5) 9.) Purdue 10-3 (0-0): An odd team, the Boilermakers have shown fight at times, but have looked lackadaisical at other times. The Boilermakers don’t necessarily have a bad loss, but they lack a good win. AJ Hammons should be better than he is, and one could say that about the team in general. Matt Painter isn’t a bad coach, but he’ll have his work cut out for him if he wants to lead his team to the NCAA Tournament. Purdue may win a few games it shouldn’t, beginning with a home game against Ohio State on New Year’s Eve. (Upcoming: Ohio State 12/31, @Minnesota 1/5) 10.) Penn State 9-4 (0-0): The Nittany Lions have been bad for as long as I remember, but they have the potential to be good this year with the return of Tim Frazier. The fifth-year senior is playing at the first team All Big-Ten level he was a couple years ago, but he gives Penn State a chance to win each game. He leads the team in assists (7.5 apg) and averages just over 18 points per game. A tournament appearance may be a long shot, but Penn State has an outside chance. Guards DJ Newbill and John Johnson will carry the team along with Frazier. This will be an interesting team to watch this year. (Upcoming: Michigan State 12/31, @Illinois 1/5) 11.) Nebraska 8-4 (0-0): Head coach Tim Miles may have one of the best twitter accounts, but he certainly doesn’t have one of the best teams. Nebrasketball is making progress in building a formidable program, but this will be another tough year for the Cornhuskers. (Upcoming: @Iowa 12/31, @Ohio State 1/4) 12.) Northwestern 7-6 (0-0): Chris Collins has an uphill battle to build the Northwestern basketball program. Besides Drew Crawford, the Wildcats just aren’t very good. They’ll likely be in the cellar of the Big Ten all season. Opening against Wisconsin won’t help their build the team’s confidence. (Upcoming: Wisconsin 1/2, @Michigan 1/5) [i]*Saying these are the best B1G power rankings is debatable. Tell me what I got right and what I got wrong. Follow me: [url="http://www.twitter.com/All_Hoosiers"]@All_Hoosiers[/url][/i] [url=https://btownbanners.com/page/articles.html/_/basketball/b1g-power-rankings-r127]Click here to view the article[/url]

I mainly set this up based on who has done more than who I think is a better team. Ranking 5-9 was a bit tricky. Minnesota got the nod over Indiana for having one less loss, and Illinois' big win vaulted them to five. I expect Illinois to drop, Indiana to raise, and Minnesota and Michigan to stay in the same spots. I'd watch out for Penn State, Purdue, and maybe Nebraska to possibly rise up at times. I think it will be hard for different teams to crack the top four, and Northwestern will have a stronghold on the 12 spot all year. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

That leg injury was one of the most gruesome things I've seen. Almost looked like his leg wrapped around the other guy. Nasty. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

[quote name="bronkonagurski" post="25946" timestamp="1388205562"]Did NBA scouts really have him rated that highly though? [/quote] If I remember correctly, I think he was projected a mid-first rounder, not much behind Cody Zeller. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

  Weak draft and his stock rose after the tournament, so I agree. Staying won't ruin him though.

Dealing with a losing culture as old as the program is tough, especially when a coach has to deal with the Big Ten while trying to change said losing culture. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

I remember at one point ITH tweeting that Indiana was projected to lose five of its first six Big Ten games. I don't know if that's still the case (I doubt it is), but Hoosier Nation will be a treat if that happens. I think conference play will be tough all year, even the crap teams will pose a challenge. Buckle up and enjoy the ride, folks. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

Robert Johnson is the real deal. I can't wait to see him at Indiana. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

Road game against a decent team: Illinois-68 Indiana-61 Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

Lights too bright for Notre Dame? Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

Indiana-96 Other team-70 Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

He'll be a top-five pick in 2014, but likely the number one pick in 2015. Doubt that really matters, however. It would be amazing and then some if Exum ended up at Indiana.

JaQuan took over the fourth quarter for a bit. I wish Indiana hadn't backed off his recruitment. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

Is Indiana still projected to lose five of their first six B1G games? Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

If it calms any tensions, I still think Indiana sneaks into the tournament, which is all that matters.

Michigan State has played one good half all year. I just can't see Indiana getting waxed by them at home, even if we're young and not nearly as good. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

Crean talked about some guys getting too many minutes and some guys getting too few tonight. Sounds like he wants to shake up the minutes. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app

Do not get the Hanner love. If I was coach, he wouldn't see the floor. He's gotten better, but he isn't ready to play big boy basketball. My starting five would be: Yogi, Gordon, Sheehey, Davis, Vonleh Troy Williams can be a nice spark off the bench, as can Stan Robinson. Hollowell may be best suited for the bench right now as well. Luke Fischer can maybe get some playing time too. A short leash for bench guys and Davis. Bad play sits. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners mobile app