hoosierpap

Ability was there. He may have had some memorable let downs but aside from that we'll have to agree to disagree. Height, with the exception of total cross-positions (1 guarding a 5, 5 guarding a 1), doesn't have a ton to do with defense.

I'm with you

Can't believe I left this out. My Grandpa calls me from Indiana after games and this is the first thing out of his mouth. But so true, the FT shooting is so important. The percentage isn't actually as bad as you think, but the guys who IU needs to be clutch aren't at the moment.

It's early, and some seasoning will iron some things out but at this point... OVERALL: This team has a lot of talent. That sort of goes without saying, but this is a team who has shown they can go toe to toe with the elites and succeed. It's too early to project a seed or anything but looking like they could win the B10 and I don't think IU is who I'd like to see in the tournament. That said, guard play is still up and down which is huge come tourney time. My biggest concern is who on this team can score on their own, low shot clock, late game kind of stuff. Someone has to step up because that is a situation IU is going to run into, I promise you. Anyways, I'm going to go by position clusters... Guards: I found myself admitting that my real problem is that there isn't a Yogi anymore and it's unrealistic to expect that. Yogi's defensive intensity, imo, can be matched by Rojo and Newkirk if they are going full throttle. Offensively, there is going to be a decline. No one can run, dish, and pull up like Yogi could which made this offense so incredibly dangerous in transition. Sometimes you can't replace things....So what do we have? Well, Newkirk played a hell of a game defensively against Joel Berry. That tells me he is capable of locking down nearly anyone- which is a bonus I did not forsee. Offensively, there is work to be done. He seems to be the "creator" which scares me. Far too loose handle on his drives and doesn't have much of an ability to kick the ball off of those "wild ish" drives. Concerning, but, you play defense like Wed. night and you're going to stay on the floor. Leading the team with 3.1 assists per game isn't great on an offense that can really score the ball. Rojo showed he can do it on both ends. It's about consistency for him. Idk what's going on there but if he gets himself locked in it's certainly trouble for the opponent. He's an off-guard. Can bring it up some but he just isn't going to give you PG production in terms of ball control, assists, and simply running the offense. Great player, just not who he is. James is what he is. Deadly scorer, liability on defense. To his credit, I think there has been some improvement but still some "wtf" moments. His big shot ability is what this team needs. I think James is developing a bit of a voice which speaks to confidence. Stay healthy, young man. Cojo and Green flash talent. They're young, probably giving some more than expected but have their drawbacks- as most freshmen provide. I think there is a bright long-term future if IU can keep them satisfied but for now it seems there will be flashes of brilliance, and some head scratchers. If one can become consistent and dependent it would be huge off the bench. Wings: OG is just gonna go ahead and do OG things. Sky is the limit for him and the story of his production isn't even told in the stat line despite his numbers. AND he is seeming to just get going. Injury is one that can linger despite whatever timeline they're pushing. Seriously, for this season...fingers crossed. Sprains suck. I'm putting Juwan here but know he's been bringing the ball up a lot. He showed last night what he can do. I believe he was 8-8 with 10 rebounds? The versatility and grittiness is what he brings to the table. He may not always have the double-double, but he is going to impact the game on both ends in some form or fashion. I trust him guarding a 1 or a 5. These kinds of players don't come around all that often, so I'm enjoying. McSwain is a big of a tweener and somewhat of a mystery for me at this point. Certainly has the athletisicm but some confidence issues on the shot. Uber athletic and could impact the game in categories such as rebounds, blocks, but not sure what IU has with him yet. Not a bad piece. McRoberts is doing literally nothing, statistically, but everything on the court. I know +/- isn't the end all be all but against IPFW I believe he was a +15 while everyone else was like a -7 or 8. Say what you want about that statistic, but he impacts the game and makes smart decisions on both ends. I don't like the idea of him starting, but he provides a spark of sorts with his hustle and defense and I'm not looking at him as a liability on either end. Like I said in some other thread this morning...IU would be wise to make sure he is here going forward Bigs: Thomas has the ability to change a game. He also can play fairly small at times, ala Cody Zeller. Get big, big man. The threes are cool but IU has plenty of that. Thomas needs to be inside unless the play is some sort of inside out utilizing others versatility. Get your lay-ups and dunks, make your free throws, get your boards. IU wins. De'Ron Davis has been a pleasant surprise. He is appearing capable but am always hesitant of freshmen before conference play gets going. He knows what he is doing mentally, which is a big deal. He made several small but heady plays against UNC that won't be forgotten in my book. Really a pleasant surprise. It'll be interesting to see if Crean uses him as the spell for Bryant or if he carves out his role with Bryant in the game. Seems like the latter. His defense with such little experience is what has me most excited. Priller....beast. Who are you guys liking? And commentary where you disagree/ see it different is always welcome

If you're IU I think you put equal resources here as you do Garland. PG is paramount in '18. Garland has some connections and is the better talent, but there is no getting around the competition and IU doesn't always provide the best avenue. Phinisee is a different player, but very, very good. I think IU would be silly not to pursue this full throttle but Crean, in particular, has fooled me before. Seems like he's making a lot of IU games so it seems they feel the same.

I think IU would be wise to find a way to make sure McRoberts stays for the duration...whatever that may be.

He really is further along than I expected especially considering the time off. He really plays smart on both ends. He looks very promising, imo.

They're scrapin' for sure

Newkirk scares the hell out of me

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CHAAAAATTTTTTT

1) I said we'd miss Troy when it was up in the air if he went pro. You can't lose that and Yogi, I can pull it up if need be. 2) Newkirk is very fast but plays slow. When he goes he goes, slightly slower than Yogi, but I never know what I'm getting w him. And agreed on the shot. 3) My entire point. Crean has to get creative here. He wasn't but tried to force it w IPFW and JBJ. He can try again, I'm just saying I have 2 years of HS video and 2 more years of CBB sent to me that says this isn't who JBJ can be. He is essential to this team, but not in that way. Who can it be? I'm asking.

Haven't gotten around to this and hope no one cares at this point, but.... My two biggest fears coming into this game were revealed here. I already voiced the PG issue. I'm not sold. The second has less to do with Yogi the PG than it does Yogi the player. This team doesn't have a guy who can get their own shot when they need to. When teams slow down Indiana and they get into their half court set, it results in a lot of short shot clock offense. By that I mean under 10 sec. Now, I don't have a percentage on this- and you aren't going to get an accurate perspective tomorrow- but I'll see what I can come up with in more meaningful games. Also, someone will say "what about a play that develops late" and they're right, fail or success that needs to be taken into the equation. I'll cut those out, too. Still, there are tons of situations where exactly what I'm talking about occur and they are important especially in late-game situations...So that is the PROBLEM Anyways, Yogi was that guy. The offense stalls in the half court (as they do in Crean's half-court system) and having a guy who can beat his man and create for himself becomes imperative. Yogi was that guy. Who is it now? What is the SOLUTION? I know this...it isn't Rojo, JBJ, or OG. It just isn't who they are. Maybe Newkirk if he takes a some steps, and quickly. Honestly, I don't see it. Juwan...so versatile, but that just isn't him. Cujo and Green...freshman and just not there yet. Green, in my mind, will be that guy but he isn't now and doesn't have that role...so no. Who am I missing? Who can be that guy?

Playcalling and personnel decisions are questionable at best. Thats being nice

Cupcakes ;)

SIAP somewhere... Press Conference

Terrible idea in basketball. This year, officiating emphasis, great basketball idea :)

I'll look into it

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Oh yeah, it's under browse. Well, I'll hop in...doubt anyone else finds it and joins lol

Oh and did we lose chat? I know I should know this but I don't...

Sloppy but eh whatever, they'll get it together. Just can't make it a habit going forward

Went ahead and added him for PU. If I'm wrong...I'll change it

Solely? I doubt it. It could be manipulated. But I think the committee will evolve into it. To what degree? I don't know.