USMCHoosier

That reason is defense.

Most complete performance we have seen in quite some time that is for certain.

agree, a spanking on national tv with solid D. People know we can score, it was the D that was missing. Then it was can we score without JBJ. I think those questions were just addressed.

opinion unchanged, ctc still needs to go

I cannot believe I am seeing real defense from IU.

OSU 80 IU 70

Filling up our roster with 3* kids?

Let me tell you why I believe you are wrong. 1. Shooters shoot their way out of slumps. 2. RJ is the backup PG, let him do just that. If RJ gets a couple of fouls, who gives Yogi a breather?   I would bench RJ and let him observe the game from the bench and let Z shoot his way out of this funk. Yogi will man the point, we don't need 2 PG on the court at the same time. CTC does that but it certainly is not necessary.

So, you believe the better options are to start one guard or keep Rob in playing as if he is an overwhelmed freshman? Disagree. You talk as if RJ is playing better than NZ. Check the stats over the last 3 games. See the attached stats.[attachment=3168:RJvsNZ_Stats.jpg]

    I really like what I see in OG and, if he continues to mature at this pace, I agree he could be a lottery pick after his Junior campaign. If he is working as hard in the class as he is on the court, I have no doubt you both are correct. However, I am not ready to call him an eventual lottery pick yet. We have seen kids get derailed before.

Fair enough. I too would like to see OG or Morgan in the starting lineup. But, I think we need to put Z in over RJ at the moment.

Primarily because Hartman came in a bit unheralded. Many thought he wouldn't be able to contribute at this level. Yet, despite his lack of raw athleticism, he grinds out a solid effort. Many players have greater talent and do less. Hartman takes average talent and does more.

I don't think RJ is a plus defender. He has his moments though. I also think Hartman is a good enough defender. The good and bad is that our best defenders may be our freshmen. Sad statement for the upper classmen but a real positive for the future.

Love your passion and you see things in him that I don't. Max had a huge game at Rutgers but I am not bonkers for Max. We will disagree on RJ but your point is valid.

I hope this kid keeps his head straight. He is as exciting as any freshman we have had that was not a MAA.

Actually, in my initial post I said the only thing I find enjoyable about this team is the freshman. I should have included a gutsy Hartman but for the most part, my initial statement holds true. ​Not sure how most people would take "I would probaly find a second team to watch until it started being enjoyable again. I feel bad for people who can't enjoy watching their favorite team play.", but I take it as a bit condescending. It was as if the poster was talking to their child. If I read it wrong, my bad.

I always find comments like these amusing. I have followed IU basketball for nearly 40 of my 46 years, a subpar coach is not going to make me stop pulling for my team. It will encourage me to be very vocal toward their shortfalls. The same is true of the players. Yogi, as much as I am happy he is a Hoosier, has regressed from last season. I hate that Blackmon got injured but it may be the best thing to ever happen to our defense. I don't see why people are so positive about RJ. He is adequate defensively but nowhere near where he should be offensively. Troy is every bit as frustrating as he is exciting. I enjoy his energy but think he should be far better defensively. Max is ok, kind of like watching a lesser Matt Nover. I agree, I love watching the heart I see in Hartman. So, I probably should have included him in my previous post. However, the freshman are the only ones that inspire me. I couldn't believe when it showed Morgan fouled out with zero points. The reason I couldn't believe it was he was absolutely HUGE in that game. Everyone is commending OG, rightfully so. The kid is unconscious right now. He is definitely a diamond in the rough. Bryant has come along great and shows real flashes of a dominant big man. I hope he is viewing this as at least a 2 year deal because he could be awesome next year. Sad truth, you never know what kids are thinking and if he continues to grow, he make roll the dice. So, please don't feel the need to guide me in my life choices. I have my reasons for making the comments I make. If you disagree, share that. I certainly don't want to tell you what you should or shouldn't watch or what team you should root for.

Then eliminate the drive from the top of the key where Troy tries a crossover when he is on top of his defender and a double or triple team has formed. Hell we could be down to 5 TOs a game.

The only thing I find enjoyable about watching this team is the freshman.

Johnson does not deserve to start. Just like last year, he played decent against the cupcakes but he is horrible against real competition.

Without JBJ, I would like to see Yogi, Rojo, Williams, Max and Bryant start. Sub in Hartman, Z, OG & Morgan. The good news is we still have a lot of potential from outside the arc even without JBJ. Additionally, we have seen nice progression from OG & Morgan. Enough so that we should expect decent contributions. Z is a little unpredictable defensively but JBJ was abysmal. Not sure Z will be worse. JBJ was certainly a more lethal scorer but he also forced some shots. This could be a rallying point for this team, sad JBJ had to suffer the injury but I am pulling for his recovery.

I feel for the kid. I hope he bounces back.

I see that, I don't know why I thought this was on the road.

That was a home win, not a road win.  ​And now I realize it is a home game. :banghead:

IU 68 Wisky 73   Thought this was on the road for some reason. Wisky 69 IU 75