Post Season Thoughts Thread

[SlamaJamaSisley]

4 minutes ago, HoosierCoop said:

I wish CuJo would have finished the season at least.

He really wasn't contributing and by waiting, he would have had to sit out that much longer when he transferred.  This way, he can be back in December/January next year if I am remembering timing correctly.  

[GnarlyNormEllenberger]

This one's gonna be a long one...

- I am not going to focus too much on this past season. Rather, I want to look ahead to the future because I believe there is definite reason for optimism next year and beyond. Our marked improvement in several statistical categories such as Defense Efficiency and TO% shows me that we have a coach who can identify our weaknesses and address them. This gives me confidence that our poor shooting is something that can and will be remedied sooner rather than later. I don't believe that's optimism as much as it is logical reasoning but I suppose you could debate that if you wanted. Anyway, next year...

- Our returners will be key. People have a tendency to want to disregard certain key players during a bad season because they didn't perform to certain standards. While I understand their frustrations, it is important that we keep building onto the foundation that has been set this season. The constant roster turnover was a trademark of the Crean years and is a clear example as to why our teams failed to consistently perform at a high level each year. Stability will be key for this program moving forward. We're already losing 5 scholarship seniors this off-season. That's plenty... we don't need anyone else to leave.

- Frontcourt Returners. Juwan Morgan (16.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG) should be a senior. His improvement this past season was remarkable and he developed into a 2nd Team All-Big Ten player. He was a major mismatch problem for the opposition with his ability to both play bigger or smaller than he actually was. His consistent level of production is something that few other players in college basketball can replicate. I know some are worried about him leaving, but I don't see it. Unlike guys like James Blackmon or Troy Williams, Morgan has never come across as the type of player who is bent on playing professional regardless of their draft stock. He may "test the waters", but I think he'll return. If he can continue to work on his outside shot and get even stronger, he's got 1st Team All-Big Ten written all over him next year. I've seen some people downplay De'Ron Davis' (9.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG) role on next year's team claiming he isn't an Archie type of player. I disagree because Archie spent all of last off-season grooming him to become a better player. Coaches don't put that much effort into a player if he isn't expected to be a key cog on the team. Now, I am concerned about him returning from his Achilles' tear and his conditioning. I don't know if we'll see him play more than 20 minutes per game, but he still has the potential to be a strong player for us, especially with post offense. I'd compare him to the effectiveness level of a Sophomore or Junior Isaac Haas. He'll be invaluable going up against the frontcourt of Michigan State and Purdue in addition to guys like Mike Watkins and Bruno Fernando. Justin Smith (6.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG) may be the real key for our future. There has been a lot of talk about needing top talent to be elite. IMO, Smith definitely fits that mold. He has athletic ability that can't be taught. He's the type of guy you see on teams like UNC or Villanova when they're in the Final Four. It'll be interesting to see how his game progresses. He could stay more post-centric and be another Juwan Morgan, or he could develop better handles, defensive quickness and outside shooting to become an NBA-style wing at the "3". At the moment, he has the highest potential to be "great" as anyone on the team, in my opinion. Returning Zach McRoberts (2.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG) will be good for this team because he sets the tone with his hustle and defensive intensity. We'll need him to continue working on his shot to become a better threat on offense. But ideally, we need someone to deservedly take his spot in the starting lineup. That will show progression by the other players. Clifton Moore (0.7 PPG, 0.9 PPG) had all the looks of a guy who was playing against players A LOT better than what he faced in high school. I think he has an interesting skill set and could still play a role on the team, but I'm guessing he'll need to re-evaluate his own expectations. I'm also including Race Thompson as a returner because I think a year on the team will do wonders for his preparedness for the college game. He was a Top 100-level recruit out of high school and he seems to have a body that is built for the rugged Big Ten. I'd say there's a good chance you'll see him in the rotation next year giving us good minutes at the 4 or 5. Don't sleep on how much he could help us.

 

-Backcourt Returners. We're gonna need Devonte Green (7.6 PPG, 2.5 APG) to step up his game as much as anyone. As Archie said, we need singles from him as much as home runs. If this was a baseball season, he would have had way too many 0-4, 3 K types of games this year. He has potential to utilize his ability to create for others and his own shot, but we're gonna need him to be steady for us to have success. A bad Devonte Green really hurts us. But a good one takes us to another level. I was pleased/impressed with how Al Durham (4.8 PPG, 1.9 RPG) ended the season. Similar to Green, I hope he can embrace the role of a steady hand and defensive presence in the backcourt. We'll need him to continue improving his shot to be more consistent from the outside. However, if he attempts to become something he's not (i.e. a "go-to" scorer) it could hurt us more than help us. The fact that these are our only returners in the backcourt makes it imperative that they both take the next step in their development.

-Newcomers. I'm a Robert Phinisee fan. As Old Friend has stated on numerous occasions, if there are 100 better players than him in the nation in his class, I'd like to see them. He's got a quick first step and is much more athletic than he looks which allows him to get to the basket. People rave over his play-making ability, but I think he'll be a better scorer for us next year than what many think. While not an elite shooter, he can more than hold his own in that department. He'll need to get bigger and stronger, but I could definitely see him as an effective starter next year. I won't say he'll be as effective as Yogi, but anyone remember Armon Bassett as a freshman back in 2006-07? Maybe something like that. I've also seen some others make some statements about how Damezi Anderson won't help us much next year, but I am not so sure. I love the way he moves without the ball and comes off of screens. He has a shooter's mentality and will provide us an offensive threat anytime he is on the floor. I do agree that he'll need to up his defense, but that is one area that I have faith in Archie. It'll be interesting to see what position he slides into as a frosh... that may be the tricky part. Every time I have watched a clip of Jerome Hunter I have been impressed. He seems to have an advanced and diverse skill set that could allow him to play early and often next year. If rankings are a good indicator of that stuff, he probably will. I'm curious to watch his motor. Guys like him with high motors usually become REALLY good. Guys like him with low motors usually end up like Jeremy Hollowell. We'll see. Jake Forrester seems to be a guy who might be able to provide some athleticism, energy and effort in the frontcourt next year. It seems like he has a developing skill set, but he can still run the floor well and could thrive in the "dump off" role that Justin Smith filled this year. I think you'll see him as our future "5" in the coming years.

-Players yet to commit? Personally, I think we'll add 1-2 more guys for next year. The elephant in the room is Romeo Langford. If he comes, we'll have our leading scorer and instantly become a contender in a wide open Big Ten. Our backcourt will go from being a question mark to being a strength. However, I do not believe all is lost should he not come. The grad transfer market always produces a number of quality players every year and I think there's a good chance we could pick up a starter caliber player, there. Maybe even a couple for the backcourt. In short, I believe our backcourt will be bolstered in the offseason. By whom? Dunno yet...

-Final Thoughts. Honestly, it's too early to tell. But I'd be surprised if we didn't see an improvement in our overall record next year. I think we could definitely be a bubble team, if not better. If Romeo comes? Let's just say making the tournament won't be a problem...

Looking forward to the offseason and seeing how the program is progressing. I really like how Archie seems to be prioritizing the state with the 2019 guys while also looking at guys like Carton from Iowa for the point guard needs. Guys like Jackson-Davis and Keion Brooks will be very important prospects for us and I think we're doing as good of a job recruiting them as anyone right now. Throw in other guys like Brandon Newman, Alex Hemenway, Armaan Franklin, Mason Gillis, etc. It's gonna be fun seeing how that class shakes out. I like Archie's direction, though. 

[LamarCheeks]

Teams can continue to practice until Final Four, correct? Even though we have very little chance of playing another game, I'm guessing Archie and the boys are still practicing? If so, I wonder if they're keeping a "normal" schedule, or since we don't have much of a shot at an NIT bid, has he scaled back a bit? Just curious ... 

[mdn82]

Teams can continue to practice until Final Four, correct? Even though we have very little chance of playing another game, I'm guessing Archie and the boys are still practicing? If so, I wonder if they're keeping a "normal" schedule, or since we don't have much of a shot at an NIT bid, has he scaled back a bit? Just curious ... 

“Hey Justin and Race. You get to have wind sprints off if you visit Romeo.”

Sounds logical


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[Brass Cannon]

I imagine Archie is using the time to show them what they should work on in the offseason. 

[mark1981]

http://www.nycbuckets.com/current-nit-bracketology/

IU is projected as a 7 seed.  Will most likely lose their position to an auto qualifier.

 

[bleedhoosier]

Why do I feel like, auto bids or not.. that they will want the viewership that IU brings, in the NIT lol

 

Not because we should be in it, but because $$$. And that was the staple of a successful first season with a 3/4 roster for me, that we squeak into the NIT.

 

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[WayneFleekHoosier]

Why do I feel like, auto bids or not.. that they will want the viewership that IU brings, in the NIT lol
 
Not because we should be in it, but because $$$. And that was the staple of a successful first season with a 3/4 roster for me, that we squeak into the NIT.
 
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Wouldn't be shocked for them to try as much as they can.


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[Hoosierfan2017]

Not sure if this was posted on here, but I'm going to miss Freddie. He was limited talent-wise, but he always gave his all and brought a lot of toughness to the team. I wish he had another year. He made great strides under Archie this season.

 

[mdn82]

Why do I feel like, auto bids or not.. that they will want the viewership that IU brings, in the NIT lol
 
Not because we should be in it, but because $$$. And that was the staple of a successful first season with a 3/4 roster for me, that we squeak into the NIT.
 
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That may have been the case had it not been what we pulled last year. I feel if all things were equal they would probably leave us out due to last year.


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[bigrod]

5 hours ago, mdn82 said:

That may have been the case had it not been what we pulled last year. I feel if all things were equal they would probably leave us out due to last year.


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If we had a young roster that needed post-season experience, I would definitely be hoping we got a bid. As it stands, I'd rather just get on to next season than see them get in and lay another egg. It's unusual for me to feel that way about IU, but I think we've seen enough of this story to know how it ends.

[schoosier]

I would love to see us still playing even after the egg we laid in NYC. Archie probably had his worst game of the year, but the improved defense and ball movement has been exciting to see.

[bigrod]

I've been watching IU since they only had 2 banners ('80-'81 season is the first I remember). I have to say, this has been the most unusual season that I can remember. I'm struggling to think of any other with the Jekyll Hyde personality, lack of senior leadership, blowout home losses, and just plain never really knowing what you were going to get from a team. Every time you thought they had turned a corner, the wheels seemed to fall off again.

[Magnanimous]

6 minutes ago, bigrod said:

I've been watching IU since they only had 2 banners ('80-'81 season is the first I remember). I have to say, this has been the most unusual season that I can remember. I'm struggling to think of any other with the Jekyll Hyde personality, lack of senior leadership, blowout home losses, and just plain never really knowing what you were going to get from a team. Every time you thought they had turned a corner, the wheels seemed to fall off again.

Last year wasn't Jeckyll and Hyde? Beating two one-seeds and being ranked as high as #3 in the country to missing the NCAAT. 

[bigrod]

45 minutes ago, Magnanimous said:

Last year wasn't Jeckyll and Hyde? Beating two one-seeds and being ranked as high as #3 in the country to missing the NCAAT. 

I suppose you could say that, but it never really went back and forth from game to game like this year. Last year we fell off a cliff and never climbed out.

[Magnanimous]

8 minutes ago, bigrod said:

I suppose you could say that, but it never really went back and forth from game to game like this year. Last year we fell off a cliff and never climbed out.

The only reason this year went back and forth was that our schedule went in waves of facing good teams to facing the bottom of the conference. 

[Bailey7878]

Last year wasn't Jeckyll and Hyde? Beating two one-seeds and being ranked as high as #3 in the country to missing the NCAAT. 

This year we never once beat a top big ten team. We usually have at least one good win. We had none


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[coonhounds]

I've been watching IU since they only had 2 banners ('80-'81 season is the first I remember). I have to say, this has been the most unusual season that I can remember. I'm struggling to think of any other with the Jekyll Hyde personality, lack of senior leadership, blowout home losses, and just plain never really knowing what you were going to get from a team. Every time you thought they had turned a corner, the wheels seemed to fall off again.

Not to nit pick but we should have had 3 championships by then.

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[Alford Bailey]

With all the cheating in cbb and IU having another crappy season my level of "dont really care anymore" is getting up there. Had to read BTB to find out who won the BTT and catch up on the March Madness drawings. We really need next year to be positive.

[Gahoosierfan]

1 hour ago, Alford Bailey said:

With all the cheating in cbb and IU having another crappy season my level of "dont really care anymore" is getting up there. Had to read BTB to find out who won the BTT and catch up on the March Madness drawings. We really need next year to be positive.

Since 2000, IU BB has been relevant in only about 3 seasons. It has to do with having a competent AD and good coaches.