IUBB - 2020 Off-Season News

[woodenshoemanHoosierfan 6,219]

Agree, that market has been picked pretty clean by now.  

While I agree, some of those who declared for the NBA may come back to College and enter the transfer portal. If that happens, I would look into them.

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[Loaded Chicken Sandwich 8,672]

Curious if TJD would want/need to show the NBA he can do more away from the basket. While we want him to play a lot at center he may have other amibitions


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He can do that at the 5. His future is Tristan Thompson.


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[GnarlyTimGarl 1,433]

RE: Justin Smith's Transfer... If there's one word I would use to describe my feelings towards this... it's disappointment.

Smith wanted to be a "3". That's what he thought he was. He made that clear to the media several times (see: Wichita State NIT postgame from 2019.) The inference was that his first couple of years he played out of position which hampered his ability to truly succeed as an individual and help the team. I'm also sure he felt that's what his NBA position would be. So, with the addition of Brunk and TJD, Archie gave Smith a chance to play the "3" quite a bit during the 2019-2020 season. What were the results?

From a defensive standpoint, he showed he had the ability to hamper his opponent... particularly on the ball. When he was dialed-in, his play made him a candidate for the Big Ten All-Defensive Team. There were a number of occasions where he used his size and athleticism to shut down his man. However, there were multiple occasions during the year where his motor was questioned which limited his effectiveness as a defensive-stopper. That being said, he still proved that he could be an effective Big Ten "3" on defense.

From an offensive standpoint, we saw problems. His most effective areas were definitely in transition and near the basket where, once again, he could use his athleticism to his advantage. I would go as far to say he was well above-average in this regard considering what seemed to be the majority of his points came in these situations and he ended up averaging double-figures. Outside of that, he struggled. At no point during the season was he able to find any consistency on his jump shot. And he had opportunities. He shot 26.3% from 3FG (10/38) which allowed defenses to sag off of him and pack the paint... which made life all the more difficult for TJD. (InsideTheHall had a feature on how OSU defended him in 2019 which proves this point.) His ball-handling and passing were suspect as evidenced by his 0.6 A/T ratio. His FT% was an unspectacular 67.3%. For a team that already lacked consistent offensive firepower from the "1" and "2" positions, you really need to have more efficient offensive production from the "3"to be anything above mediocre.

I think it's clear that by bringing in four new players this offseason who were slated to play the 1-3 positions, Smith was going to be pushed back to the "4". To most observers, this would be the best move in order to maximize the strengths and potential of the team as a whole... and even put Smith in better positions where he isn't asked to do things he has shown he is unable to do. However, I think Smith was very much against that. In my opinion, he wanted to be an NBA player and in order to do that he was going to need to showcase certain skills. I figure that Archie was relatively unwilling to allow that because slotting Smith at the "3" for next season would limit the overall effectiveness of the team considering Smith's proven limitations on offense. So, Smith leaves because he wants to be an NBA player but thinks he won't get the opportunities at IU next year to prove it.

I don't blame Smith for wanting to play in the NBA. Most Big Ten players do. But the fact is this... few actually ever will. I believe what Matt Painter recently said on the Dan Dakich Show holds true in this situation. Smith showed he could be a good college player. Not great, just good. He was never All-Conference. And he hasn't shown he has an NBA game. And he's had plenty of opportunity to do so. Is that Archie's fault? Is it the system's fault? At some point, I would think a player and his family would understand that the NBA is probably not in the cards. Instead, relish in the opportunity to be a senior leader on what could be a pretty good IU team in 2020-2021.

However, Smith has the right to make the decision that is best for him. I wish the best for him and his future endeavors and hope that he finds what he's looking for in basketball and in life. To be honest, I'm surprised he didn't transfer last year considering all of the unflattering things his father said about Archie on Twitter in 2019. But in the end, I'm a Hoosier fan. And he's no longer on the team, so I look for the next man up. We have two guys in Race Thompson and Jerome Hunter who are oozing potential to be really good college players. Thompson's per-minute stats show he can be a very active and effective player at this level, while Hunter's raw abilities show that he can become a high-level player if/when healthy. This is not to mention any of the Leal/Galloway/Geronimo combo. My point? While there is a void left with Smith's absence, we have several guys who are capable of filling it either on their own or by committee. My opinion of this team being Top 25 caliber for most of the season remains unchanged with Smith's departure.

As always, this is nothing but conjecture and one fan's opinion that doesn't mean anything. Who knows... this could all be about simply wanting to play close to home... showing that I have no idea what I'm talking about. :)

[HoosierTrav 7,886]

On 5/22/2020 at 12:05 PM, mdn82 said:

Also, our lineups just shrank. I prefer that. I am not a large lineup guy. You can build a rotation out of 8/9 and be very successful. I feel the larger rotations don’t allow anyone any time to get in sync.


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Agree. I can’t remember where I seen it but a big percentage of top teams have 7-8 man rotations. 

[lillurk 3,738]

22 hours ago, Brass Cannon said:

Hmm doubt we can get a grad transfer.  Honestly would love to try and get a 21 recruit to come early maybe even redshirt.  Would love to Duncomb in and sit for a year.  

Yeah if a sit out transfer big is an option I’d sniff around. The 21-22 team has a need for a five that isn’t a frosh or notably undersized.

[MemphisHoosier 2,148]

On 5/22/2020 at 12:38 PM, LamarCheeks said:

Smith is from Buffalo Grove -- that's only about 20-25 miles from Evanston. 

Wonder if he'd join Peyton Ramsey at Northwestern? I have no idea if he'd fit their roster or if they have a scholly available, however. 

Looks like they have three schollys available, https://verbalcommits.com/schools/northwestern .

[MemphisHoosier 2,148]

39 minutes ago, lillurk said:

Yeah if a sit out transfer big is an option I’d sniff around. The 21-22 team has a need for a five that isn’t a frosh or notably undersized.

This is where I am as well, would love to get a 'sit-1, play-2' transfer big for the Fall - would provide great roster balance.

[Demo 19,965]

On 5/22/2020 at 11:38 AM, LamarCheeks said:

Smith is from Buffalo Grove -- that's only about 20-25 miles from Evanston. 

Wonder if he'd join Peyton Ramsey at Northwestern? I have no idea if he'd fit their roster or if they have a scholly available, however. 

Love the fit geographically and, obviously, academically. But Collins runs so much motion with so many reads. Smith just doesn’t process nearly quickly enough for that, imo.

[Geometry Hoosier 1,151]

Well, I tried to post a link, but it wouldn’t load. The article said 20 teams have reached out to Justin Smith including Purdue, Illinois, Northwestern, and Maryland.

 

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[Loaded Chicken Sandwich 8,672]

Well, I tried to post a link, but it wouldn’t load. The article said 20 teams have reached out to Justin Smith including Purdue, Illinois, Northwestern, and Maryland.
 
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I’d rather him not go to Illinois or Purdue. He’d End to kicking our butts somehow.


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[Crimson and Cream 5,809]

It really doesn't matter where he goes, if he has his heart set on being a "3", he's going to struggle 

[HoosierDYT 1,748]

He should look to play in the pac 12 where athleticism is over hyped. I think that fits his style of play where he could be a really solid defensive player and a rim runner on offense


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[maharkn 1,735]

He should look to play in the pac 12 where athleticism is over hyped. I think that fits his style of play where he could be a really solid defensive player and a rim runner on offense


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Maybe a San Diego State or Dayton.

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[MikeRoberts 6,998]

It really doesn't matter where he goes, if he has his heart set on being a "3", he's going to struggle 

2nd in points, 2nd in rebounds and best defender on a tourney team isn’t struggling




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[Crimson and Cream 5,809]

8 minutes ago, MikeRoberts said:

2nd in points, 2nd in rebounds and best defender on a tourney team isn’t struggling




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10 ppg, 5 rpg isn't really as impressive as that statement makes it seem. Let's not forget he can't shoot worth a lick and easily averages more TO's than assists. He was a very good defender when engaged (which wasn't always the case). Size wise he's a 3 in the NBA. Unfortunately that's where that comparison ends. He has no offensive skills to play in any role other than a lob threat. It'll be interesting to see which coach gives in to his demands to play the 3. 

[MikeRoberts 6,998]

10 ppg, 5 rpg isn't really as impressive as that statement makes it seem. Let's not forget he can't shoot worth a lick and easily averages more TO's than assists. He was a very good defender when engaged (which wasn't always the case). Size wise he's a 3 in the NBA. Unfortunately that's where that comparison ends. He has no offensive skills to play in any role other than a lob threat. It'll be interesting to see which coach gives in to his demands to play the 3. 

10, 5 and D is exactly what it is. His inability to shoot was only an issue for IU because we trotted out an entire lineup of players that can’t shoot.

 

If he were to join a team with 3 really good shooters that can space the floor and give him room to operate he could be a lot more effective.

 

We had a really poorly constructed lineup, maybe he can find one where his lack of shooting isn’t so big of an issue

 

 

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[TXHoosierDaddy 1,375]

8 hours ago, MikeRoberts said:

2nd in points, 2nd in rebounds and best defender on a tourney team isn’t struggling




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Much better going north/south on the break. He was limited when we went into our half court set. His only real move was driving down the lane and kind of laying up a shot from a few feet out. Never found the mid-range jumper throughout his career here. Really didn't have great handles to speak of and primarily went to his right for everything. Really liked him as a 4 but if he wants to play the 3 probably best to go elsewhere. Really liked his defense and motor but it was questioned at times. As some mentioned, I was surprised he actually came back last year. Would have liked to still have him but the numbers don't tell the true story on the loss here (or lack thereof imo)

[MikeRoberts 6,998]

Much better going north/south on the break. He was limited when we went into our half court set. His only real move was driving down the lane and kind of laying up a shot from a few feet out. Never found the mid-range jumper throughout his career here. Really didn't have great handles to speak of and primarily went to his right for everything. Really liked him as a 4 but if he wants to play the 3 probably best to go elsewhere. Really liked his defense and motor but it was questioned at times. As some mentioned, I was surprised he actually came back last year. Would have liked to still have him but the numbers don't tell the true story on the loss here (or lack thereof imo)

I think a lot of the scrutiny he has received is that he is genetically gifted and a smart kid so the fact that he is an average BigTen talent is hard to understand. Why isn’t he one of the best?

But to hear some downplay his importance or contributions I think is sour grapes. He isn’t a world beater and currently not NBA material but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t one of our better players and that we will miss him at times next year.


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[WayneFleekHoosier 48,346]

I think a lot of the scrutiny he has received is that he is genetically gifted and a smart kid so the fact that he is an average BigTen talent is hard to understand. Why isn’t he one of the best?

But to hear some downplay his importance or contributions I think is sour grapes. He isn’t a world beater and currently not NBA material but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t one of our better players and that we will miss him at times next year.


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Honestly excited to see if he is the same Justin Smith at his next stop. I expect him to devour smaller less talented teams and be humbled by like talented squads.


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[mdn82 25,510]

Honestly excited to see if he is the same Justin Smith at his next stop. I expect him to devour smaller less talented teams and be humbled by like talented squads.

 

 

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I think he could and should end up on a really good team. Grad transfers are overhyped because they are a one year fix and don’t hurt future numbers. Any team that has a spot would love a one year player that put up those stats at an Indiana. As a fan of the game I would love to see him at a Virginia. I think Bennett could get the most out of him because of his skill set and make him into a very good 3rd option on a good team. I know that would never happen, but a fan can dream. I envision him ending up at DePaul or school at that level and trying to be the man. I wouldn’t blame him for it. He is the one living the decisions.

 

 

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