Rapid Reaction IU vs. Hillsdale

[mdn82 25,510]

Well, where to begin.  This game showed why we can win any time we show up and why we will have some baffling losses.  All in all, we will be good, because of the improved defense with this staff.  They are long, athletic, and that plays well to the new rules.  When IU went down 10+ in the first 5 minutes it was easy to envision that embarrassing loss you have to hear about until the following year.  Then, with defense and Yogi Ferrell leading the way, IU jumped back into it and cruised to a 79-39 win.

 

Yogi led the team with 14 points, most of those coming in the first half.  Will chipped in 12, while Troy and Stan each had 9.  Noah put up numbers that may be surprisingly close to his averages he may end up with on the year at 8 and 8.  Jeremy contributed his 6 and 6.  Outside of that, there were plenty of instances this team had that just don't show up in the box score, but should absolutely be recognized.  The energy of Stan and Devin is just infectious on the defensive end.  When they come in, they get at it.  Hanner Perea continues to impress.  He set up his block well.  He took a charge.  He just put himself in an excellent position all game long.  

 

There was an article on Inside the Hall with Tom Crean speaking about searching for an identity for this team.  I think after 2 exhibitions it is obvious this team is going to go as far as its defense takes it. When we turn into a jump shooting team, we aren't that good.  When we played with that chip on our shoulder on the defensive end, we were impressive.  The team we just beat shoots over 20 3s per game.  Their game isn't driving.  We got out on the shooter all night.  That is quite different from last year.  

 

Turnovers after the first game were a concern.  The first 10 minutes didn't do much to settle those worries down.  If I would have told any of you by the end of the game we would only have 16, would you have been surprised?  I know I would have.  The turnovers are something we will continue to have to be uneasy about, but once this team dug down they were solid with the ball.  All in all, I think this was an impressive team win no matter the name of the opponent where our team depth was on display.  Thoughts fellow Btown Banners?

[JSHoosier 20,086]

I would've been stunned speechless if you would've told me we'd finish with 16, after the first few minutes I would've guessed 16 for the first half.

[BtownBanners 147]

Ugly Start.  Solid Finish.  Need a couple days of practice to get the season ready to go.  CAN'T. FREAKING. WAIT.

[All_Hoosiers 873]

The team is clearly very young, but I think they're buying into defense and rebounding to take them where they want to be. There will be some frustrating moments, but it will be a very fun year.

[EvilleAngler 636]

Going to be an interesting year. A building year. A fun year .. sometimes.. hope people don't go overboard when things aren't going well.

[IU Hoosier41 14,465]

Solid write up. You nailed most of what I would have said. Overall I think this team will make us jump out of our seats in excitement and bury our faces in a pillow on back to back possessions. Hell, it could happen on the same possession. As this team grows and matures, I think they have a chance to be really good. Not championship good, but pretty damn good.


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[WilJos3390 284]

Overall a good performance.  It's going to be an exciting year.  The struggle vs the zone defense early is a little nerving and has me worried.  But I'm sure they will work a ton on it and we will see how that works out in a few weeks at Syracuse.  It's going to be a fun year and this team should develop very well a make a bid into the NCAA tournament

[OliviaPope40 6,506]

It will be an interesting season with some challenges along the way but can't wait to see what is in stores and fans will have to learn to have some patience.

[mdn82 25,510]

Solid write up. You nailed most of what I would have said. Overall I think this team will make us jump out of our seats in excitement and bury our faces in a pillow on back to back possessions. Hell, it could happen on the same possession. As this team grows and matures, I think they have a chance to be really good. Not championship good, but pretty damn good.


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Completely agree.  The best as a fan you can ask for in a year where you are just going to enjoy the ride like a 2011-12 is to be a tough out.  I couldn't have been prouder for a team than that year, and we lost to Kentucky in the Sweet 16.  I know this isn't a championship team, but hopefully we are going to be that team in March nobody wants to play.  

[djsalway 4,161]

I am very impressed with the freshmen over anything else. They are all working so hard to find playing time on this team and their defensive efforts (Troy, Devin, Stan) are amazing. Other than that, the jump that has been made by both Yogi and Hanner is great. They both look like they know their roles on the team. Yogi is a leader, no doubt. Hanner is no longer his awkward self; he looks like he always has a purpose.

 

I think we go as far as these people take us. Sheehey is great, don't get me wrong, but I expect about 12 from him every night, so there was nothing special there. Also, Jeremy has improved and his rebounding is a strength (ballhandling I'm still questionable on), but Jeremy seems lost half of the time. All in all, I love this team and the energy that everyone brings. I think it's going to be a special year for such a young team. Not a B1G championship or a national championship, but still an impressive year overall.

 

Just think about next year guys... Another year for these impressive freshmen to grow. I'm already sensing a deep tourney run. I can't wait.

[IU Hoosier41 14,465]

Another key point is the quickest of this team. I know the Bog Ten has sped up in recent years, but this team will test every big ten team on transition defense. If we can get ahead of the defensive sets, it will be a fun year for candystripes.


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[WilJos3390 284]

Another key point is the quickest of this team. I know the Bog Ten has sped up in recent years, but this team will test every big ten team on transition defense. If we can get ahead of the defensive sets, it will be a fun year for candystripes.


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That's a very good point there boss. Hoosiers have tons of speed. If we can get out and use it, could be fun!! Gotta make other teams play our pace too



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[coachmayhew 1,414]

This team is gonna keep all of us on the edge of our seats, for better or for worse. Everyone knows Noah & Troy have the ability to be better than good but keep a close eye on Mr. Robinson, the kid is gonna be special.


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[JSHoosier 20,086]

FIRE DOUG MALLORY!  Oops, wrong sport.

[MrYuk 208]

I think by the end of the season this team will fall into place and be dangerous...they're young so they've got a lot to learn and get used to, but they will click a lot better and a hurtin on several teams

[BlueDevil 8,686]

Going from watching the first half to watching the second was like watching 2 different games. The first half almost seemed like IU was playing not to lose those first 10 minutes and struggled against the zone. The second half was the half that showed IU fans what this team could really be. Very very impressed with devin, Stan, and HMP who in my opinion after 2 exhibitions is the most improved player on this team. The flow of his game has drastically improved and he looks like he is ready to contribute some solid minutes to this team. Stan looked pretty efficient on the floor and that is huge. Heck even Peter has shown signs of improvement in the little action he got towards the end of the game. This Hoosier team might have a head scratching loss or two this season but by the end of the year I think they will be peaking just fine. This is a DEEP team.


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[IU Hoosier41 14,465]

FIRE DOUG MALLORY! Oops, wrong sport.

LOL. I don't always laugh out loud reading a message board, but when I do, it's a JSHoosier post.
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[mdn82 25,510]

FIRE DOUG MALLORY!  Oops, wrong sport.

 

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