Surpringly Good or Step-Back Season?

[JaybobHoosier 11,839]

So, the regular season is fast approaching, and Friday will be the first game for our young guys.  I can see this season going really well, or going okay, but with a step back.  Now, I ask all of you, will this be a surprisingly good season, or will this team take a step back and barely make it into the NCAA Tournament? 

 

We can't go with an in the middle answer, but pick one of the two in which way the season may go if it goes slightly different than expected! 

[Hwy 1 2,053]

Yes, it will be either or, or maybe something else. That is my final answer at this early in the season. Too bad if it doesn't meet your answering criteria! ;)

[JaybobHoosier 11,839]

You are always the tough one Hwy lol.

 

I will go ahead and say good, but with a step back.  I think this team will struggle with Big10 teams.  I don't see them ever being blown out of games, but they will be the team that lose the majority of the time against Top 30 teams.  It's nothing against this team at all, as I am very excited for this season and their future.  However, I just think this season will be a step back and not as good as most may think. 

 

I hope I am extremely wrong, but that's my answer if it goes away from what the norm of this team is thought to do.

[WilJos3390 284]

I think some of us including myself have given them expectations they probably can't meet. Expectations based off of last years team. I see this team making it to the big dance barely. We will know a lot more after the Syracuse game and the 2k sports classic!


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[Hwy 1 2,053]

You are always the tough one Hwy lol.

 

I will go ahead and say good, but with a step back.  I think this team will struggle with Big10 teams.  I don't see them ever being blown out of games, but they will be the team that lose the majority of the time against Top 30 teams.  It's nothing against this team at all, as I am very excited for this season and their future.  However, I just think this season will be a step back and not as good as most may think. 

 

I hope I am extremely wrong, but that's my answer if it goes away from what the norm of this team is thought to do.

 

 

It's what I do... :)

 

btw, my early forecast is pretty much inline with yours. I just don't know nor do I think anyone else really knows how it will all play out. They have the talent, just lots and lots of inexperience on the team. They could surprise us but I'm not holding my breath on it. Hoping though!

[mdn82 25,510]

The opponent doesn't really matter to get a feel for identity of a team.  This team's identity will be its depth and defense.  We can plug and play and not have a drop off in defense which is amazing.  We haven't had that since Crean has been here.  This is my bold, not being a homer prediction, but I got us seriously at 22 wins and a 5 seed if we win 1 or 2 in BTT.  If not we will be a 6 seed which is better in all honesty.  You don't have to play the 1 seed in the Sweet 16 if you make it there.  There isn't that much difference between a 3 and 4.  I would prefer to be the 6, but I could see us being a 5.

[mdn82 25,510]

To answer your question though Jayboob, I think we are going to be good.  I don't think we will surprise anyone though.  Defense and length show up on video.  Its more intense in person, but people will see how good we are. 

[BostonCooler 34]

I think the regular season will be rough, especially the road B1G games; however, I can see this team getting hot come B1G tourney time and being surprisingly good in the late season as they become acquainted with each other and find an identity.

[Dalton26 16,892]

I can't pick one or the other. I think we'll win some games we shouldn't and lose some that we should win. I don't see a spectacular year ahead but I don't think we'll miss the tournament either.


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[All_Hoosiers 873]

I'm saying another Sweet 16, with the possibility of a deeper run. My expectations are way too high, but I just have a good feeling with this team. 

[Kilroy 271]

Expectations: 20-11 regular season. 10-8 B1G. 2 wins in the B1G tourny. Sweet 16 exit from NCAA.

 

Predictions: fewer wins overall, those fewer wins being in the B1G, 1 win and exit from B1G tourny, loss in second round of NCAA.

[The Ola Depot 1,213]

I think we could finish in the top 3 in the Big Ten at best. We will make the tournament with ease but another Sweet 16 would be an accomplishment. I just feel like we are better off with a chip on our shoulder and being the underdog. Yet, most of the players haven't played in the tournament yet so they don't know the disappointment of losing in it. I find it hard myself to be anything but optimistic before the season but I think this team will do well. We'll win some we weren't supposed to and lose some we were supposed to win.


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[Parakeet Jones 3,740]

Since I don't think we'll spend a majority of the year ranked #1, be a one seed, or win the B1G regular season outright, I would have to say this season will be a step back.  That doesn't mean it will be bad, but by those standards it technically will be a step back.  

[OliviaPope40 6,426]

Anything less than another sweet 16 will be disappointing. I think sometimes we will take 1 step forward and then 2 steps back but as fans we are going to have to have some patience with this young team.

[AhoyMilloy 1]

I think we will struggle through the big ten schedule but win enough home games for our record to look respectable.  Regardless I think it will be a fun team to watch, not just because of the athleticism, but because of the flashes of greatness to come.

[hoosha61 386]

With any young team consistency will be an issue. I think we will lose some games we shouldn't and win a few we are not expected to. It would be very difficult to repeat the success of the last two years. Definitely a step back season. Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners

[FortWayneHoosier 5,900]

like a buddy of mine said, this team will lose some games we should win but at the same time we will win some games we shouldnt. I have a high expectation for this team, but at the same time i know they could fall short of that expectation. should be a fun year though.

[jdailey1981 155]

I think this team will be one similar to the 2011 season. Kinda up in the air. I think they will surprise some people, but I don't see them hanging banner 6 this season. Next season, the bench will be deep, and I am throughly excited. I wonder now if we can get JL since getting JBJ? That would be a great positive, but with the 2014 class so far, I see great things, and teams like pUKe should be on the lookout.

 

As far as this season, Will Sheehey is the only senior of the bunch, and while he will do fine, but the one to lead the bunch will need to be Yogi, yes, in his sophmore year, He will be the top classman next season, so he will need to take the leadership role early. I am also hoping HMP will be much improved this season also. Expect some surprises, but don't make high expectations. Just my 2 cents.

[jdailey1981 155]

like a buddy of mine said, this team will lose some games we should win but at the same time we will win some games we shouldnt. I have a high expectation for this team, but at the same time i know they could fall short of that expectation. should be a fun year though.

Yes, this team will not be the same as they were last season I feel, and I wouldn't have to high of expectations, but at the same time, don't fully give up. I see them being a dark horse in the Big Ten, but come time for the NIT, I am not sure.