Managing the Big Ten

[KB0 827]

What will the Hoosiers need to do in order to survive the Big Ten? Out-of-conference play has officially come to a close with two relatively easy victories over Nichols State and Kennesaw State. The Hoosiers will enter Big Ten play at a solid 10-3, which is slightly misleading because they lack a signature win. The pre-conference schedule featured some quality opponents in Syracuse, UConn, and Notre Dame, but ultimately Indiana fell to all three.

Last year the Big Ten was widely regarded as the most dominant conference in nation and perhaps the last decade. It not only featured four powerhouse teams, but it was deeper than it had been in previous years. This year the Big Ten doesn’t appear to be quite as lethal, however it still packs a punch. Early in the season the teams have worked to divide the conference into three tiers.

Tier one:
Ohio State
Wisconsin
Michigan State
Iowa

Tier Two:
Michigan
Illinois
Indiana
Minnesota
Purdue

Tier Three:
Northwestern
Penn State
Nebraska

Indiana currently sits firmly in the middle of the second tier. The question is, how do they move up to the top of tier two and possibly tier one?

To begin the Hoosiers need to improve their half-court offense. This team is best suited to play in transition, but that won’t always be an option (see Wisconsin) come Big Ten play. For this team to reach its potential it will need to be able to adapt to a slower paced, grind-it-out game. To address that problem they will have to find two more dependent scorers. Currently Kevin ‘Yogi’ Ferrell leads the team at 16 points per game. At times he appears to be the only offensive threat on the team. It will be important to involve Noah Vonleh early in the game and get him to the free throw line as often as possible. Establishing Noah as a post threat will open up the wings and driving lanes, which should create a more fluid offense.

Secondly, there needs to be some stability in the line-ups played. Early in the season it is vital to spread the playing time around to allow players to develop, but at a certain point the goal is to win games. Fewer lineup changes allow for a better understanding between players and would hopefully reduce the amount of turnovers.

Currently the Hoosiers rebound the ball better than nearly every team in the nation. At just under 46 rebounds per game this Indiana team stands at 4^th in the country. In order for this team to find success they will need to continue to rebound the ball effectively creating second chance opportunities. Offensive rebounds will allow for high percentage put backs, where defensive rebounds will enable the transition offense they desire to play.

With all of that being said, this Hoosier team will most likely finish around 6^th in the Big Ten and be roughly a nine seed in the NCAA tournament. They have the potential to work their way to a higher seed. However at times they also look capable of missing the tournament completely. One thing is for sure; if they can continue to improve throughout the year, then we should be in for a fun ride.

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[IU Hoosier41 14,465]

I think it's going to be rough on the Hoosiers in Big Ten Play.  I think you've tiered the teams pretty accurately.  My concern is can Indiana win games against the tier 2 schools.  I would put Notre Dame in the Tier 2/ Tier 3 schools honestly.  Yes they just played Ohio State and should have beaten them, but they haven't been that good.  Indiana is in for a rude awakening come big ten play.  We'll see what happens on New Years Eve.  

 

Fingers are crossed hoping for the best, but not sure I'm expecting very many pretty outcomes this season.  Here is to hoping I am wrong on that.

[KB0 827]

I'd say Notre Dame is firmly in Tier 2. They're definitely better than Northwestern, Penn State, and Nebraska. Indiana may strugle early, but I think they'll be fine when it's all said and done.

[All_Hoosiers 873]

I remember at one point ITH tweeting that Indiana was projected to lose five of its first six Big Ten games. I don't know if that's still the case (I doubt it is), but Hoosier Nation will be a treat if that happens.

I think conference play will be tough all year, even the crap teams will pose a challenge. Buckle up and enjoy the ride, folks.


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[Parakeet Jones 3,733]

Nice break down.  This is one of those seasons where I probably won't look at the B1G standings that much.  I'll just focus on counting how many wins we have.  Even without having a quality win non-conference, I think 9-9 is the magic mark to get us to the Dance.  (I'm taking for granted that with the quality of the B1G a couple of those nine would be quality wins.)  

 

The countdown to nine starts in seven days.  

[CR3AMnCR1MS0N 1,867]

[quote name="Parakeet Jones" post="25687" timestamp="1387913108"]Nice break down. This is one of those seasons where I probably won't look at the B1G standings that much. I'll just focus on counting how many wins we have. Even without having a quality win non-conference, I think 9-9 is the magic mark to get us to the Dance. (I'm taking for granted that with the quality of the B1G a couple of those nine would be quality wins.)

The countdown to nine starts in seven days. [/quote]

I agree with nine IF we can win one or two in the B1G tourney.


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[mesaiufan 30]

I'd say Notre Dame is firmly in Tier 2. They're definitely better than Northwestern, Penn State, and Nebraska. Indiana may strugle early, but I think they'll be fine when it's all said and done.

With their leading scorer now gone for the season because of grades, will they be the same team that beat us, and gave away their game at Ohio State?

[KB0 827]

With their leading scorer now gone for the season because of grades, will they be the same team that beat us, and gave away their game at Ohio State?

Obiously any team who loses thier leading scorer will suffer a little, but Mike Brey is a good coach and Notre Dame still is a tournament team.