Defense in the B1G - 2014-15

[Hutch89 2,946]

Another thread was started recently that had some comments about how impactful a zone defense could be in the B1G TEN.  Had me thinking that it would be insightful to discuss what types of defense IU might face this next season 2014-15, as well as what type of defense we might employ against certain opponents.

Who looks to have the toughest defense in the B1G next year?  
Who might be the best defensive player ? (Aaron Craft last year, but now going to NBA)

Defensive strengths on our team? (will incoming freshman contribute?)
 

 

Offense is usually the focus in the message boards and figured this could be an interesting topic of discussion. 

 

[BubbleKnuts 569]

Hmm.. Good Thread. Where to start... Haha.<br /><br /><br />Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners

[Hutch89 2,946]

Now, don't everyone just go and post at once.   lol

[HoosierCoop 4,143]

This again is just wishful thinking.  There isn't a reason why HMP couldn't get his crap together and be a severe disruptive force in the middle with his monster athletic ability.  Makes me sick that we haven't seen it to this point.

 

I don't know that defense will be our biggest asset this year.  Yogi is quick enough, but arm length?  Not sure about JBJ and RoJo.

 

If Troy is truly working on his defense, it would be neat to see a 1-3-1 trap.

 

Troy on top, Yogi and JBJ on the wings, Davis/Max/Stan in the Middle, HMP down low.

 

Troy has the arm length to be disruptive (ala Vic).

[BGleas 8,655]

Love the thread topic, just not sure how to respond, since I think how you play defense can/should really vary somewhat based on the opponent. 

 

In general, given our speed, quickness and athleticism, I think we should be trying to pressure and force as many turnovers as possible. Also, being a perimeter oriented team and with some really good free throw shooters, we should be trying to force as many turnovers as possible, in order to get in transition, get easy buckets and really put pressure on the opponents defense. 

 

The only issue with really forcing the tempo with our defense and playing a real pressure defense, is that you need a rim protector because you'll give up drives doing that, and we don't know if Perea can do that consistently yet.