(2015) C Thomas Bryant to IU

[truthseeker]

You are right. We need to ease up a little on expectations of Bryant next year.

The great thing is we do not need him to be Zeller to really help this team. When Zeller came we needed a focal point. Next year we just need a presence on both sides of the ball. 

[Hovadipo]

I didn't say I didn't want him, I am not convinced he is going to immediately provide a missing piece.

I think that's exactly what he will do. Agree that expectations need to be tempered, but right now we lack someone that discourages the opposition from driving the lane. 6'10 240 with good timing will do just that.

He isn't Cody and we don't need him to be. We need someone at the 5 spot that will A) be our tallest player B ) be that tallest player and NOT try taking a charge when someone drives at him C) run the floor, grab boards, alter shots and D) bring some serious toughness to the defensive side. I think Thomas Bryant can check off all 4 of those things.

[Bobman1]

He doesn't have to be amazing offensively or even close to Zeller. Hopefully we'll have the same starting guards and wings who produced a vast majority of our points. Our problem is obviously defense and our problem with defense is we don't have a post presence. He will immediately fill a hole and play up to his strengths. He will provide a spark on the defensive side of the ball, and really make us a better defensive team.

Edit: should've said would instead of will

[HoosierD]

Is Bryant really a difference maker for IU? I am not too sure if he will see much of the ball offensively unless he has a stick back. Is he a vast improvement over an experienced HMP? Last year HMP only averaged 4 shots per game and how many of those were a result of his own offensive rebound? In my opinion, Yogi as the PG still does not include his teammates enough and the man down low is not a priority to him. Vonleh averaged 7 shots per game. Zeller naturally averaged more shots, but Yogi wasn't in control as much and Zeller had a much better supporting cast. Bryant is a consensus 4 star (very good) but I do not see him as the missing piece to get us further. He looked ordinary in the McDonalds game and looked good against a team not comprised entirely of McDonald players. Defense at the major college level is one of the hardest things for a player to comprehend and get right. Thon Maker is a different story if he were to come to IU and if they get him the ball.

Thomas Bryant will make a bigger impact than Thon Maker. It's been reported that Thon is more raw than what his highlights show. Thomas is more physically ready at this point and will be next season. Now as for Thon, just bc I don't think he will be as impactful immediately, that doesn't change the fact that he probably has more potential than anyone ever.

Also the supporting cast around Zeller might have had better basketball IQs, but idk that you can say they're better. If Thomas were to come in next year the talent level around him would be higher than that around Zeller.

[Hovadipo]

Friendly reminder that Thomas plays on ESPN2 around 5 ET.

[Kyleweberiu]

Can't take it anymore. I have to know where tb is going!

[bleedhoosier]

This whole thread is just one big DT...

[maxwell]

BCBoiler ‏@BcreeperCriss  42m I pray IU doesn't get Thomas bryant. That would be terrible for everyone in the B1G

 

[Bobman1]

BCBoiler ‏@BcreeperCriss 42m I pray IU doesn't get Thomas bryant. That would be terrible for everyone in the B1G

TB and Co should be a nightmare for PUke next year assuming the pieces fall into play.

[Hovadipo]

Bryant is visibly frustrated.

[Bryan Medema]

So does anyone else find themselves checking religiously to see if the topic title has changed to: Committed April XX, 2015?

[Zeebruh]

He's going to make a impact right off the bat in my opinion. Having a legit big man helps open our offense and defensively he's a great player as well. I just hope that if he does commit that everyone comes back. With best best best case scenario Thon Maker added.

[Kyleweberiu]

Tb with a physical dunk. He's a brute

[redherring]

Uh oh... Crean might luck into more success. All thanks to Thomas Bryant. Follows a long line of players who have made Crean's career. Vbg

[Kyleweberiu]

Anyone know if bridges is interested? He's a monster

[Hovadipo]

Anyone know if bridges is interested? He's a monster

We've offered and he was going to come to Hysteria with Thomas before they cancelled. That's all I know.

[Tom White]

I've got to be honest here. Watching both these games today, I see some kids who can run, jump and dunk, but I'm not seeing a heck of a lot more than that.

Could it be some of these kids are worn out between the tournament and McD game? Am I just expecting too much? Frankly our own state tournament was better than watching these games.

[Bryan Medema]

Third game in 3 days for the likes of Bryant. That's brutal.

[redherring]

I've got to be honest here. Watching both these games today, I see some kids who can run, jump and dunk, but I'm not seeing a heck of a lot more than that.

Could it be some of these kids are worn out between the tournament and McD game? Am I just expecting too much? Frankly our own state tournament was better than watching these games.

Team play in Indiana FAR exceeds what is going on at these prep schools. If you can't score off the dribble, you can't score. It's a joke.

[AZ Hoosier]

So does anyone else find themselves checking religiously to see if the topic title has changed to: Committed April XX, 2015?

 

Not particularly. IF it happens, it will be widely reported.