Revised Season Expectations

[KelleyHoosh 2,263]

Its obviously still very early in the season and we have yet to see what Troy, Stan, and Holt bring to the table. But through two exhibition games and two regular season games I would say the Hoosiers have looked better than expected. Many came into this season expecting mediocre performance, lack of talent, and IU to be looking for a new coach at the end of the year. 

 

Hoetzel has looked solid and ready to play this year, albeit in a small role playing role, but still better than expected. JBJ has shown to be as good as advertised. I thought he had an off night tonight against Southern Texas but he still got his. RoJo is my vote for most impressive. He showed he could take over a game and plays extremely maturely especially for a freshman. Surprised by how much he runs the point. Zeisloft is a nice presence on the court as a coach and pretty good shooter though obviously IMO not as talented as the rest of our players. Hanner has definitely taken several steps forward, though I still don't think much of his ability to carry our front court. Especially against top competition. Yogi is good, I don't particularly like his game or how he carries himself on the court but I can't deny he is productive. Hartman has been surprisingly decent and may be a serviceable role player. 

 

I don't expect any significant contributions from Priller or April

 

How and when the team gels will obviously go a long way in how the season goes. I'm optimistic.

 

Big ten is less predictable and I intend to bump this thread as the our team chemistry becomes more apparent. 

 

What do you all think? Season predictions? Player/coaching evaluations? 

 

Lets hear it!

[AZ Hoosier 7,694]

I don’t recall if I offered an opinion earlier, but I see this team somewhere in the 15-18 win area. There’s a lot of work to do, a lot of sloppiness to clean up, and now we have to work Troy, Stan and Holt into the rotation. With a lot of new faces, there’s going to be a lot of learning going on this season. Hopefully they will not disappoint. But I see 20 wins as a "stretch goal".

[KelleyHoosh 2,263]

I don’t recall if I offered an opinion earlier, but I see this team somewhere in the 17-20 win area. There’s a lot of work to do, a lot of sloppiness to clean up, and now we have to work Troy, Stan and Holt into the rotation. With a lot of new faces, there’s going to be a lot of learning going on this season. Hopefully they will not disappoint. But I see 20 wins as a "stretch goal".

Yea, I was going to post my prediction and it came out to 18 regular season wins. We shall see

[weaverswonders6 388]

The two teams we've played have been garbage squads, so I can't get a lot from these early games. I think SMU will be a better barometer. Glad we finally have shooters, but concerned about getting out rebounded tonight and our carelessness that's been evident for years. I originally thought 18-20 and will stick with that. Probably a bubble season.

[MikeRoberts 7,201]

Geeze, if we only win 18 we will all be annoyed as that will be 2 consecutive years without going to the tourney and will be a NIT bubble team. Not good. I expect more than that


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[Hovadipo 56,825]

Geeze, if we only win 18 we will all be annoyed as that will be 2 consecutive years without going to the tourney and will be a NIT bubble team. Not good. I expect more than that


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Annoyed is an extremely nice word for what it will be.

[Plasticjimmyhat 71]

Its obviously still very early in the season and we have yet to see what Troy, Stan, and Holt bring to the table. But through two exhibition games and two regular season games I would say the Hoosiers have looked better than expected. Many came into this season expecting mediocre performance, lack of talent, and IU to be looking for a new coach at the end of the year. 

 

Hoetzel has looked solid and ready to play this year, albeit in a small role playing role, but still better than expected. JBJ has shown to be as good as advertised. I thought he had an off night tonight against Southern Texas but he still got his. RoJo is my vote for most impressive. He showed he could take over a game and plays extremely maturely especially for a freshman. Surprised by how much he runs the point. Zeisloft is a nice presence on the court as a coach and pretty good shooter though obviously IMO not as talented as the rest of our players. Hanner has definitely taken several steps forward, though I still don't think much of his ability to carry our front court. Especially against top competition. Yogi is good, I don't particularly like his game or how he carries himself on the court but I can't deny he is productive. Hartman has been surprisingly decent and may be a serviceable role player. 

 

I don't expect any significant contributions from Priller or April

 

How and when the team gels will obviously go a long way in how the season goes. I'm optimistic.

 

Big ten is less predictable and I intend to bump this thread as the our team chemistry becomes more apparent. 

 

What do you all think? Season predictions? Player/coaching evaluations? 

 

Lets hear it!

You seem to be spot on IMO... Hanner has impressed me the most albeit against lesser talent. His footwork has improved and his handling looks somewhat better. JBJ will do what needs to be done... that being scoring or dishing. Yogi IMO seemed to kinda rush a few situations . It seemed like he forgot at times he now has shooters around him to kick to. ROJO was spot on all night... he took what was given and shot lights out on open threes. Zietsloft can drain a three whenever he feels like and has the leadership we lacked last season. Hartman? Very impressed with his come back... he's another shooter you have to look out for and guard. Hotzel will be the wild card... you never know what he will give you, but you know it will be his all. Can't say anything about Stan or Troy... We'll find out against SMU... Should be a game we can win, but I would bring them in off the bench for chemistry reasons.

[rebelhoosier848891 9,588]

I still think we cross the 20 win threshold and make the tourney.

 

Our defense and sloppiness are a concern---but that's what the preconference season is for and we are playing with several newcomers.  Stan and Troy should help in both areas until our newcomers improve.

 

So far I am pleasantly surprised---I can tell Hanner has worked hard.

[Plasticjimmyhat 71]

You seem to be spot on IMO... Hanner has impressed me the most albeit against lesser talent. His footwork has improved and his handling looks somewhat better. JBJ will do what needs to be done... that being scoring or dishing. Yogi IMO seemed to kinda rush a few situations . It seemed like he forgot at times he now has shooters around him to kick to. ROJO was spot on all night... he took what was given and shot lights out on open threes. Zietsloft can drain a three whenever he feels like and has the leadership we lacked last season. Hartman? Very impressed with his come back... he's another shooter you have to look out for and guard. Hotzel will be the wild card... you never know what he will give you, but you know it will be his all. Can't say anything about Stan or Troy... We'll find out against SMU... Should be a game we can win, but I would bring them in off the bench for chemistry reasons.

ADDENDUM... CTC needs to coach what he has been working with in game... Proper substitutions will be crucial against SMU. Larry Brown has won at every level and will have his team ready for our best shot! CTC better be ready for this!!!

[Plasticjimmyhat 71]

I still think we cross the 20 win threshold and make the tourney.

 

Our defense and sloppiness are a concern---but that's what the preconference season is for and we are playing with several newcomers.  Stan and Troy should help in both areas until our newcomers improve.

 

So far I am pleasantly surprised---I can tell Hanner has worked hard.

It has been a hallmark for I.U. to play cupcakes going in to the BIG under Crean... This year we have SMU, Louisville, and Pitt.

That should give us a guage of this team and prepare it for the BIG. Gotta say on Creans behalf...We did only lose by 1 to UCONN who happened to win the championship.

[rebelhoosier848891 9,588]

We looked bored tonight----we need to play some stiffer competition to see where we are at!

[VO5 8,272]

If there's one significant thing I've gained from watching these games, it's that Rojo is a better point guard than yogi. Excellent vision and poise, always finds the open man. Love his game so much

[rebelhoosier848891 9,588]

Won't go that far yet VO5---not really played any serious competition yet.

 

But--RoJo is awesome----expecting great things from him.

 

Yogi--RoJo---JBJ is like having 3 point guards on the floor at once---tough matchup.

[KelleyHoosh 2,263]

Yogi at times seems to play a bit selfishly. He also has an attitude on the court that I don't particularly care for. Something about the way he yells just rubs me the wrong way. Its undeniable that he is extremely talented though. Just wish I would see more humility or leadership from him. I find it interesting how often RoJo runs the point, even when Yogi is in. 

 

I was surprised during the Mississippi Valley State game to see Zeisloft get into it with the other team's point guard.  This is the type of competitiveness I like to see and that I definitely think we need in the locker room. 

 

I could see us going anywhere from 16 wins to 21 or so

[jmhoosier7 11]

I like the way we are playing. great shooting. Its hard to tell how good we can be when we haven't played any good teams. I still think Yogi forces it too much and takes bad shots at times. I like him but he makes me crazy sometimes. Blackmon and Johnson look great. Impressed with this team a lot more than last years already. Seems like everyone can shoot.

[Lt. John McClaine 541]

One thing for me is that this team is so much more fun to watch.  I love how we have multiple shooters, but not only that, because plenty of teams have shooters, but we have guys that can create space off of the bounce and get it to those shooters.  I agree with VO5 in his sentiment that Rob Johnson has looked better than Yogi running the point, at least last night he did.  Rob is a very smooth offensive player who keeps the dribble alive without being wreckless, and we all know that Jumper is wet.  

 

Yogi is a game changer because of his speed but so far this season he continues to make me use profanity and scare my Wife and dogs while watching the game.  He just seems to go too fast in the wrong situations, and what gets on my nerves is the fact that these guys need to understand that our offensive execution is going to effect our Defense.  If you take early or bad shots it puts an already undersized team on its heels defensively.  I see Yogi make a lot of offense happen off of the bounce but I also see him make unforced turnovers when I'd rather see him pull back up and wait for teammates on the break rather than taking the ball straight at two defenders.  I just think we need to be more selective on Offense at times and get the good shot and get others involved, because we're going to have plenty of chances for quick shots and quick points throughout the game, so why not just get a good shot and run your sets and make the defense have to guard you...?

[Chips&Dipo 1,464]

however many games we play - 0, big ten tourney and regular season champion, national champion

[Bryan Medema 1,488]

First off love the thread topic, definitely a fun conversation to have...as for where expectations stand now:

 

-The team should be in the neighborhood of 20-22 wins and, primarily on the strength of the B1G, find a spot in the tournament. 

 

-Crean proves he can coach in-game; I've been more impressed with what I've seen the first two games and I really think that, with the fire so close, Crean proves himself. The roster is guard heavy, which Crean seems to prefer, and should eventuate his style.

 

-The Bench (Stan/Z/Hoetzel/Hartman/etc) forms a quality, albeit underused, second unit. The ability for multiple players to hit the 3-ball and cut to the rim allows us to continue scoring when the starters are out, however defense will be an issue (especially in the paint). Zeisloft surprises early but fades as Stan and Hoetzel come on late. Watch for Hoetzel to be a surprise 6th man candidate in the B1G

 

-Troy takes time to earn back his role but ultimately become a fixture and leader on the court. Whether he makes the jump or not is debatable, the improved guard play will hurt him statistically, but his biggest impact will be on defense and rebounding. 

 

-Hanner continues to improve but stalls once the B1G season hits. He'll still be a nightly double-double threat, the result of being our only inside presence, but can't hold the post himself. Watch for a HUGE 2015-16  season. 

 

-Yogi continues to draw the focus of opposing teams and, as a result, doesn't make the great leap we're all hoping for. While disappointing, it's more of a reflection on the attention he draws and the help that surrounds him. Yogi has a handful of breakout games but ultimately sits as a low double-digit scorer with 4-5 APG. 

 

-JBJ is the most electric player on the roster and ultimately wins us game we shouldn't. In spite of this he's not the team MVP because...

-Rojo plays the most consistent and influential role on the team and, ultimately, is the team MVP. While teams focus on Yogi's terrifying speed and JBJ's ability to breakout at any moment allows Rojo to draw a favorable assignment on both ends and ultimately flourishes as a result. I don't expect too may more 20+ performances (if any) but Rojo's consistency becomes the key to an NCAA tournament berth. 

 

-No one leaves for the NBA (JBJ considers but ultimately returns to improve his all-around game) but we do lose 1-2 players via transfer (Not a harp on Crean, just a reality of a crowded bench) however it won't be any critical pieces. The team returns in 2015-2016 looking like a top 3rd team in the B1G, with a shot at the crown.

 

I've said it in other posts: I think that if this team can make the tournament they can make some noise. The propensity for guard-led teams to succeed in the NCAAs favors us.

 

Drinks on me if this all comes true. 

[Hutch89 2,939]

 

Drinks on me if this all comes true. 

 

 

Oh, you best believe I'm going to hold you to it friend!

[Beachfront Property 619]

We are going to be good. The original poster said we looked better than he thought through two games, but only has us winning 18-20. How bad did you think we were going to be?

 

We have a very talented squad and one that fits Crean's offense MUCH better than last year. I have us winning 28 games and going 12-6 in the conference.

 

Great shooting beats size. The games we lose will be because the other team shot better than we did.