Revised Season Expectations

[Bryan Medema 1,488]

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.

And there I thought I was being overly optimistic...

[KelleyHoosh 2,263]

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.

Hopefully things break well for us and you are right! I just don't put enough stock into the games against this competition to see us playing this well consistently. Against the big 10 I don't see us shooting nearly as well and we will have no bigs to rebound.
Hoping you're right though

[TrueHoosier62 1,593]

Anyone can look competent at basketball when the competition is as weak as Stephen Hawking, (the physicist, not a potential opponent that Fred Glass is trying to line of for future scheduling). Given our robust schedule, with the first nine games at home, against the likes of basketball juggernauts "Grand Canyon" and "Eastern Washington", we could be 9-0, looking every bit like a baby UK team, and we'll still get our asses handed to us by Louisville. Further, if we can somehow manage 6 wins in the Big Ten, we'll be just damned lucky. That gives us 15 wins for the season, and that's assuming we beat everyone, save Louisville, in our pre-Big Ten schedule.

No doubt, we'll either spring a surprise or come close to it, and "Clappy the Clown" will act as if we're just a turnover or two away from being in competition for the championship. Certain fans will continue to support Clappy, because he's always so optimistic, and "brought us back from the abyss". And Fred Glass will continue to offer his undying support, and claim that Clappy isn't the problem at IU, the players are. And 15-20 wins a year will become our new target, our new measuring stick for success at IU.

[biteoftheapple 4,115]

I'm quite to pleased there is some optimism. As for my expectations, a record similiat to last season looks to be happening. Our guard orientated lineup will take a beating in the physical B1G. The third and fourth guards may struggle trying to beat a bigger guy guarding him. Our offensive reboundi g will be very limited. Yogi, with his talent .ca not continue to against double teams, his turnover rate will stay high if he tries. Use his speed and driving abilability when it's to his advantage, make the good pass and Dr vision, Yogi. Z may have open looks, make them count. RoJo and Stan can be da gerous penetraters. Troy, rebound Luke you need that ball.

[HoosierHoops1 5,024]

Anyone can look competent at basketball when the competition is as weak as Stephen Hawking, (the physicist, not a potential opponent that Fred Glass is trying to line of for future scheduling). Given our robust schedule, with the first nine games at home, against the likes of basketball juggernauts "Grand Canyon" and "Eastern Washington", we could be 9-0, looking every bit like a baby UK team, and we'll still get our asses handed to us by Louisville. Further, if we can somehow manage 6 wins in the Big Ten, we'll be just damned lucky. That gives us 15 wins for the season, and that's assuming we beat everyone, save Louisville, in our pre-Big Ten schedule.

No doubt, we'll either spring a surprise or come close to it, and "Clappy the Clown" will act as if we're just a turnover or two away from being in competition for the championship. Certain fans will continue to support Clappy, because he's always so optimistic, and "brought us back from the abyss". And Fred Glass will continue to offer his undying support, and claim that Clappy isn't the problem at IU, the players are. And 15-20 wins a year will become our new target, our new measuring stick for success at IU.

I'm not going to say "This is silly" or anything like that, but what REASONABLE evidence to you have to suggest we'll have a worse record than last season?

 

 

I don't at all want to look like a baby UK team, but I believe mid-sec you'll see the UK team acting like Babies.

[KelleyHoosh 2,263]

Anyone can look competent at basketball when the competition is as weak as Stephen Hawking, (the physicist, not a potential opponent that Fred Glass is trying to line of for future scheduling). Given our robust schedule, with the first nine games at home, against the likes of basketball juggernauts "Grand Canyon" and "Eastern Washington", we could be 9-0, looking every bit like a baby UK team, and we'll still get our asses handed to us by Louisville. Further, if we can somehow manage 6 wins in the Big Ten, we'll be just damned lucky. That gives us 15 wins for the season, and that's assuming we beat everyone, save Louisville, in our pre-Big Ten schedule.

No doubt, we'll either spring a surprise or come close to it, and "Clappy the Clown" will act as if we're just a turnover or two away from being in competition for the championship. Certain fans will continue to support Clappy, because he's always so optimistic, and "brought us back from the abyss". And Fred Glass will continue to offer his undying support, and claim that Clappy isn't the problem at IU, the players are. And 15-20 wins a year will become our new target, our new measuring stick for success at IU.

Your condescending tone and completely unnecessary and random insult to Hawking is extremely offensive to me. 

 

Theres better ways to express our non-conference schedule isn't strong than juvenile insults of our head coach and someone completely unrelated to our team.

 

I hope the rain cloud over your head passes 

[KingPG21 6,584]

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.

That is expecting both Troy and Stan to take big steps towards not sucking at taking care of the ball. Both were really bad last year

[moyemayhem 1,287]

My notes after yesterday's game:

 

-Johnson and Blackmon are both instant difference makers, and their shooting will completely transform the offense.  Crean's offense has always favored combo gaurds, and they fit the mold very well.

-Yogi looks about the same as he did last year, and shot selection continues to be a major issue.

-Hanner looks much more comfortable out there.  A common criticism was that it looked like he was "thinking" too much on the court and was hesitant.  That problem appears to be in the past now.  Staying out of foul trouble is the key for him.

-Zeisloft will be a good shooter off the bench, but not much more than that.

-Hartman looks like someone who can provide valuable reserve minutes off the bench.  I can't believe I'm saying this, but without seeing Holt, Hartman may be our best option as Hanner's backup.

-Hoetzel is a very interesting young player.  His size could help us this year, and he's another valuable shooter.  He has potential, but still has a lot to prove.

-Crean needs to find a way to seamlessly work Williams and Stan back in.  I think Stan will have more competition for minutes off the bench than I originally thought.

-The big question marks for this team are still there: Defense and Rebounding.  I still see a lot of issues on both those fronts.  I think if we can rebound and defend competently, this team could surprise us.  It will take better effort and chemistry than we saw last year, and an "us against the world" attitude to improve in those facets of the game.  Hopefully Crean and Co can pull it off with this team.

 

I see 19 wins, but the ceiling could be pretty high (and conversely the floor could be pretty low).  I think there is still a lot to learn about this team.

[KingPG21 6,584]

That is expecting both Troy and Stan to take big steps towards not sucking at taking care of the ball. Both were really bad last year

Just to add onto this, Troy had the worst numbers when it came to turnovers per possession, .24. With Stan having the third worst, .21 (Hollowell was between them at .23). 

 

And though neither Rojo or JBJ have been great with turnovers, 4 and 5 respectively, they haven't been the issues with turnovers. Yogi has been, with 8 already. Worth noting that Z has 4 as well

[HoosierHoops1 5,024]

Troy and Emmitt should both help with rebounding.

[KelleyHoosh 2,263]

As small and insignificant as it sounds, it drives me crazy when Hanner pulls down a board or gets fed a pass that he brings the ball down. You're 6'8, in the post, and taller than usually at least three players on the other team. Why expose the ball to them? I don't know, I was always taught not to bring the ball down and keep it around chest level. If someone would get that into his head we could cut down sloppy turnovers/generally play more efficiently

 

I've already accepted he doesn't really have much if any of an offensive post game. 

[FortWayneHoosier 6,120]

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

ive been saying this a lot, its weird to see jbj and rojo initiating the offense and running the point.....also agree yogi has been selfish, and again making really bad passes........and at times bad shot selections

[TrueHoosier62 1,593]

Your condescending tone and completely unnecessary and random insult to Hawking is extremely offensive to me. 

 

Theres better ways to express our non-conference schedule isn't strong than juvenile insults of our head coach and someone completely unrelated to our team.

 

I hope the rain cloud over your head passes 

Frankly I couldn't care less. If you are truly offended by what I wrote, (and for people who make that statement, it almost always means they weren't), then you very likely could be just as offended by the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, reasoning that "Goldi" had no right to invite herself in to the home a protected species, consuming what may very well have been the last of their already diminishing food stuffs, and finally relegating at least one of them to sleep on the floor, (whilst no doubt, she lounged on someone's Serta Sleeper).

If you feel there are "better ways to express our non-conference schedule", then you should do so rather than feigning righteous indignation at another person's approach.

[VO5 8,272]

As small and insignificant as it sounds, it drives me crazy when Hanner pulls down a board or gets fed a pass that he brings the ball down. You're 6'8, in the post, and taller than usually at least three players on the other team. Why expose the ball to them? I don't know, I was always taught not to bring the ball down and keep it around chest level. If someone would get that into his head we could cut down sloppy turnovers/generally play more efficiently
 
I've already accepted he doesn't really have much if any of an offensive post game.

Completely agree. My group and I discussed this after we watched him turn it over bringing the ball down between 3 defenders. The thing is, it's such a simple concept that I can't believe the coaches havnt beat this into his head by now. Would really do wonders for him.

[TrueHoosier62 1,593]

I'm not going to say "This is silly" or anything like that, but what REASONABLE evidence to you have to suggest we'll have a worse record than last season?

 

 

I don't at all want to look like a baby UK team, but I believe mid-sec you'll see the UK team acting like Babies.

Reasonable evidence is present in both recent and past histories. The Big Ten has always been a big man's league, not given to suffering fools and little guards, easily, and it's been that way for decades. Small ball doesn't play well here, at least not in the long haul. Traditionally large, muscular teams such as Michigan State will eat us alive in the post, without having to sacrifice perimeter defense. This irony of this of course is that the team we've become is exactly like the teams we used to host back in the seventies and eighties. Small, guard oriented, turnover prone teams with a few sharp shooters, and no post play to speak of. With very few exceptions, we ate them for lunch. They'd go on to have their 20 wins, usually in a mid major conference, then get destroyed in the tournament. Now here we sit, with a small, guard oriented, turnover prone team, with a few sharp shooters.

[VO5 8,272]

Reasonable evidence is present in both recent and past histories. The Big Ten has always been a big man's league, not given to suffering fools and little guards, easily, and it's been that way for decades. Small ball doesn't play well here, at least not in the long haul. Traditionally large, muscular teams such as Michigan State will eat us alive in the post, without having to sacrifice perimeter defense. This irony of this of course is that the team we've become is exactly like the teams we used to host back in the seventies and eighties. Small, guard oriented, turnover prone teams with a few sharp shooters, and no post play to speak of. With very few exceptions, we ate them for lunch. They'd go on to have their 20 wins, usually in a mid major conference, then get destroyed in the tournament. Now here we sit, with a small, guard oriented, turnover prone team, with a few sharp shooters.

You should probably do some research before posting. Name one team in the big ten other than wisconsin that will eat us alive on the inside. Michigan state? Their tallest player is 6'9. Michigan? Hanner is better than any big man on their roster. Ohio state? Sure they have Amir williams at 6'11, but when has he ever been dominant. They also have 6'11 Trevor Thompson who managed to average a whopping 4 points at Virginia tech before leaving. Illinois? Their best big barely plays in the post. Nebraska? They have 6'10 Walter pitchforks who plays more on the perimiter. So please, before you post things like this, do some investigating or even watch some BIG teams.

[TrueHoosier62 1,593]

You should probably do some research before posting. Name one team in the big ten other than wisconsin that will eat us alive on the inside. Michigan state? Their tallest player is 6'9. Michigan? Hanner is better than any big man on their roster. Ohio state? Sure they have Amir williams at 6'11, but when has he ever been dominant. They also have 6'11 Trevor Thompson who managed to average a whopping 4 points at Virginia tech before leaving. Illinois? Their best big barely plays in the post. Nebraska? They have 6'10 Walter pitchforks who plays more on the perimiter. So please, before you post things like this, do some investigating or even watch some BIG teams.

And you should quit sounding like a sniveling little sh.t. I've watched more IU basketball and Big Ten basketball games than you've even dreamed about. While you were filling your Pampers with the tripe you bestow here, the rest of us were watching McCracken, and Knight teach the game of basketball. Like too many Crean apologists, you think the rest of us should just turn a blind eye to the mess that he's created and assume all will be well in the end. I've watched too many basketball teams, for too many years to be willing to buy in to the slop you're dropping. Stop embarrassing yourself.

[Hovadipo 56,069]

^ Look out. We've got a good ole boy!

[sirhoosierlot 2,756]

And you should quit sounding like a sniveling little sh.t. I've watched more IU basketball and Big Ten basketball games than you've even dreamed about. While you were filling your Pampers with the tripe you bestow here, the rest of us were watching McCracken, and Knight teach the game of basketball. Like too many Crean apologists, you think the rest of us should just turn a blind eye to the mess that he's created and assume all will be well in the end. I've watched too many basketball teams, for too many years to be willing to buy in to the slop you're dropping. Stop embarrassing yourself.

[Stuhoo 80,579]

And you should quit sounding like a sniveling little sh.t. I've watched more IU basketball and Big Ten basketball games than you've even dreamed about. While you were filling your Pampers with the tripe you bestow here, the rest of us were watching McCracken, and Knight teach the game of basketball. Like too many Crean apologists, you think the rest of us should just turn a blind eye to the mess that he's created and assume all will be well in the end. I've watched too many basketball teams, for too many years to be willing to buy in to the slop you're dropping. Stop embarrassing yourself.

 

 

Looks like someone needs a hearty dose of:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-xWhG4UU_Y