What depth chart would you like to see now?

[FindEndNow 198]

He'll be the slowest player on the floor though. Zeller was the fastest. It doesn't necessarily matter if he has a little speed. If he can't rebound and then get out ahead of the play like Zeller could, we need speed with him. That wasn't a shot I took at Bryant...he is what he is. But he and Hartman together don't allow Indiana to do what it needs to do in order to be at their best.

Bryant is more of a normal athlete at his size. Zeller is more in the "you're only going to see that ince" type of category. There aren't many 7 footers that can run the same 3/4 court sprint as Peyton Siva. There is no need to compare him to Zeller. Because that is incredibly unfair.

[Old Friend 8,389]

Bryant is more of a normal athlete at his size. Zeller is more in the "you're only going to see that ince" type of category. There aren't many 7 footers that can run the same 3/4 court sprint as Peyton Siva. There is no need to compare him to Zeller. Because that is incredibly unfair.

Jeezus, dude....I'm not.   Do you go around looking for ways to nitpick other posts so you can be critical?   Seems all you do is follow people around and badger them about one thing or another whether it's relevant to the discussion or not.   Don't turn other people's posts into something they're not so you can argue against a point nobody's making.   I didn't compare Bryant to Zeller at all.   In fact, I stated that he's NOT Zeller....and he's not.   He doesn't have the same skill set, he doesn't bring the same brand of play to the table, and he won't be used the same way.   That's not a knock on him....it's reality.   Another reality is he can't be best used in a starting lineup with another front court player who's not able to get in front of plays because IU isn't at its best when bigs trail.  Capiche'?

[Old Friend 8,389]

why does Indiana NEED to be uptempo? And Colin won't bring the pace down. Just like Watford didnt. And Colin can handle a 4 way better than Troy can. Troy is just too small. Bryant will be just fine. He's going to make it up and down the court. If Troy was 30-40 pounds heavier then he'd be fine at the 4. But he's about 200 pounds. Probably could have worked in the 80's at that weight. Or the 50's. But not now. Or if he had the strength and shoulders of a Branden Dawson. But he doesn't and Troy can't handle that spot defensively by any means. Colin can hold himself defensively at the 4 at the collegiate level. The biggest game will be against Purdue(cause its Purdue). I'll feel terrible for Troy having to guard Swanigan.

Because we suck in the half court and have since Crean's been here.   Because when we slow down, we're incredibly inefficient.  Because Crean hasn't had very many (I can't think of one) good back-to-the basket players, and when you slow down with a big like Bryant and you also start Hartman, you're limiting your options.   Because Yogi Ferrell is the best open-floor player in college basketball.   Because the run and kick is our best offense and has been every time we've had shooters under Crean's tenure.   Because Crean's half court offense doesn't move much, is easier to guard, and we don't score in it.   

 

You've watched games, right?

[FindEndNow 198]

Jeezus, dude....I'm not. Do you go around looking for ways to nitpick other posts so you can be critical? Seems all you do is follow people around and badger them about one thing or another whether it's relevant to the discussion or not. Don't turn other people's posts into something they're not so you can argue against a point nobody's making. I didn't compare Bryant to Zeller at all. In fact, I stated that he's NOT Zeller....and he's not. He doesn't have the same skill set, he doesn't bring the same brand of play to the table, and he won't be used the same way. That's not a knock on him....it's reality. Another reality is he can't be best used in a starting lineup with another front court player who's not able to get in front of plays because IU isn't at its best when bigs trail. Capiche'?

Then wouldn't my reply be in agreement?

[Old Friend 8,389]

Have you seen Bryant play? Im honestly asking. Not a knock but an honest question. If Holt could rebound and get out ahead of the play last year, then there is no doubt that Bryant can do the same. Bryant is athletic. He isn't going to be as fast as Zeller, but like I said earlier, he will be able to get down the court for some easy buckets. 

Yes...and he's not slow, but he also won't be consistently fast.    He needs to be a rebounder on the defensive end.  Zeller could do that and then beat everyone down the floor.  Bryant simply can't do that consistently.    Of the 5 who I think should start (Yogi, Blackmon, Johnson, Williams, and Bryant), he's the slowest.   Zeller was the fastest.   My point is if Bryant starts with Hartman, that slows down the offense.    He starts with Williams, he (Williams) can run the floor and consistently get ahead of plays and handle the ball on the move.   That's just not who Bryant is.  Bryant is...Patrick Ewing in college.  (Not on that talent level, but that's how he plays)   He's not a great athlete and he's not going to wow anyone with his raw speed like Zeller or Williams.    All I'm saying is Indiana is most efficient when it runs the floor and has big men who don't have to trail every play.   Williams gives Indiana that front court player who can run, put his head under the rim, and allow wing players to spread the floor and create open looks in transition.  Bryant and Hartman do not give Indiana that option. 

[FindEndNow 198]

Because we suck in the half court and have since Crean's been here. Because when we slow down, we're incredibly inefficient. Because Crean hasn't had very many (I can't think of one) good back-to-the basket players, and when you slow down with a big like Bryant and you also start Hartman, you're limiting your options. Because Yogi Ferrell is the best open-floor player in college basketball. Because the run and kick is our best offense and has been every time we've had shooters under Crean's tenure. Because Crean's half court offense doesn't move much, is easier to guard, and we don't score in it.

You've watched games, right?

Yes I know.. I've watched the infamous weave over and over and over again... I've had nightmares about it. An offense that can work with 5th and 6th graders well though. And I know we have to play uptempo. But I don't see a reason we can't play uptempo if Hartman or Holt are on the floor. Your 1,2 and 3 should be leading the break. While your shooter is trailing(this is wear Hartman comes in) and your 5 sprinting to the block (obviously where Bryant comes in). We'd still have a big time offense. There is no reason to think that by putting Hartman into the starting lineup and RJ on the bench is going to slow down the offense way too much and not make as high powered is just silly. Plus... Colin can take care of the ball better than RJ. Yes RJ will be a Sophomore... doesn't mean he'll be any better with the ball. It may help keeping him to a more limited role off the bench. For his sake. Would make him work even harder too. Also nothing wrong with being "conventional."

[HoosierHoops1 5,024]

He may not be Zeller, but I don't think anyone should infer he's going to slow us down...

 

From Ohio State site:

In terms of an offensive talent, Bryant gives the Hoosiers a player who runs the court relentlessly. Crean said IU hasn’t had a rim-to-rim runner like this since Cody Zeller departed the program two seasons ago for the NBA.

 

 

Recruiting blurbs on Bryant before his Indiana Commitment.

Thomas Bryant – Bryant stands 6’10” and is from the same West Virginia high school (Huntington Prep) that produced Andrew Wiggins. Just like Diallo, Bryant plays with his motor running at a very high level. He runs the floor well and is active in the post on both ends of the floor. Despite only being ranked No. 33 nationally, Bryant had an impressive week in giving Diallo fits while knocking in some outside jump shots. - See more at: http://rushthecourt.net/2015/04/01/whos-got-next-mcdonalds-all-american-preview/#sthash.R8quHyEz.dpuf

 

From UK article:

Bryant’s game: The 6-foot-10 prospect is a hard-working, high-energy player who is willing to hit the floor for loose balls and has the capability to be one of the best rebounders in the class. He’s also an unselfish offensive player who excels at scoring points on the offensive glass and is willing to run the floor. Former Huntington Prep coach Rob Fulford described him as an “energy guy” in an interview with the Herald-Leader last season. “He’s just a guy that you don’t have to do a whole lot for because his energy level is just so much higher than everybody else’s. You can’t put a measure on it, honestly. He’s just one of those guys that — if you’re not playing hard around him — you stand out as such. He brings the energy level up every day.” Bottom line: Bryant doesn’t get outworked on the basketball court.

 

From Syracuse article:

Bryant is a powerhouse underneath. He can finish strong at the rim and is still agile enough to run the floor and be a threat in transition. He's also long and adept at protecting the rim, which makes him a perfect fit at center for Boeheim.

 

From Zagsblog:

On Friday, Bryant had 21 points to go along with 12 rebounds and 3 blocked shots as Huntington Prep fell, 67-66, on a buzzer-beater 3-pointer by Quality Education Academy’s (NC) Andrien White.

Despite that, Bryant likes how his game is improving, especially his ability to run the floor.

“I feel like I’m running way better,” Bryant said. “I saw videos of me at my old school until now and I feel like I’ve gotten much more stronger, more lateral and quicker on my feet. Doing those hip stretches at the USA camp. That’s helping me out.

“I put my whole heart into it,” Bryant added. “Ever since I was little, I just try to make a difference out there, whether it is scoring, playing defense or being an active person out there. That’s one thing I don’t take for granted and I thank God for it everyday.”

Those recruiting Bryant have taken notice. Asked what those coaches love about his game.

“They just love the intensity and the hard work I put into my game.,” Bryant said.

 

• Thomas Bryant – Bryant stands 6’10” and is from the same West Virginia high school (Huntington Prep) that produced Andrew Wiggins. Just like Diallo, Bryant plays with his motor running at a very high level. He runs the floor well and is active in the post on both ends of the floor. Despite only being ranked No. 33 nationally, Bryant had an impressive week in giving Diallo fits while knocking in some outside jump shots.
• - See more at: http://rushthecourt.net/2015/04/01/whos-got-next-mcdonalds-all-american-preview/#sthash.R8quHyEz.dpuf

[HoosierHoops1 5,024]

Yes...and he's not slow, but he also won't be consistently fast.    He needs to be a rebounder on the defensive end.  Zeller could do that and then beat everyone down the floor.  Bryant simply can't do that consistently.    Of the 5 who I think should start (Yogi, Blackmon, Johnson, Williams, and Bryant), he's the slowest.   Zeller was the fastest.   My point is if Bryant starts with Hartman, that slows down the offense.    He starts with Williams, he (Williams) can run the floor and consistently get ahead of plays and handle the ball on the move.   That's just not who Bryant is.  Bryant is...Patrick Ewing in college.  (Not on that talent level, but that's how he plays)   He's not a great athlete and he's not going to wow anyone with his raw speed like Zeller or Williams.    All I'm saying is Indiana is most efficient when it runs the floor and has big men who don't have to trail every play.   Williams gives Indiana that front court player who can run, put his head under the rim, and allow wing players to spread the floor and create open looks in transition.  Bryant and Hartman do not give Indiana that option. 

I'm not sure what you've seen or how many times you've seen Bryant play, (I've only seen 4 games) but I'm not seeing Patrick Ewing, at all.

 

Was Cody really that consistent at beating teams down the court all game long? Seems like that would make for what 4, 5, 6 easy lay-ups?

 

Slowest down the court isn't that big of a deal if he's not 'slow' down the court.

[mdn82 25,510]

I'm not sure what you've seen or how many times you've seen Bryant play, (I've only seen 4 games) but I'm not seeing Patrick Ewing, at all.

Was Cody really that consistent at beating teams down the court all game long? Seems like that would make for what 4, 5, 6 easy lay-ups?

Slowest down the court isn't that big of a deal if he's not 'slow' down the court.

Cody usually did have that or went to the line?

[bnkepner 1,509]

Yes...and he's not slow, but he also won't be consistently fast.    He needs to be a rebounder on the defensive end.  Zeller could do that and then beat everyone down the floor.  Bryant simply can't do that consistently.    Of the 5 who I think should start (Yogi, Blackmon, Johnson, Williams, and Bryant), he's the slowest.   Zeller was the fastest.   My point is if Bryant starts with Hartman, that slows down the offense.    He starts with Williams, he (Williams) can run the floor and consistently get ahead of plays and handle the ball on the move.   That's just not who Bryant is.  Bryant is...Patrick Ewing in college.  (Not on that talent level, but that's how he plays)   He's not a great athlete and he's not going to wow anyone with his raw speed like Zeller or Williams.    All I'm saying is Indiana is most efficient when it runs the floor and has big men who don't have to trail every play.   Williams gives Indiana that front court player who can run, put his head under the rim, and allow wing players to spread the floor and create open looks in transition.  Bryant and Hartman do not give Indiana that option. 

Yeah Im not arguing for the case of playing Hartman and Bryant together much cause Im not big on Hartman anyway. I'm just saying I think people are downplaying Bryant's skill level. Cody was a very special player and you are right that they are two different players all together. There are a lot of things that Bryant won't be able to do that Zeller did, but vice versa as well.

[Old Friend 8,389]

Yeah Im not arguing for the case of playing Hartman and Bryant together much cause Im not big on Hartman anyway. I'm just saying I think people are downplaying Bryant's skill level. Cody was a very special player and you are right that they are two different players all together. There are a lot of things that Bryant won't be able to do that Zeller did, but vice versa as well.

I think people are way over playing his skill level.  He's not an overly athletic kid (this was funny, but it shows a little of what I mean  http://nextimpulsesports.com/2015/04/02/mcdonalds-all-american-thomas-bryant-botches-off-the-backboard-dunk/  ) and he's not going to be a dominant Big Ten post right away.   He's going to be fine, and he'll produce some....but I think a ton of people view him as the missing piece, and he's not.   He fills a need.

[HoosierHoops1 5,024]

I don't think anyone really expects him to be a dominating big ten post right away, but if the need he fills is great enough, that could be a pretty large piece no longer missing.

[WayneFleekHoosier 47,975]

Bryant was exactly what we needed but he's a young version of it. He WILL play hard. He WILL play post. He WILL rebound. He WILL be a good teammate.

BUT he is YOUNG. Time will tell how quickly those traits adapt to the college game.

[GloryDays 5,913]

Yeah Im not arguing for the case of playing Hartman and Bryant together much cause Im not big on Hartman anyway. I'm just saying I think people are downplaying Bryant's skill level. Cody was a very special player and you are right that they are two different players all together. There are a lot of things that Bryant won't be able to do that Zeller did, but vice versa as well.

I don't think Cody was the defensive presence that Thomas will be,an area we were sorely lacking in last season.

[bnkepner 1,509]

I think people are way over playing his skill level.  He's not an overly athletic kid (this was funny, but it shows a little of what I mean  http://nextimpulsesports.com/2015/04/02/mcdonalds-all-american-thomas-bryant-botches-off-the-backboard-dunk/  ) and he's not going to be a dominant Big Ten post right away.   He's going to be fine, and he'll produce some....but I think a ton of people view him as the missing piece, and he's not.   He fills a need.

No one is expecting him to dominate, we honestly only need him to be around the level that Vonleh played at and I see Thomas as easily being able to do that for us. He fills a need. We don't need a dominant post presence. We need someone who can contribute their fair share, which is something we didn't have last season in the post. Bryant will be a defensive factor and be able to score on offense. We definitely don't need him to be a dominating big man cause we have all the offense we need with our guards. Bryant will be big upgrade over Perea and anything other post player we had last year and thats definitely all we need him for this upcoming year

[bnkepner 1,509]

I don't think Cody was the defensive presence that Thomas will be,an area we sorely lacking in last season.

Exactly!!

[ALASKA HOOSIER 11,256]

Agree

[BubbleKnuts 569]

Here we are again anticipating. Hate the off season. Come on November!

[Old Friend 8,389]

No one is expecting him to dominate, we honestly only need him to be around the level that Vonleh played at and I see Thomas as easily being able to do that for us. He fills a need. We don't need a dominant post presence. We need someone who can contribute their fair share, which is something we didn't have last season in the post. Bryant will be a defensive factor and be able to score on offense. We definitely don't need him to be a dominating big man cause we have all the offense we need with our guards. Bryant will be big upgrade over Perea and anything other post player we had last year and thats definitely all we need him for this upcoming year

    Bryant is simply a good player.   He's not "special" athletically; and he's 18 years old.    I've seen plenty of people on here and other sites touting him as the missing piece.  He's not.  He's got some ability, he fills an obvious need, but he alone is not going to fix an offense that doesn't move or a perimeter that can't defend.    No knock on Bryant, but we don't need a dominant post presence?    So you're okay getting our backsides kicked in by Purdue again?  You did notice the final four, right?  UK, Wisconsin, and Duke all had dominant post players.    Why don't we need one?

[ALASKA HOOSIER 11,256]

Just wanted to jump on here and say.....It's almost basketball season!!!! Getting excited!