Indiana Announced Haunted Hall of Hoops Plans

[Beowulf50 816]

Thanks for the review Kelley. I think this freshmen class will surpass a lot of expectations. I know what to expect out of TB but I see so much potential in OG. I am very excited for the season to start!

[MartintheMopMan 7,765]

Guys, in like 52 hours we're going to know what this team looks like against real competition in game situations.

 

 

52 hours!!! That's such a manageable amount of time!

 

And, I'm definitely not just counting the hours until basketball because I'm watching the Niners.

[coonhounds 9,035]

Guys, in like 52 hours we're going to know what this team looks like against real competition in game situations.


52 hours!!! That's such a manageable amount of time!

And, I'm definitely not just counting the hours until basketball because I'm watching the Niners.

I hope it is on radio cause I don't have btn plus. I am excited for the season to start

[BGleas 7,917]

While not the same as watching live, ITH tweeted last week that a rebroadcast of the exhibition game is on the schedule for the Big Ten Network later in the week.

I hope it is on radio cause I don't have btn plus. I am excited for the season to start

[WayneFleekHoosier 48,467]

Will be watching live. Will post updates as game goes along.

[Kepner 1,261]

Will be watching live. Will post updates as game goes along.

Ditto

[GnarlyTimGarl 1,433]

A few more additional thoughts from what I saw in addition to KelleyHoosh's breakdown...

 

- As mentioned, OG will probably earn minutes this year. I am critical of Crean's roster construction, but he deserves credit with the addition of OG because he seems to be exactly the type of player that Crean covets and has success with. I know that we don't really play "positions" on this team, but I could definitely see OG logging a number of minutes at the equivalent of the "4" spot this year, especially if we are interested in playing a little bit bigger with Troy at the equivalent of the "3" (more on that later.) But the trait that impresses me the most with OG is that he seems to have a great nose for the ball. He just seems to have good instincts when it comes to making a deflection or coming up with a loose ball. Those can be the types of plays that win ball games, so I think we'll see him on the floor for at least 10-12 minutes a game or so on most nights. Very excited to see him grow in the program.

 

- I'll echo KelleyHoosh's thoughts in regards to Max Bielfeldt's solid play. He just fits the bill of a "sound" basketball player. Unspectacular, but steady. Understands the game and knows how to play it. High basketball IQ and he schooled Bryant on a couple of different plays because of it. He'll definitely be a part of the rotation. Of course, match-ups will be key, but it wouldn't surprise me if we didn't see him at the equivalent of the "4" spot on a situational basis. He's got a jump shot that can be utilized, although foot speed may be a factor.

 

- Personally, I still felt that Bryant did a fine job. Yes, there were several occasions in which he was frazzled and Bielfeldt (who is 4-5 years older) and help defense got the best of him. But understand that he was keyed on by the defense on every possession. And while talented, he's still a freshman. But please also note that there were a couple of occasions when he composed himself and dominated the interior. He's learning. And I'll be very surprised if he doesn't at least put up 10 and 6 this season.

 

- Troy Williams still looked pretty good to me, though. Interesting to note was that he spent much of the scrimmage matched up with Yogi. This leads me to believe that we may see him a bit more on the wing this year while using Hartman, Bielfeldt and OG at the "4".

 

- OTHER THOUGHTS: Blackmon scored and ran some point guard. Didn't overly impress me with anything new, but part of that is because I am probably overly critical of him. Yogi was Yogi, as per usual. Very interested to see how those guys improve their efficiency numbers this season. Speaking of efficiency, Zeisloft was able to knock down a few jumpers. A couple back-to-back. Such as asset to have a guy with his shooting ability on the team. Johnson didn't have his best outing. I'll definitely be watching how he plays this year because he'll probably be one of our "go-to" guys next year due to likely attrition. Morgan showed some promise, but he's definitely a freshman. It will be important for him to find a niche on this team, using his strengths and limiting his weaknesses.

 

-SIDE NOTE: Really pleased that IU decided to have Haunted Hall of Hoops again this season. It's always a fun time and it allows fans to get another early look at the Hoosiers. You can definitely tell that the kids enjoy it. That's very important because those little ones will be the fans of the future. I know that finances are limited for many (including myself) and some can't afford to go to many (or any) actual games. Fortunately, this event is an opportunity to enjoy a little bit of IU basketball free of charge. Kudos to whoever made that decision. It is appreciated.