Q&A: 17 games in, Let's talk IU hoops

[ALASKA HOOSIER 11,329]

If Hutch would let someone get a word in otherwise...hmph!

 

Ok, here goes.

Biggest surprise: Thomas Bryant. He started off as a frosh and is put on his big-boy pants. The guards are looking to get him the ball now which i can't remember the last time that happened. I can't even remember that consistency (post feeding) when CZ was here. He fights and fights and fights underneath for positioning and his post moves are strong! I believe there are even plays for him now, specifically. That wasn't the case with that guy noel back in the day. And CZ, the only plays (I remember) that were drawn up for him were the run the court, and feed off the hedge. correct me if i'm wrong, it has been a long time since we have seen the big man fed.

 

Biggest let-down: TW. He has a nitch of driving that is incredible! however, when he dribbles down the court......no comment. That is when he usually throws a pass to the stands or into the hands of the other team.

 

I think Z3 needs to play. He stretches the court and is in a shooter's slump. He was in one for a very short stint last year but once he hit net, it was boom-shak-alaka! His defensive presence has been like a spidermonkey! I too, watched him on the guards and i was friggin' excited! yeah, he will get beat by the more athletic dudes, but the way he was keeping the balls out of their hands by being on them like a rat on a cheeto was awesome.

 

JBJ: We are a different, but better Defensive team without him. We are forced to bring in OG and JM who are very good defensive guys. yeah, we lose some 3% but who cares when our defense is shutting down their 3%, right? we score, what? 10-16 points less a game now but limit them by 20. seems like a better stat.

 

The substitution pattern is still weird. I noticed TB smoked big time on Saturday after fighting with the bigs for possession and he wasn't subbed out for Max or Hartman or somebody! He couldn't even get his feet off the ground towards the end. We were up 25 and the subbies weren't even brought in. Put friggin' Priller in! Give the guy some reps so if needed later on, he can do something. He's friggin' 7 foot and we are going to need that size in some game down the road. Perhaps against Purspoooooo, just to give TB some breathing / water time. Hell, Priller just stands down low and puts those big mits in the air, he is accomplishing something.

 

and then there is OG........................nuff said

[cappymo14 2,276]

I like OG as a surprise. Coming from limited minutes in the pre-season, he has proven himself to the coaching staff, and the fans, with relentless rebounding, shooting and defense. I wonder if in fact, he didn't sneak up and surprise the coaching staff as well. Nice job by the staff of recognizing the desire and raw talent in this kid. I wonder though, do we see it if JBJ stays healthy?

Another surprise for me has been the consistent solid play of Max B. I never worry about the guy. Solid down low, shooter, solid D. Max won't lead the team in scoring but, I think he can be a leader. No doubt.

Nick Z.... Nick is one of the best spot up shooters in the game. And that's just the thing. I saw NZ bury open 3's for 2 years. Thought he may never miss. Now, it looks as though he has been given the green light and is now pulling up quickly and often while on the move/off screens. He's forcing. I don't think that's his game. He's a deadly set shooter. I agree with having him shoot out of it, but not that way, not when he has to catch and Jack while on the move. If he's fading back or side at all, it's not going down.

I don't have many player disappointments. I was never big on JBJ from the beginning. I guess I just don't see where the NBA hype comes from. Do I think we are a better team without him? Not really much, I think the focus on offense has just changed from outside to inside with TB being the stud we thought he'd be. I don't see us better or worse. We lost 15ppg, or did we? The inside game has absorbed that in my opinion. Defense has been better because it's team oriented now and the kids are starting to understand help side better.

Troy, Good Troy...Bad Troy. I hate that. Troy can score. Most would agree the OSU game was good Troy because he scored without turning it over. I saw him get bailed out, totally wild, by a lucky foul call several times. Got lucky those were not 5 turnovers. I know what I'm getting with him. Love him. I think he needs touches from inside 17ft. Max. Do what you do. Not meant to handle from further out.

[IndyHutch 1,718]

Do you think that Crean may be carving a new identity for this team with the absence of JBJ? The new identity being defense. I think with JBJ, Crean figured we could just out score any team no matter how bad our defense was. After the OSU game, a few of the players and Yogi in particular made comments about how they were beginning to realize how important the defensive end of the game was. Is this something Crean is now focusing on?

 

I think it has always been a focus. But I think some people are buying in more now that they see that one of their big scoring guns is out of the lineup.

[IndyHutch 1,718]

I think one of the biggest things on the defensive end that has helped since JBJ has been out is our length at multiple positions. Originally we had went back to that 3 guard lineup and that killed us defensively, IMO.
Now we never play more than 2 guards at once and there are times, see O$U game. That we played RoJo, Morgan or OG, Troy, Hartman and Bryant for some stretches. Multiple 6'6 to 6'8 or taller guys on the floor at once!

 

Good points. And I think the addition of O.G. has given them more options, too.

[Miller'sTheMan 1,652]

Well for me, even though we've had ups and downs like in Maui and our absolute drubbing of Ohio State, I think we're in a good spot. 14-3 and 4-0 in the B1G. Anunoby has been a major surprise as he is giving us great minutes right now as an athletic spread the floor 4 for us who's been good for about 8 PPG off the bench with good defense since B1G play has started. I like where we are at and hopefully we continue to prove. Should crack the top 25 soon if everything keeps going well. 

[IndyHutch 1,718]

If Hutch would let someone get a word in otherwise...hmph!

 

Ok, here goes.

Biggest surprise: Thomas Bryant. He started off as a frosh and is put on his big-boy pants. The guards are looking to get him the ball now which i can't remember the last time that happened. I can't even remember that consistency (post feeding) when CZ was here. He fights and fights and fights underneath for positioning and his post moves are strong! I believe there are even plays for him now, specifically. That wasn't the case with that guy noel back in the day. And CZ, the only plays (I remember) that were drawn up for him were the run the court, and feed off the hedge. correct me if i'm wrong, it has been a long time since we have seen the big man fed.

 

Biggest let-down: TW. He has a nitch of driving that is incredible! however, when he dribbles down the court......no comment. That is when he usually throws a pass to the stands or into the hands of the other team.

 

I think Z3 needs to play. He stretches the court and is in a shooter's slump. He was in one for a very short stint last year but once he hit net, it was boom-shak-alaka! His defensive presence has been like a spidermonkey! I too, watched him on the guards and i was friggin' excited! yeah, he will get beat by the more athletic dudes, but the way he was keeping the balls out of their hands by being on them like a rat on a cheeto was awesome.

 

JBJ: We are a different, but better Defensive team without him. We are forced to bring in OG and JM who are very good defensive guys. yeah, we lose some 3% but who cares when our defense is shutting down their 3%, right? we score, what? 10-16 points less a game now but limit them by 20. seems like a better stat.

 

The substitution pattern is still weird. I noticed TB smoked big time on Saturday after fighting with the bigs for possession and he wasn't subbed out for Max or Hartman or somebody! He couldn't even get his feet off the ground towards the end. We were up 25 and the subbies weren't even brought in. Put friggin' Priller in! Give the guy some reps so if needed later on, he can do something. He's friggin' 7 foot and we are going to need that size in some game down the road. Perhaps against Purspoooooo, just to give TB some breathing / water time. Hell, Priller just stands down low and puts those big mits in the air, he is accomplishing something.

 

and then there is OG........................nuff said

 

I'll be quiet now and let your words resonate. 

[IndyHutch 1,718]

I like OG as a surprise. Coming from limited minutes in the pre-season, he has proven himself to the coaching staff, and the fans, with relentless rebounding, shooting and defense. I wonder if in fact, he didn't sneak up and surprise the coaching staff as well. Nice job by the staff of recognizing the desire and raw talent in this kid. I wonder though, do we see it if JBJ stays healthy?

Another surprise for me has been the consistent solid play of Max B. I never worry about the guy. Solid down low, shooter, solid D. Max won't lead the team in scoring but, I think he can be a leader. No doubt.

Nick Z.... Nick is one of the best spot up shooters in the game. And that's just the thing. I saw NZ bury open 3's for 2 years. Thought he may never miss. Now, it looks as though he has been given the green light and is now pulling up quickly and often while on the move/off screens. He's forcing. I don't think that's his game. He's a deadly set shooter. I agree with having him shoot out of it, but not that way, not when he has to catch and Jack while on the move. If he's fading back or side at all, it's not going down.

I don't have many player disappointments. I was never big on JBJ from the beginning. I guess I just don't see where the NBA hype comes from. Do I think we are a better team without him? Not really much, I think the focus on offense has just changed from outside to inside with TB being the stud we thought he'd be.

 

I'd like to see Max B be a little more aggressive. Work a little harder to box people out and not wait for the ball to fall in his lap.

[ALASKA HOOSIER 11,329]

I heart you hutchster

[IndyHutch 1,718]

Well for me, even though we've had ups and downs like in Maui and our absolute drubbing of Ohio State, I think we're in a good spot. 14-3 and 4-0 in the B1G. Anunoby has been a major surprise as he is giving us great minutes right now as an athletic spread the floor 4 for us who's been good for about 8 PPG off the bench with good defense since B1G play has started. I like where we are at and hopefully we continue to prove. Should crack the top 25 soon if everything keeps going well. 

 

There's no question that IU got a favorable starting schedule in the Big Ten but just because it's favorable doesn't mean a team will necessarily be successful. A lot of things have to happen. Getting off to a 4-0 start is big but Indiana needs to build on that start and get some separation here.

[Miller'sTheMan 1,652]

There's no question that IU got a favorable starting schedule in the Big Ten but just because it's favorable doesn't mean a team will necessarily be successful. A lot of things have to happen. Getting off to a 4-0 start is big but Indiana needs to build on that start and get some separation here.

Absolutely. Can't take anyone for granted no matter who they are. Whether it's Minnesota on the road or Illinois at home, we need to take each and every upcoming game seriously and bring our A game. Even though the records may not look good, its B1G basketball and anything can happen. As long as we stay focused we should be fine though.

[AKHoosier 7,710]

I think one of the biggest things on the defensive end that has helped since JBJ has been out is our length at multiple positions. Originally we had went back to that 3 guard lineup and that killed us defensively, IMO.
Now we never play more than 2 guards at once and there are times, see O$U game. That we played RoJo, Morgan or OG, Troy, Hartman and Bryant for some stretches. Multiple 6'6 to 6'8 or taller guys on the floor at once!

 

I noticed that too and couldn't believe my eyes.  Having only one guard in there was really surprising to see, and it definitely worked.  It's not like our defense or offense lacked.

[GloryDays 6,224]

Nick seems to be rushing his shot before being squared to the basket..Ohio St's length may have been a factor yesterday but Ive noticed it before that.James being out could be causing a sense of pressure to perform.

[Alford Bailey 13,228]

Nick seems to be rushing his shot before being squared to the basket..Ohio St's length may have been a factor yesterday but Ive noticed it before that.James being out could be causing a sense of pressure to perform.

He has to set and open. If he rushes or has to shoot with hand in the face it ain't good.

[IndyHutch 1,718]

Nick seems to be rushing his shot before being squared to the basket..Ohio St's length may have been a factor yesterday but Ive noticed it before that.James being out could be causing a sense of pressure to perform.

 

I don't know, I just think it's a slump. I've always thought of him as an 'ice water in his veins' kind of player so I have a hard time believing the pressure is getting to him.

[IndyHutch 1,718]

He has to set and open. If he rushes or has to shoot with hand in the face it ain't good.

 

But it seems to me he has been getting his feet set and getting good looks, they just aren't going down right now. The thing about him though is that if he hits a couple we'll be sitting here in a few weeks talking about how he hit five in a row or something like that. I like what he brings to the team.

[HoosierCoop 4,159]

Biggest Surprise: Freshman - Aside from Bryant I assumed that OG and Juwan would be glorified cheerleaders this year. There was not much stock being put into them. In early season they both looked raw and slow. Even Bryant in some fashion. I think the switch has definitely came on and they realize the speed of the game, the conditioning, the work, and the opportunity.

**Side note: Keep this in mind (as bad as it may sound) that none of this would have happened last spring. We would still have had Devin Davis, Holt, and Perea. The opportunity would not be here today if these guys were still here.

 

Biggest Disappointment: Tim Priller - I really thought all-Big Ten this year all the way!!!! Just kidding.

 

JBJ - injuries stink but I think this goes way beyond injuries. This is a very good kid with a genius basketball IQ from a tremendous family. However, his ability is not able to coincide with his IQ. I have followed him with both Luers and Marion. He can manufacture points like no other. Heck, there would be IU games where he had 17 points and I would have no idea where they came from. But from Luers to IU, a good player makes others around him better. I don't see that from JBJ. He is a very mental basketball player that can either show up or disappear in an instant. He has no explosiveness on offense or defense. He is a very smooth player with a great shot. That doesn't always bode well in college. How many times have we seen him get his shot blocked. From a mental standpoint, I feel that if JBJ isn't the man on the floor, he really brings the team down and occassionally you see it from other players. I can remember a couple of times in huddles that players would bang him in the chest and tell him to get over it.

I was expecting to see a different player (not a better skilled player) this year. What I mean by that is at this point I can't see his defense improving much, but he can accent everyone else. Drawing the defense out on the 3 and making that back door pass or feeding the block. Needs to drop the NBA dream and focus on the fact that he is a four year player at IU.

I wish all the best for this kid but it is time to evaluate the future and focus on success, not pride.

A little ramble but JBJ needs to use what strengths he has now to make the team better.

 

In any case, if TB decides to stay next year, look out people we are a top 10 team. The future is hugely bright.

[yogisballin 2,433]

One thing I hadn't thought too much about until late last night is. If RoJo or Yogi, even God forbid both were in foul trouble. Our backcourt would be awfully thin! Do we think would be ready/can handle significant minutes? Thoughts?

[biteoftheapple 4,115]

I an happy Bryant has become a better rebounder. I was thinking early on that this was just not part of his game. I am pleased with his progress. OG, a pleasant addition to the team. He fits in well, and places his stamp on every game. I hope he gets 25 min per. Nicky Z, I am not as confident as others are, I hope he justifies that confidence. Troy, a very good Troy can take us to the too, but, the bad Troy happens too often. He just needs not to hurry. His rebounding is important to us.

[jmsgws 2,181]

I think it has always been a focus. But I think some people are buying in more now that they see that one of their big scoring guns is out of the lineup.

If it has always been a focus.....  that doesn't say anything good about the coach or the players.  Because they have ignored defense for most of the last two years. 

I am happy with what I have seen the last two games, but I am taking my IU Football outlook (optimistic but ready for my heart to be crushed).