Official Hoosier Hysteria Thread

[GnarlyNormEllenberger]

A few more observations... particularly on the newcomers...

- Impressed by Josh Newkirk. I think some people limited his potential because he was coming off an injury while only averaging 5 PPG at Pitt. But from what I saw, he was quick, athletic and could push the ball up the floor. I was especially pleased to see him drive through the lane and finish with an authoritative jam. While he's not a shooter like Hulls, Roth or Zeisloft, he's not Jeremiah Rivers or Stan Robinson, either. He'll be able to keep defenses honest at the very least. Couldn't tell much about his defense, but hopefully he's as hard-nosed as advertised from Pitt.

- Devonte Green looked as impressive as I'd hoped he would. He just seems like a high-level competitor. Probably a better shooter than I gave him credit for. Looks like he'll be able to catch fire from time to time. Wouldn't surprise me if we're talking about him being one of our best players this time next year (and in a good way.) Like Newkirk, I couldn't tell much about his defense, but I'm hoping he can become the ball-hawk that his prep coach believes he can be. That may determine how many minutes he'll play this year.

- The other newcomers all showed potential as well. It seemed like Curtis Jones was comfortable with the ball in his hands and made a couple of jumpers. How well he defends will likely determine his minutes this year. Grant Gelon seemed more comfortable than I expected, but visibly still has a ways to go. Has potential to become a specialist on down the road. I like De'Ron Davis, but it usually takes a few months for the big men to acclimate themselves to the college game from a conditioning and strength standpoint. But he's got good size and defensive potential and should be a nice replacement for us once Bryant leaves. Also, Zach McRoberts made a couple nice moves and hustle plays. Don't be surprised to see him get Ryan Burton minutes this year.

- As for the returners... good to see Blackmon back out there, although he didn't really stand out to me. But you know what you're getting with him. He's an elite-level shooter/scorer who can put up points in a hurry. Johnson played a tad bit sloppy in the scrimmage, but seemed like a leader on the floor, which is something this team is going to need and I hope he can fill that role. But we know what he can give us. Bryant looks bigger, stronger and even more authoritative. Might be running the floor even better this year, too. Has the potential to be dominant in the post. Even Priller looked more comfortable in his limited moments.

- Anunoby deserves his own bullet point. I truly don't mean to hype up this guy so much, but we just don't have too many players like him come through Bloomington. He's 6'8-230 and already has such a wide array of things he is capable of on the floor. He'll be able to guard pretty much any position on the floor. Tremendous length and is showing an even better understanding of how to use it. Not tremendously quick, but is able to cover a lot of ground in a hurry. Glides down the floor with ease. Strong. Extremely versatile. The game seems to move slow to him. Can absorb contact, re-adjust, and still make a play. Absolutely OOZING with potential to be a fantastic player.

- Disappointed that Morgan and McSwain had to sit out the scrimmage. I still think Morgan is OG-lite and might be improved enough to rightfully earn a starting spot on this team. McSwain is an unknown at this point, so I was interested to see what he would bring to the table.

-Overall thoughts... not sure we're as deep as some have said. I don't expect we'll see much of Hartman, Priller or Gelon this year. That brings us down to 10 scholarship guys. McSwain is too unknown to assume him commanding many minutes at this point (but that could change.) That brings us down to nine guys, meaning we don't have much room for the inevitable future injuries or player slumps (especially from the freshmen.) However, there's a lot of pure talent on this team. Even some ELITE-level talent. We've got size, athleticism, quickness and enough experience to do some serious damage this year on both sides of the ball. If we mesh together as a strong, cohesive unit... this team has Final Four potential. Just my opinion.

[hsrtxp]

Anyone know if it will be replayed on btn or if we can watch it elsewhere?


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[IUsafety]

Anything on if there doing haunted hall this year?

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HAUNTED HALL OF HOOPS: Friday, Oct. 28
6:30 p.m. - Candy & Games
7:15 p.m. - Scrimmage
After - Autographs for kids


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[Crimson and Cream]

4 hours ago, GnarlyTimGarl said:

A few more observations... particularly on the newcomers...

- Impressed by Josh Newkirk. I think some people limited his potential because he was coming off an injury while only averaging 5 PPG at Pitt. But from what I saw, he was quick, athletic and could push the ball up the floor. I was especially pleased to see him drive through the lane and finish with an authoritative jam. While he's not a shooter like Hulls, Roth or Zeisloft, he's not Jeremiah Rivers or Stan Robinson, either. He'll be able to keep defenses honest at the very least. Couldn't tell much about his defense, but hopefully he's as hard-nosed as advertised from Pitt.

- Devonte Green looked as impressive as I'd hoped he would. He just seems like a high-level competitor. Probably a better shooter than I gave him credit for. Looks like he'll be able to catch fire from time to time. Wouldn't surprise me if we're talking about him being one of our best players this time next year (and in a good way.) Like Newkirk, I couldn't tell much about his defense, but I'm hoping he can become the ball-hawk that his prep coach believes he can be. That may determine how many minutes he'll play this year.

- The other newcomers all showed potential as well. It seemed like Curtis Jones was comfortable with the ball in his hands and made a couple of jumpers. How well he defends will likely determine his minutes this year. Grant Gelon seemed more comfortable than I expected, but visibly still has a ways to go. Has potential to become a specialist on down the road. I like De'Ron Davis, but it usually takes a few months for the big men to acclimate themselves to the college game from a conditioning and strength standpoint. But he's got good size and defensive potential and should be a nice replacement for us once Bryant leaves. Also, Zach McRoberts made a couple nice moves and hustle plays. Don't be surprised to see him get Ryan Burton minutes this year.

- As for the returners... good to see Blackmon back out there, although he didn't really stand out to me. But you know what you're getting with him. He's an elite-level shooter/scorer who can put up points in a hurry. Johnson played a tad bit sloppy in the scrimmage, but seemed like a leader on the floor, which is something this team is going to need and I hope he can fill that role. But we know what he can give us. Bryant looks bigger, stronger and even more authoritative. Might be running the floor even better this year, too. Has the potential to be dominant in the post. Even Priller looked more comfortable in his limited moments.

- Anunoby deserves his own bullet point. I truly don't mean to hype up this guy so much, but we just don't have too many players like him come through Bloomington. He's 6'8-230 and already has such a wide array of things he is capable of on the floor. He'll be able to guard pretty much any position on the floor. Tremendous length and is showing an even better understanding of how to use it. Not tremendously quick, but is able to cover a lot of ground in a hurry. Glides down the floor with ease. Strong. Extremely versatile. The game seems to move slow to him. Can absorb contact, re-adjust, and still make a play. Absolutely OOZING with potential to be a fantastic player.

- Disappointed that Morgan and McSwain had to sit out the scrimmage. I still think Morgan is OG-lite and might be improved enough to rightfully earn a starting spot on this team. McSwain is an unknown at this point, so I was interested to see what he would bring to the table.

-Overall thoughts... not sure we're as deep as some have said. I don't expect we'll see much of Hartman, Priller or Gelon this year. That brings us down to 10 scholarship guys. McSwain is too unknown to assume him commanding many minutes at this point (but that could change.) That brings us down to nine guys, meaning we don't have much room for the inevitable future injuries or player slumps (especially from the freshmen.) However, there's a lot of pure talent on this team. Even some ELITE-level talent. We've got size, athleticism, quickness and enough experience to do some serious damage this year on both sides of the ball. If we mesh together as a strong, cohesive unit... this team has Final Four potential. Just my opinion.

You need more than 85 posts, always love reading your thoughts.

[HoosierAloha]

You need more than 85 posts, always love reading your thoughts.

Gnarly should get 3-4 post counts per post due to quality and quantity.