Checking in from the Georgia Dome

ATLANTA, Ga. — One day before the Hoosiers take the floor against No. 1 Kentucky, both teams are at the Georgia Dome for their only practice time in this environment.

Indiana arrived in Atlanta on Tuesday, three days prior their game. Coach Crean likes to get used to the city and time zone, plus it allows the team put their sole focus on the game.

The Schedule
Each team will hold a 50-minute practice session, that is free and open to the public.

Xavier: noon – 12:50 p.m.
Indiana: 1 – 1:50 p.m.
Baylor: 2:10 – 3 p.m.
Kentucky: 3:10 – 4 p.m.

Following their practice, each team will hold their final media availability before Friday’s game. I will have that covered with video and stories to come.

The Setup
Holding the game at a football stadium, things are very different from a traditional basketball venue. The court is on the north end of the dome, with a curtain down the middle. It’s a different setup style, contrasting Lucas Oil Stadium where the court was in the middle and every seat was sold.

Perception and depth can be a problem and something that they all have to adjust to. As good as Indiana shoots the ball (49-percent), it’s important that they are comfortable with the surroundings. It also won’t nearly be as loud as their first meeting was in Bloomington.

The 
There’s lots of excitement surrounding ‘The Rematch.’ I haven’t seen one media member pick Indiana to win, but it doesn’t surprise me. I expect the crowd to be primarily Kentucky and Indiana (Baylor and Xavier meet in the early game, 7:15 p.m.). Both fan bases are loyal and travel very well.