Before I compete in today’s Indiana basketball media challenge at Cook Hall, I thought I’d share five reasons for fans to be encouraged about the upcoming season. This is the first big turnaround season for Coach Tom Crean, who will start his fourth season in Bloomington.
Since the mass exodus of players in 2008 and with the ball in Crean’s hands, the Hoosiers have won a combined 28 games (6, 10 and 12 respectively). They haven’t been to the NCAA Tournament since that’s disastrous season four years ago where they lost in the first round to Arkansas amidst all the team problems.
Cody Zeller will make a big impact for IU in his freshman campaign. (via Coach Crean's twitter)
Indiana fans are dedicated and loyal, staying with this IU program in the hardest of times. Finally, this season I believe will be a big chance as they will return to consistent winning like the old days. Although this isn’t a 20-win team yet, I think they will be over .500 and at least earn an NIT bid.
5. Cody Zeller
First, he is a winner. He has won at all levels and that’s something IU needs. The 6-foot-11 big man will also immediately add some quality size to a guard-heavy roster.
Cody averaged 24 points and 13.5 rebounds per game in his senior season, leading Washington High School to their third IHSAA Class 3A State Championship in his four years.
Named the 2011 Indiana Mr. Basketball, Zeller help put the Hoosiers back on the recruiting map and he made it “cool” again to stay and play in his home state.
His impact cannot be overstated. In addition to his talent, he has a winner’s mentality and is very smart, graduating with nearly a perfect 4.0 GPA. There will be some growing pains like there are for all freshman but he alone makes Indiana a heck of a lot better.
4. Chemistry and experience with Je’Ney Jackson
Coach Jackson is now in his second year with the IU basketball program, in charge of strength and conditioning. Already, he has already made a big different with the players. As a former college football player, he brings the passion and fire everyday and understands what’s necessary for the players to improve their bodies.
In his first year, he has to get comfortable with the town, team and facilities while learning everything about each player. Coach Crean stresses his importance often because strength coaches are allowed to work with players year-round unlike the coaching staff.
I saw how hard he works the players while following the team in Las Vegas last Christmas. Ineligible to play, Guy Marc-Michel traveled and worked out with Jackson prior to the team engagements — and they weren’t easy by any means.
Jackson has been in Bloomington for 14 months and he has to be comfortable with everything he is responsible for and know just the right workout for every one of the players. And that’s huge.
3. Victor Oladipo and Will Sheehey are no longer rookies
As the lone freshman last season, Oladipo and Sheehey’s athleticism and ability to attack the rim was most notable. The two provided a necessary spark and energy off the bench that was contagious.
They were also two of the most exciting to watch. Whether it was Oladipo’s half-court buzzer beater or Sheehey’s throw down, they were electric. Oladipo needs improve has ball handling and turn the ball over less — Sheehey would benefit for a more consistent three-ball and jumper. But you can’t discount the heart and effort they both played with every night.
When I asked the veterans of the team who has improved the most in the offseason, the consensus was Victor Oladipo. I like how serious Oladipo has been about the working both in the weight room and on the court. I’m anxious to see what these two can add in their second season.
2. Decrease in talent across in the Big Ten
In addition to the improvements, Indiana will win more game this year just because the talent in the conference has gone down. Just look up north for example, where JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore graduated from Purdue. The Big Ten was elite last year but with players graduating, I expect more competitive and down-to-the-buzzer games.
Their losses are Indiana’s gains. I have seen the Hoosiers picked to finish between 5-8 in the league which is very reasonably. On paper, Ohio State and Wisconsin look clearly ahead of the pack and then there is Michigan, Michigan State and Purdue. Indiana could fit in with that bunch or be middle of the road. I expect less blowouts and more competitive play this year for IU which will provide for more thrilling games.
1. First class, true leaders
Tom Crean’s first class at Indiana will graduate this season. These were the guys that committed themselves to a rebuilding program in total disarray. They absolutely should take pride in what they have helped establish and re-construct. This project, if you will, has been painful for people both inside and outside of the program.
They’re due. These guys want to win and have fought through the pain and hatred. Like Coach Crean has said before, nobody wants to see Indiana basketball return. They like seeing IU on the bottom. But guess what, they will be back and it starts with this season.
One of the big problems these three years has been lack of leadership. No player had any quality experience and everyone was reserved. Well this season, there is a solid core of players that only have one season left in their college playing days. They must make the most out of every practice and every game. They want to win and I have no doubt they will do whatever they can in their power. They deserve to taste victory and they deserve to play into the postseason.
The season opens October 15th for Hoosier Hysteria. Their lone preseason game is on November 5th against the University of Indianapolis.