Cody Zeller tipped the jump ball to Victor Oladipo who scored just five seconds into the game. If there was any question how Indiana would treat the season, it was answered right away.
The Hoosiers defeated a very talented and veteran Stony Brook team 96-66 for their 14th consecutive home-opener victory.
Both the team and fans were longing for this game to see 2011 Indiana Mr. Basketball Cody Zeller make his debut in the cream and crimson…and he did not disappoint.
He earned a very effected double-double, 16 and 10, but what was most interesting was that he didn’t force himself into the action. After the game he said he wasn’t nervous but excited to start the season and play in fort of such a wild crowd.
Anyone can compare stats but I opted to keep an eye on the little things he did like blocks shots, alter shots, hustle on the floor, take a charge, and grind it out with a considerable big man. I liked what I saw from Zeller except some of his post-up defense. He’ll certainly get better with time but in the first two minutes, two layups were scored on him. Not only will added weight help but continuous practice and repetitions against high-quality talent.
The guy who stole the show early was sophomore Victor Oladipo. He got the start over Will Sheehey which surprised me a bit but I except those two to go back and forth all year. It’s huge for IU to have at least one off the bench because they each provide a necessary spark.
Victor’s passion and excitement were remarkable. On multiple occasions while running a fast break, Zeller shielded his defender and Oladipo layed it in for two.
Will Sheehey was the first guy off the bench and finished with 13 points in just one half of action due to ill-like symptoms. He might just be the most improved player in the Big Ten which bodes very well for the Hoosiers. He’s athletic, versatile and had a great mid-range game.
I liked what I saw from Derek Elston finally healthy after being hampered by injuries last season. He shot 5-of-6 from the field for 11 points which can be a big help to Indiana this season. When the opponent is double-teaming Zeller or face-guarding IU’s perimeter players.
Two other players of note are the purist shooters on IU’s roster, Matt Roth and Austin Etherington. Both played a limited role but while on the court, they spaced the floor and buried open three’s. Roth was 2-of-3 and Etherington was a perfect 3-of-3.
Next up is Chattanooga on Sunday.
(Note: I apologize for any grammatical errors. My computer is being repaired so this was written on my iPhone.)
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