It is still extremely early, but a lot has been learned after the Hoosiers’ first two games. There is more than enough room for improvement, but what I have seen so far is much more than what I had hoped. Cody Zeller has arrived, and he is the real deal. He is very mobile for his size, a tremendous passer, and an unquantifiable value to this team. The pre-season media “experts” who predicted the Hoosiers to finish near the very bottom of the Big Ten are simply wrong. The two main woes from last year, turnovers and fouls, are much closer to being corrected. It is still to be seen just how much we can expect from this squad, but one thing is for sure. Tom Crean’s team will be competitive all season long.
Crean has spoken often about the importance of a deep team that can challenge each other for minutes. He finally seems to have it. I don’t expect this team to have a consistent top scorer as there are several players who could put up the most points on any given night. The team also seems to have enough discipline defensively this season for players to be held accountable. Perimeter defense will likely be a struggle all season, but strides have been made and will continue to be made on the defensive end. Victor Oladipo appears to have made himself the lock-down defender that Indiana will so greatly need as the season progresses.
Offensively, Oladipo has looked fearless. His ability to get to the rim has always been there, but his shot looks to be much improved. Apparently nothing gets Victor fired up like a Seawolf or a Moc. His energy is contagious, and he has clearly given the Hoosiers a big boost. His athleticism is crucial to the Hoosiers as they must be effective in transition to be successful. Combine this with shooters like Jordan Hulls and Zeller’s ability to run the floor, and Indiana will win games.
After two games, I am projecting the Hoosiers to finish the year 18-13 heading into the Big Ten Tournament. Brace yourselves for this one...I also expect the Hoosiers to finally crack the top 25 once again this season. Yes, you read that correctly but let me explain. I anticipate the Hoosiers to head into the game against Kentucky (Dec. 10th) with a perfect 8-0 record. Highlighted by wins at N.C. State and home against Butler, it should be convincing enough for voters. After that, it’s a mystery how Crean’s team will fare against much stronger competition.
I have heard several players listed as the “X-Factor” for this ballclub. Players like Maurice Creek before his injury and Verdell Jones have been mentioned. In my opinion, the player that will determine just how good or mediocre this team will be is Christian Watford. Will his presence be diminished by that of Cody Zeller, or will the two team up to be one of the most feared front courts in the Big Ten? It is just one of the many questions we will have to wait to learn, but it will be fun to watch nonetheless.
--Travis Cunningham
Sunday, November 13, 2011
The New and Improved Hoosiers
11:25 PM
Travis Cunningham
