See what Coach Crean had to say when he met with the media today to discuss the upcoming Michigan game.
Coach Crean:
Coach Crean:
Plus / Minus Player Analysis
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Showing posts with label Pregaming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pregaming. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Hoo's Next: Michigan
Who: Michigan Wolverines
Where: Assembly Hall, Bloomington Indiana When: Thursday January 5, 2012 @ 9:00pm ET TV: ESPN 2
By: Aaron Maisel
As I put my blazer, my new Sperry’s and corduroy pants on three hours before embracing the new year, I did it with a smile. Not just because I was looking fresh and knew that I would find some random girl for that immaculate New Years “interaction” that I have been banking on, but because somehow that team who no one was willing to give a chance until 2012-13 season pulled it off again, except this time, with no students.
Miraculous? No. Anything is possible in college basketball.
Unimaginable? Yes.
Unimaginable for a team which won only 12 games last season, and now to have won 13 only in the beginning of conference play.
Unimaginable for a team to win at home, without one of the most passionate student sections in the country, against arguably the best team in the nation.
Unimaginable for a team that has been the laughing stock of Big 10 basketball to now be the only team in college hoops that has a lock to be dancing in March as long as they don’t lose the rest of their games.
And somehow, the Hoosiers are making the unimaginable a reality, but still have a long way until March and a few powerhouses from the Midwest left on their schedule.
Indiana (13-1) faces off against the Michigan Wolverines (12-2) at Assembly Hall on Thursday, January 5. The Maize and Blue are led by guards Tim Hardaway Jr (15.6 ppg), Trey Burke (14.0 ppg) and 6’9 big man Evan Smotrycz (10.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg). The Wolverines only two losses have come against Duke and Virginia, but are currently on a seven game winning streak. Although the Wolverines, similar to the Hoosiers are new to the top 25 attention, they have played in competitive games, including a last second loss to Duke last year in the NCAA tournament.
Even though the Hoosiers are no stranger to playing in the spotlight, it’s still a game that shouldn’t be viewed as “just another conference game.” “We will be dealing with the best transition attack we have seen all year on Thursday with Michigan,” said Tom Crean via Twitter. “They fly up the court.”
That they do!
Alright, relax. Crean is just giving credit where credit is due. Don’t get me wrong, this is a solid Michigan team which over the years has pulled off some jaw-dropping upsets, but this is also a Michigan team that is trying to make a new name for themselves. Just because Michigan is a run n’ gun team, doesn’t make the game plan similar to the strategy against Kentucky. The Wildcats played the Hoosiers tough, but were missing arguably their best player (Terrance Jones) who took lift off to Moron Mountain to kick it with the Monstars from Space Jam. Either that or one of the waitresses at the hotel probably slipped a Xanax into his water before game time.
In order for Indiana to find success, they have to play to their strengths which happen to be the Wolverines weakness—the big man.
One of the main issues that Indiana has been facing this season is that they have been relying thoroughly on the outsite shot. For now, it appears to have been working, but it will only work until those shots don’t fall. The Hoosiers haven’t been utilizing Cody Zeller enough, especially when playing a smaller and weaker opponent. Against Kentucky, Anthony Davis was in foul trouble and Jones left his game in Lexington, yet Zeller did not get the ball. Against Michigan State, a much more aggressive Derrick Nix took Zeller out of the game mentally and physically and made him look like Apollo Creed when he fought Ivan Drago in Rocky IV.
However, against Ohio State, Jared Sullinger got into early foul trouble and Zeller played a tough 21 minutes due to foul trouble, yet still managed to drop 14 points in the game. It’s pretty simple; Zeller will show the country that the guy who is guarding him is softer than a dude taking shots of Smirnoff Mango at the bar, as long as he gets the ball and has the desire to play. Against an undersized Wolverine club, Zeller should be able to get plenty of attempts if given the opportunity.
ESPN college basketball analysts have given a one-word adjective describing both the Hoosiers and Wolverines. The Hoosiers are surging and the Wolverines are undecided. The Hoosiers have been shocking the nation while winning in upset form and the Wolverines have yet to prove to the nation that they are a force to be reckoned with, despite their #13 ranking. They still haven’t gotten that one win which paints a picture saying that they are for real. What better way then to get that win against a team that has beaten a #1 and #2 ranked team this season?
That is the Hoosiers motivation against the Victors from Ann Arbor.
Is IU's 13-1 Start a Fluke?
Let me begin by saying I would like to think I am a realistic Hoosier fan. I try my hardest not to get my emotions wrapped up in my analysis and expectations for the season. Last year I had the Hoosiers winning 14 games and missing the NIT. The year before, I thought we'd win 10 games. Without Maurice Creek's injury, I'd like to think I was pretty close to predicting our seasons. This year, according to the chart below, I had us at 21-10 which would put us on the Bubble for March Madness. (See predictions on left versus actual on right)
As we all know, the Hoosiers have surpassed everyone's expectations this year. The team has performed above and beyond my wildest dreams. Looking at the schedule, and based on the analysis below, it appears the Hoosiers have a great shot at going at least 25-6 (Assuming IU goes 6-5 in "Best" games). The Hoosiers are here to stay.
A Closer look at the 13-1 Record.
Indiana went from unranked and picked to finish last or near the bottom of the Big Ten, to a front runner and a top 15 ranked team. This climb to the top isn't a fluke. While many media members and fans (primarily of other teams) will mention the fact that IU has played an easy schedule, I'd like to show them what the Hoosiers have DONE versus that "easy" schedule:
I have broken the schedule into three different buckets: "Good" Games (RPI >200), "Better" Games (RPI 75-199) and "Best" Games (RPI <75). Let's take a look at each group. "Good" Games
The Hoosiers have played 7 games against teams with a current RPI ranging from 212-328. These games are called "Good" Games because their current RPI is greater than 200. I called them "Good" to be nice… In the preseason, these are games that were marked off as Wins. While it isn't impressive that IU went 7-0 against these teams. The margin of victory is impressive. IU beat these 7 teams by an average margin of 34.6 points. That isn't winning games, that's demolishing teams. A lot can be said about the margin of victories being inflated due to Coach Crean keeping his starting lineups in the game. That may be true, but to beat 7 teams by an average of 35 points is incredible. It is also good to note that when IU played these schools, three of them were in the top 200 in regards to RPI.
"Better" Games
The Hoosiers have played 3 games against teams with a current RPI ranging from 85-162. These games I would call "Better" games as the current RPI is between 75 and 200. Against the Better opponents, IU has gone 3-0 including one road and neutral site victory. Again the key isn't that IU beat these teams, it is how they beat them. IU won these three games by an average margin of 16 points. IU should have won these games, but they won them in a very convincing fashion. The average RPI for this bucket is 126.
"Best" Games
The Hoosiers have played 4 games against teams with a current RPI ranging from 6-48. These games I would call "Best" games as the current RPI is between 1 and 75. Against the Best opponents, IU has gone 3-1. IU is 2-0 at home, and 1-1 on the road for these games. Not including the IU game, these teams have a combined record of 51-6 (90%). They have an average RPI of 18.3 which is driven up by NC State. The average margin of victory in these games is where it gets muddy. IU is averaging 74.5 pts/game while giving up 74.3 pts/game which leads to an average margin of victory of 0.2 points. This shows how close these games have been.
Overall:
Overall the Hoosiers have gone 13-1 against an average RPI of 167.5. Obviously with the Big Ten schedule heating up, the Hoosiers are set to face much tougher opponents. IU has 17 games left in the season. As the RPI currently falls, IU has 11 "Best" Games, 5 "Better" Games and only 1 "Good" Game left. The average RPI of IU's remaining games is 73.5.
The point of this analysis is to show that many people who feel IU isn't a top 10 team based on our schedule are kidding themselves. While some opponents haven't been the best, IU has BEAT them like a Top 10 team should. The Hoosiers have another "Best" game coming up on Thursday vs. RPI #34 Michigan (Preview).
As we all know, the Hoosiers have surpassed everyone's expectations this year. The team has performed above and beyond my wildest dreams. Looking at the schedule, and based on the analysis below, it appears the Hoosiers have a great shot at going at least 25-6 (Assuming IU goes 6-5 in "Best" games). The Hoosiers are here to stay.
A Closer look at the 13-1 Record.
Indiana went from unranked and picked to finish last or near the bottom of the Big Ten, to a front runner and a top 15 ranked team. This climb to the top isn't a fluke. While many media members and fans (primarily of other teams) will mention the fact that IU has played an easy schedule, I'd like to show them what the Hoosiers have DONE versus that "easy" schedule:
I have broken the schedule into three different buckets: "Good" Games (RPI >200), "Better" Games (RPI 75-199) and "Best" Games (RPI <75). Let's take a look at each group. "Good" Games
The Hoosiers have played 7 games against teams with a current RPI ranging from 212-328. These games are called "Good" Games because their current RPI is greater than 200. I called them "Good" to be nice… In the preseason, these are games that were marked off as Wins. While it isn't impressive that IU went 7-0 against these teams. The margin of victory is impressive. IU beat these 7 teams by an average margin of 34.6 points. That isn't winning games, that's demolishing teams. A lot can be said about the margin of victories being inflated due to Coach Crean keeping his starting lineups in the game. That may be true, but to beat 7 teams by an average of 35 points is incredible. It is also good to note that when IU played these schools, three of them were in the top 200 in regards to RPI.
"Better" Games
The Hoosiers have played 3 games against teams with a current RPI ranging from 85-162. These games I would call "Better" games as the current RPI is between 75 and 200. Against the Better opponents, IU has gone 3-0 including one road and neutral site victory. Again the key isn't that IU beat these teams, it is how they beat them. IU won these three games by an average margin of 16 points. IU should have won these games, but they won them in a very convincing fashion. The average RPI for this bucket is 126.
"Best" Games
The Hoosiers have played 4 games against teams with a current RPI ranging from 6-48. These games I would call "Best" games as the current RPI is between 1 and 75. Against the Best opponents, IU has gone 3-1. IU is 2-0 at home, and 1-1 on the road for these games. Not including the IU game, these teams have a combined record of 51-6 (90%). They have an average RPI of 18.3 which is driven up by NC State. The average margin of victory in these games is where it gets muddy. IU is averaging 74.5 pts/game while giving up 74.3 pts/game which leads to an average margin of victory of 0.2 points. This shows how close these games have been.
Overall:
Overall the Hoosiers have gone 13-1 against an average RPI of 167.5. Obviously with the Big Ten schedule heating up, the Hoosiers are set to face much tougher opponents. IU has 17 games left in the season. As the RPI currently falls, IU has 11 "Best" Games, 5 "Better" Games and only 1 "Good" Game left. The average RPI of IU's remaining games is 73.5.
The point of this analysis is to show that many people who feel IU isn't a top 10 team based on our schedule are kidding themselves. While some opponents haven't been the best, IU has BEAT them like a Top 10 team should. The Hoosiers have another "Best" game coming up on Thursday vs. RPI #34 Michigan (Preview).
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Hoo's Next: Michigan State
Who: Michigan State Spartans
Where: Breslin Center
When: 12/28/11, 7:30pm
TV: Big Ten Network
Conference play has finally arrived. While IU has proven itself a basketball contender over the course of its nonconference schedule, the true test for the Hoosiers will be how well they fare in the division. The Big 10 is verycompetitive this year, and with the hardest tests in the first couple of games for the Hoosiers (tonight’s game at MSU and a Dec. 31st road game at Ohio State), IU will need to pull off a couple of early wins in order to solidify its elite status in college basketball.
There’s a lot for the Hoosiers to be confident about coming into this game. There is no argument that IU is hot offensively. IU ranks fifth in the nation in FG%, is leading the nation at shooting 46% from behind the arc, and have many offensive options which makes them a threat.
However, the key to success for IU this game is rebounding. The Spartans boast a +10 rebounding margin against opponents compared to Indiana’s +4.5. DraymondGreen and his teammates are in the top 10 teams in the nation when it comes to grabbing from the boards. IU will need to improve this area of their game in order to get a win against the Spartans. Here are a couple of things to watch for as IU opens Big 10 play for the season:
Draymond Green
Green is one of the top players in the Big Ten right now. Green has scored __ consecutive double doubles this season, and scored 34 points against then-ranked #22Gonzaga. Zeller and the Hoosiers will need to step up defensively to minimize Green’s impact.
The Breslin Center
IU has not won a game at the Breslin Center since 1991 (17 consecutive games). This arena is one of the toughest environments to play in for the Big Ten. Coach Crean has mentioned it is important for the Hoosiers to silence the crowd and not allow MSU to score any large plays to allow the crowd to get into the game.
The key to success for the Hoosiers will be to reduce Green’s impact for the Spartans and to zone out the hostile crowd at Breslin arena.
By Mariel Yohe
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Contenders or Pretenders?
Quick note from BtownBanners.com:
We hope everyone had a great Holiday Season and spent some quality time with their families. As the Big Ten approaches, our coverage will increase and we look forward to following and updating you on this Indiana Basketball team. We take great pride in our growth over the last few months and we thank each and every visitor that helps make BtownBanners.com what it is today. We look forward to providing you great analysis and opinions on our Hoosier team. We primarily grow through word of mouth, and we appreciate you all for telling your friends and family about us. With continued growth, we will continue to increase our coverage and enhance the customer experience. The title of this article is “The Real Season Begins Wednesday”…. Same can be said about BtownBanners.com!
The preseason slate is complete. IU took care of business going an impressive 12-0 in the non conference. That is all great and something to pat ourselves on the back for, but that is like going undefeated in Preseason NFL football. Yes, the Hoosiers knocked off NC State and Kentucky. Both wins were great for this team, but IU trailed by 9 in the second half to NC State. IU dominated Kentucky for 38 minutes and let the lead slip away when it mattered most. IU has a lot to cheer about, but there are many questions about this team that Hoosier fans don’t want to see. NOW is the time where the Hoosiers will let us know if they are Contenders or Pretenders.
Starting Wednesday, The Hoosiers will open Big Ten play with a tremendously difficult three game stretch.
Wednesday December 28th – at #16 Michigan State 7:30pm (BTN)
Saturday December 31st – vs. #2 Ohio State 6:00pm (ESPN2)
Thursday January 5th – vs. #18 Michigan 9:00pm (ESPN2)
Questions that might be answered on this 3 game Stretch:
- How do we handle a loss?
- How does Cody handle the bigger bodies in the Big Ten?
- If Cody gets in foul trouble, how do we respond?
- How deep can we go on the bench in big games?
- How do we play when the shots aren’t falling?
This stretch will be very important for our Hoosiers. Before the season, I had IU going 1-2 in this stretch with an “upset” over Michigan at home. Based on the landscape of college basketball today, the Hoosiers are the ones that could be “upset” in 2 of these 3 games. The real season begins Wednesday… let’s hope Coach Crean and his troops come prepared, because the Big Ten will BRING IT.
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Thursday, December 22, 2011
Coach Crean discusses UMBC
See what Coach Crean had to say about IU's upcoming opponent UMBC. The 11-0 Hoosiers should have no trouble knocking off UMBC to move to 12-0 heading into Big Ten play.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Hoo's Next? Notre Dame Edition
Who: Notre Dame Fighting IrishWhere: Close the Gap Crossroads Classic, Conseco Fieldhouse
When: 12/17/11, 4:30pm
TV: ESPN2
IU plays Notre Dame tomorrow at 4:30pm at Conseco Fieldhouse for the Close the Gap Crossroads Classic. Here are a couple of things to watch for as the Hoosiers try to extend its winning streak to 10-0:
The million-dollar question: Can Indiana build off of its win over Kentucky?
The biggest question on everyone’s mind is how the Hoosiers will transition back after the monumental win against Kentucky last Saturday (and after a long finals week). There’s a new set of expectations for the Hoosiers now that they’ve shown they can keep up with the best.
This squad is drastically different than in year’s past. Besides the obvious addition of Zeller, the mostly-veteran squad now plays a smarter game, gained mass through offseason lifting, and vastly improved their shooting, which is now more consistent. Indiana, which is now ranked #18 in the AP poll and #20 in the coaches poll, still has a lot to prove. The Hoosiers will need to sustain the level of play from Dec. 10th for the rest of the season to not only be successful against the stronger B1G opponents, but also gain back the respect it lost over the past few years. It will be interesting to watch now that things are swinging Indiana’s way, how they will adjust this new level.
Jack Cooley
Although Cooley had fallen ill earlier in the season, the past two games the Fighting Irish forward Jack Cooley has bounced back strong, posting only one rebound shy of back-to-back double doubles in his last two appearances. With the recent season-ending injury of ND’s star Tim Abromaitis, Cooley has stepped up for the Irish in the paint and provides a role it has lacked in Abromaitis’ absence.
Notre Dame’s perimeter game
Notre Dame’s 3-point game is not always consistent, but when hot, ND has a strong three-point shot, averaging around seven 3’s per game. Indiana will need a strong, outside defensive presence in order to shut down ND’s perimeter shot.
Will Derek Elston return Saturday?
Elston sat out last week’s game due to a back injury he acquired the week leading up to the Kentucky game. Coach Crean reported during his pre-game press conference Thursday that Elston has been feeling better and participated in practice this week. Hopefully Elston will be back on the floor tomorrow. Elston has a strong inside presence that will be needed to help Zeller shut down their inside game.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Hoo's Next: Kentucky Wildcat Edition
Where: The Assembly Hall, Bloomington, IN
When: 12/10/11, 5:15pm
TV: ESPN
Line: IU opened at +3.5, has since risen to +6.5
Keys to the game:
- The Hoosiers need to keep the fans in this game to ensure a close game.
- Zeller needs to get touches early and get to the line.
- If IU shoots more free throws than Kentucky, our chances improve drastically.
- IU fans and players need to rattle Kentucky's star freshmen.
- The Hoosiers need to jump out with a killer mentality.
- Attack the rim, get rebounds and limit turnovers.
Go Hoosiers!!!!!!
More from BtownBanners.com
IU vs Kentucky Poem
#KentuckySucks List
Coach Crean talks Kentucky
Final thing, post your #IUpickem predictions in the comments section. It'd help me out a lot!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Tom Crean Discusses Kentucky
Coach Tom Crean met with the media today. Hear what he had to say the Hoosiers and their upcoming contest with #1 Kentucky.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Hoo's Next: Stetson Edition
Hoo's Next
Who: Stetson Hatters
When: 4:30pm ET – Sunday December 4, 2011
Where: Assembly Hall – Bloomington, IN
TV: BTN.com, FirstRowSports
How to watch the game:
There are different avenues to watch the Hoosiers. The first option (and most legal option), is to purchase a subscription from BTN.com to view the game. Another option, is to wait until the game is shown on the BTN Channel on TV. The final option, is utilizing a site like FirstRowSports.tv which broadcasts games. They appear to be broadcasting the Stetson vs IU game today so you can give that a shot!
The Scoop: Out of the Atlantic Sun conference, the Stetson Hatters will be in Bloomington this Sunday to face off with our Cream and Crimson. Stetson (4-3) comes off a recent win over East Tennessee State but has their work cut out for them in this one. The Hoosiers, now 7-0, are sitting at ninth in the nation in field goal percentage (.524). Overall, it is important for Indiana to not overlook the Hatters despite the hype surrounding next week's highly anticipated match-up with number one ranked Kentucky.
What to Expect:
•
Deflections – Although his description of them is quite confusing, Coach Crean's getting a lot of them. Expect the ball to be batted and swatted around often when Indiana is on defense as their intensity and defensive presence has been unquestionable as of late.•
Scoring – The Hoosiers are averaging 85 points a game this season and have continued to shoot lights out. The Hatters could struggle to contain the many scoring threats of Indiana.•
Rebounding – The Hoosiers have struggled on the boards and will need to improve in the area to have a decent shot at Kentucky next week. Look for Coach Crean to stress rebounding with his players and emphasizing boxing out.Outcome: The Stetson Hatters have endured much adversity already this season; however, two of their three losses have come against ranked opponents in Florida and Florida State. The Hoosiers, though, should outmatch the opponents in this one and hopefully move to an impressive 8-0 start. Hoosiers over Hatters, 81-57.
Get some new Threads for The Holidays! BtownBanners.com has partnered with Slumpbusting.com to offer Hoosier fans great shirts! Ranging from the original "The Movement" shirt worn by IU's top recruits, to the classic "Kentucky Sucks" and "Purdouche" shirts! Check them out!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Hoo's Next? - NC State Edition
Who: NC State Wolfpack
What: Big Ten - ACC Challenge
When: Tonight, 7:15pm ET
Where: RBC Center
TV: ESPN 2
Line: IU opened +1, have since moved to -1
The Scoop:
After a successful win against Butler at home Sunday evening, the Hoosiers will be on the road tonight for its first true road game against the NC State Wolfpack for the ACC/Big10 Challenge (I don’t consider IU’s trip to Evansville a true road game, since half the arena was filled with IU alumni and the Zeller bandwagon from a not-so-far away Washington, IN).
This game will be a true test to Indiana’s abilities and a fair gauge of how Indiana basketball may fare once conference play begins. NC State, sitting at 4-1 with one loss to #20 ranked Vanderbilt, proves to be a more evenly matched opponent. NC State’s field goal percentage, while may not be as high as Indiana’s, still ranks high among collegiate teams, with a .489 percentage.
In order to win, Indiana will need to have a more defensive mindset to stop the Wolfpack. IU’s rebounding has been dismal thus far, earning around 38 rebounds per game and averaging only 2.8 more rebounds than their opponents. However, the 74 deflections against Butler on Sunday showed strides are being made in the area of defense.
NC State has a larger pool of talent Indiana has not been exposed to yet this season. The Wolfpack’s starters CJ Leslie (who was predicted to enter the NBA draft after last season, but instead returned to NC State for another year), Scott Wood, and Richard Howell will be among the biggest threats on the court for the Hoosiers.
Leslie has only played three games this season due to violations for improper benefits, but has come out of the gates strong with a 63% field goal percentage. Leslie has a strong drive to the basket that the Hoosiers will need to contain to the outside to prevent him from penetrating the lane.
Wood, who sat out three games ago due to an ankle injury, has shown that when healthy he is a major threat from behind the three-point line. Wood shot 5-6 from behind the arc in their last game against Elon and 5-8 during their season opener against Morehead State. Howell is another threat for the Wolfpack, leading their rebounding efforts with an average 8.8 rebounds per game.
Keys to the Game:
If IU makes NC State play at their own pace and become more aggressive on the boards, IU will likely come out with another win for the Big 10. Indiana basketball is shooting very well right now, which will certainly be a challenge for NC State to stop.
Also check out what Coach Crean had to say about NC State -> Video
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Hoo's Next - Evansville Edition
Who: University of Evansville Purple Aces
When: 8:00pm ET – Wednesday November 16, 2011
Where: Ford Center – Evansville, IN
TV: ESPN3
The Scoop: The Evansville Purple Aces look to defend their 1-0 record at home tonight against our Cream and Crimson who look to advance to 3-0. The Aces are coming off a shocking overtime victory in a game versus the defending national runners-up, the Butler Bulldogs. Though the Hoosiers have never lost to Evansville, it is a bit too early in the season to count anyone out. Coach of the Aces, Marty Simmons, looks to build off of his team’s early momentum tonight, but one can be sure that Coach Crean and the gang won’t make it easy.
What to Expect:
- Cody Zeller - There are plenty of stories to follow throughout tonight's game. As always, continue to look out for freshman Cody Zeller as he comes off of a B1G Ten Co-Freshman of the week award. Naturally, keep on eye his scoring threat and ability to rebound. But also, watch out for Zeller’s defensive presence, as he already has 9 steals through the first couple of games.
- Sheeladipo – Sheeladipo of course standing for the unstoppable sophomore duo of Will Sheehey and Victor Oladipo. The two players have combined for 56 points and 17 rebounds over the course of the first two games. Oladipo recently receiving an award of his own, the B1G Ten player of the week. This hybrid of dominance is one thing that Hoosiers fans hope to see more of throughout the year. Between Sheehey’s poise and Oladipo’s explosiveness, the Hoosiers should have a leg up on the Aces tonight.
- Moderate chance of rain – No, I’m not referring to the state of Indiana’s bizarre weather changes. You should expect a chance of rain, not off, but on the court tonight in Evansville. The Hoosiers stand at 10th in the nation in field goal percentage with a whopping 57.8% average. It is evident that the Hoosiers have spent some time in Cook Hall this off season. Expect players like Hulls, Sheehey, and Jones III to light it up tonight as they have so far this season, but also don’t count out players like Oladipo and Elston to have accurate shooting nights as well.
Outcome: The Aces will have to ride their recent momentum to have a chance in this one. I expect the Hoosiers to run away with it after a while. 83-68 Hoosiers.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Hoo's Next? - Chattanooga Edition
Who: Chattanooga Mocs
When: 5:00pm ET - Sunday November 13, 2011
Where: Assembly Hall, Bloomington Indiana
TV: Big Ten Network
Line: Hoosiers are favored by 17.
The Scoop:
Chattanooga is opening their season this evening in Bloomington vs the Hoosiers. Last year, Chattanooga finished 16-16 with a 12-6 conference record. The Mocs are relying heavily on transfers this year, as 4 out of 5 starters all came from other D1 schools. The Mocs will try to get in your face and make it a physical game, IU needs to keep the game fast pace and they should pull away.
What to Expect:
Expect another big effort by The Super Sophs and Zeller. These guys are the fuel to IU's team and will continue to help the Hoosiers win ball games. For more on what to expect, check out our Pre-Game Notes - Chattanooga post from earlier this morning.
Outcome: Chattanooga will show it's experience earlier. Unfortunately for them, IU will be too much and will overpower the Mocs. I'd expect IU to take this on 84-68.
PRE-GAME NOTES: IU vs. Chattanooga 11/13/11
Coming off a great victory on Friday against Stony Brook, the Hoosiers have a quick turnaround and will face Chattanooga tonight at 5pm. Here is the breakdown of what to watch during tonight’s contest.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Tom Crean Discusses Stony Brook
Tom Crean met with the media today, see what he had to say about Friday Night's contest vs Stony Brook.
Hoo's Next? - Stony Brook Edition
Who: Stony Brook Seawolves
When: 7:00pm ET - Friday November 11, 2011
Where: Assembly Hall, Bloomington Indiana
TV: Big Ten Network
The Scoop:
The Mighty Seawolves of Stony Brook open their American season against your Indiana Hoosiers Friday night in Bloomington. If you are like me, when you saw Stony Brook on the schedule, you thought of the Middle School in Indianapolis. I have confirmed that IU will not be playing the middle school. Stony Brook is an American East Conference school located in Stony Brook, New York.
Stony Brook has actually played 5 games so far this year on their European Exhibition Tour so they should come into Assembly Hall ready to play. (They finished the tour 4-1). Last season, the Seawolves finished 8-8 in the conference and 15-17 overall. For what it's worth they finished the season with an RPI of 240 compared to IU's 191.
What to Expect:
Judging from prior years experience, Coach Crean will use a wide variety of lineups in this game and will continually switch to find his optimal units. We will get our first heavy dose of Cody Zeller. Zeller played 30 minutes in the first exhibition game and I wouldn't expect anything different Friday night. In addition to Zeller, Austin Etherington and Remy Abell will make their Hoosier debut. Limiting turnovers, and controlling the boards will be two primary focuses for the Hoosiers.
Outcome: Stony Brook will keep it close early as they already have 5 games under their belt, but IU will pull away to a convincing season opening win. IU 83 - 65
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Pre-Game Notes: IU vs. UIndy Exhibition 11/5/11
Hoosier basketball season is finally upon us! Tonight, Indiana will open the season with its first and only exhibition game against the University of Indianapolis (and with the way the IU football season has turned out, it couldn’t have come any sooner). Here is a breakdown of three things to look for during tonight’s exhibition game.
Zeller
Cody Zeller makes his much-anticipated debut tonight for the Hoosiers. Zeller brings a different dynamic to Indiana that it hasn’t seen in years: game inside the post. All eyes will be on Zeller to see not only how well he fares during the first game of his collegiate career but also his chemistry with the veteran Hoosier squad.
Defense
Coach Crean stressed during his press conference this week that much of their focus during practice has been on defense. I think Crean made a great call focusing on this side of the court and keep offensive practice on the back burner. IU’s fouling last season was atrocious and seemed like a fall back strategy for Indiana when it couldn’t compete with the Big 10 elite in the post. With the work they put into their defensive play and the addition Zeller’s height inside, hopefully we will see much improvement on this end of the court.
Sheehey and Oladipo
Sheehey and Oladipo have most improved over the offseason. Both have put on significant mass in the weight room and have worked relentlessly in the gym on their outside shots. These two showed much promise towards the end of last season. Between where they left off last season and the strides they put in over the past few months, Sheehey and Oladipo should gain significant momentum for the upcoming season…and hopefully posterize a lot more opponents.
Hoosier Gameday: Indianapolis
Welcome back Hoosier fans!
Tonight's Game: University of Indianapolis @ Indiana
Location: Assembly Hall, Bloomington
Time: 7:00PM
TV: Game will be broadcast on BTN.com Free Monthly memberships are offered right now by BTN.
BtownBanners take: This will actually be a tough game for the Hoosiers. Many time you see an exhibition game and automatically think, "Easy W". UIndy isn't your typical run of the mill exhibition team. UIndy went 19-9 last year including a huge upset of Tennessee on Summit Court. As long as Cody Zeller stays out of foul trouble, I think we will take this one down.
What are you hoping to see in this game?
What are you guys most excited about seeing tonight?
Tonight's Game: University of Indianapolis @ Indiana
Location: Assembly Hall, Bloomington
Time: 7:00PM
TV: Game will be broadcast on BTN.com Free Monthly memberships are offered right now by BTN.
BtownBanners take: This will actually be a tough game for the Hoosiers. Many time you see an exhibition game and automatically think, "Easy W". UIndy isn't your typical run of the mill exhibition team. UIndy went 19-9 last year including a huge upset of Tennessee on Summit Court. As long as Cody Zeller stays out of foul trouble, I think we will take this one down.
What are you hoping to see in this game?
What are you guys most excited about seeing tonight?
Friday, November 4, 2011
Tom Crean Press Conference 11-3-11
Tom Crean met with the media today to discuss his upcoming basketball game against Indianapolis. The Hoosiers kick off their season this weekend!
See what Coach had to say after the jump!
See what Coach had to say after the jump!
