What a game. Before tip-off, I tweeted out that though IU was favored, I thought this Michigan game could be a trap game. Well, as much of a trap game as the number 12 ranked team in the country can have facing the number 13 ranked team. Michigan has shooters, and they proved it. In the second half as time was winding down, it seemed that for every basket IU was making, Michigan was in transition that ended with Zack Novak draining a three pointer. You've got to give Michigan their due; they came into Assembly Hall and almost squeaked out of there with a win, something that no other team has been able to do thus far this season.
Along with its long range sniper Novak, Michigan has other athletes in its starting lineup. Tim Hardaway Jr. can drive in to dunk, or shake a defender and make a jumper. And it isn't difficult to out-rebound the Hoosiers, but Jordan Morgan finished with 12 points to go along with his nine boards. A trap game for sure, but lucky for all of us cheering on the Crimson and Cream, Indiana stays undefeated at the Hall and moves to 14-1.
As the Hoosiers' season continues I keep asking myself, who is the MVP of this team? And then I ask myself, does MVP stand for most valuable player, most valuable person, or most valuable people? Regardless of the intended meaning, I now present my nominations and awards:
Most Valuable Player- This probably will go to Cody Zeller at the end of the season, but as of right now I have to give the nod to two other players. Both Christian Watford and Victor Oladipo are playing lights out. Watford has been a factor in every game. He is second in minutes, second in points, second in rebounds and second in 3 point percentage amongst starters. The "Watshot" at the end of the Kentucky game, his beard swag, and the fact that he is always a factor in every game gets him my nomination. My other nomination goes to Victor Oladipo, who is never seen away from the ball unless he's resting or running along the baseline to rid himself of a defender. On both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, Oladipo is straight hustle. He can shoot the three, and he's on every highlight throwing the rock down on the basket as if he were seeking out revenge on the rim for dating his sister. Indiana goes as Oladipo goes. The intensity, hustle and ferocity that he brings all contribute to the energy IU will need if they plan on contending in the Big Ten. As IU hops on the bus to go on the road and play teams like Ohio State, Wisconsin and Purdue, they will need the leadership of both Watford and Oladipo. These two players will be the spark to this Crimson fire.
Most Valuable Person- Equally important as most valuable player, the most valuable person is the one who brings the intangibles to the success that the Hoosiers are experiencing. I split this award between two obvious people. Both Cody Zeller and Tom Crean will be the foundation to Indiana's continued success. Cody Zeller is an Indiana born player, and when he signed on to play for the Hoosiers, he opened the door for other five star recruits to come to Indiana and to feel that it's the right place for their talents. On and off the court, Cody is showing that Indiana is the place to come and play basketball. I read a lot about this team reminding fans of the teams from the early to mid 90s because of their passion and energy. The energy in Assembly Hall wouldn't be there without Indiana's savior-boy Cody Zeller, who Hoosier fans protect and who every big program in the game covets. And then there is the man who brought Cody to the Hall, along with other talent that is showing out this year. Tom Crean has brought Indiana back. He is making lineup changes and substitutions that are proving him to be the coach Indiana needed. When key players are getting into foul trouble, Crean inserts players off of the bench and it is clear that everyone on this team knows their role and knows how to play situational basketball. Crean is fired up and calm all at the same time, and the team is feeding off of this unique ability. And his work off the court isn't stopping with the recruitment of Cody. The class coming in next year is taking a life of its own, being dubbed as "The Movement," and the list of recruits coming in 2013 is getting better as Indiana continues to win. As if the five banners hanging in the Hall aren't enough, new talent is coming in to pursue banner number six because "It's Indiana" and five ISN'T enough! Tom Crean knows this, and his efforts earn him my split Most Valuable Person award.
Most Valuable People- Benchmob. If you have to ask, you'll never know. What does Indiana do when Cody finds himself on the bench in foul trouble? Oh, nothing special; just put Sheehey or Roth in to spread the court and drain big basket after big basket. Need some rebounds? No problem. We'll just insert good 'ol Tom Pritchard in there to be a big body. (Indiana fans will ERUPT for Tom on his Senior Day.) And who's that inked up mask on the court? That's Derek Elston who is getting better by the dribble. Elston pulled down four boards, scored five points and rejected one of Michigan's shots to help Indiana get to where they are today: 14-1. Benchmob. Get to know it, because without it, Indiana isn't back.
There is another group of people that deserve a note for Most Valuable, and that's the fans. Passion. There is no other word to describe this base of people. It says a lot about us when we are "winners" in a landslide for worst fans in the Big Ten. Undefeated at the Hall because the team is playing Hoosiers basketball and because the fans are giving them the extra motivation to keep playing Hoosiers basketball. Of course we as fans don't need an award or a trophy... We're only after banners.
It's been a great ride through the first fifteen games of the season. Now it's time for the students to come back, it's time to take our talents on the road, and it's time to show the nation that Hoosiers basketball isn't only back, but we're here to stay! Go Hoosiers!
-Kenneth Languell
@AskTheWho
