Indiana Hoosiers
Big Ten (25-8, 11-7)
The resurgence of Indiana this year has been remarkable. They are only a few years removed from their 6-win season after the turmoil Kelvin Sampson left behind. What Tom Crean has done is amazing. He turned things around quickly. He has recruited all over the country and he sold the program’s history to a new generation of skilled, dedicated players. The Big Ten schedule slowed the momentum the team carried early, but they were in the mix for a top half finish all season long. With another strong class coming in next year, Indiana basketball appears to be back. Their return to the tournament will be welcome by the basketball world.
Big Wins: 12/10 Kentucky (73-72), 12/31 Ohio State (74-70), 1/5 Michigan (73-71)
Bad Losses: 1/12 at Minnesota (77-74), 1/18 at Nebraska (70-69), 2/19 at Ioaw (66-78)
Coach: Tom Crean (4 seasons at Indiana)
Why They Can Surprise:
This team is young, but they have a ton of talent. Perhaps more importantly, they have the will. They have had the chips stacked against them a few times this season. Kentucky, a more athletic and gifted team, had Indiana beat until Christian Watford denied them a victory. Ohio State was ready to storm back and grab the lead from the Hoosiers, but the Buckeyes were held at bay. They have a tenacity that is reflective of their coach. Tom Crean’s energy seeps through this team. Freshman Cody Zeller has been the most important recruit for them in years. Fairly or unfairly, his performance is vital to their success in the tournament
Why They Can Disappoint:
As reassured as the Hoosier fan base feels that the program is back on the right track, this team is still a work in progress. There is no shame in losing to teams like Michigan State and Ohio State on the road. But this team also faltered against opponents they are better than. Losing to Minnesota and Nebraska is quite the blemish on their resume. After beating teams like Ohio State and Kentucky, expectations were raised in games against lesser opponents. Those losses are proof that this is still a young, inexperienced team with a lot to learn. That inexperience may come back to bite them in a tournament format.
Probable Starters:
Jordan Hulls, Junior, Guard, 11.5 ppg, 3.2 apg
Victor Oladipo, Sophomore, Guard, 10.9 ppg, 1.8 apg, 5.5 rpg
Will Sheehey, Sophomore, Guard-Forward, 8.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg
Christian Watford, Junior, Forward, 12.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg
Cody Zeller, Freshman, Forward, 15.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.2 bpg
Key Roleplayers:
Matt Roth, Senior, Guard, 4.6 ppg
Derek Elston, Junior, Forward, 4.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg
Tom Pritchard, Senior, Forward, 1.3 ppg, 1.6 rpg
Remy Abell, Freshman, Guard, 2.8 ppg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 77.5 (21st in nation, 1st in conference)
Scoring Defense: 65.4 (125, 8)
Field-Goal Percentage: 49.1 (6, 1)
Field-Goal Defense: 42.2 (131, 5)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 6.5 (132, 5)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 43.2 (2, 1)
Free-Throw Percentage: 75.9 (16, 2)
Rebound Margin: 4.0 (56, 3)
Assists Per Game: 13.7 (103, 6)
Turnovers Per Game: 12.9 (114, 8)
Last Five Postseason Appearances:
Indiana 2008 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Arkansas
Indiana 2007 NCAA Round of 64 win over Gonzaga
Indiana 2007 NCAA Round of 32 loss to UCLA
Indiana 2006 NCAA Round of 64 win over San Diego State
Indiana 2006 NCAA Round of 32 loss to Gonzaga
Indiana 2005 NIT First Round loss to Vanderbilt
Indiana 2003 NCAA Round of 64 win over Alabama
Indiana 2003 NCAA Round of 32 loss to Pittsburg
*all team stats through 3/4
See All Men’s Basketball Postseason Capsules
