Indiana Basketball Preview 2021

PreviewsNCAAMBig Ten BasketballIndiana Hoosiers

Nov 7

Our Indiana basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that the last time the Hoosiers went to the NCAA Tournament was 2016. That year, they were eliminated by North Carolina 101-86 in the Sweet 16. Since then, they’ve been to the NIT twice. Last season, the Indiana Hoosiers (12-15 Overall, 7-12 Big Ten) finished 10th in the conference. First-time coach Mike Woodson takes over for Archie Miller. Miller was fired after four seasons. Woodson, who has an NBA background, is determined to modernize the Hoosier offense and play tough man-to-man D to get this team back into the national spotlight. Although criticized for his lack of college experience, the new coach won instant plaudits when he convinced five IU players to forego the transfer portal or the NBA Draft.

Hoosiers Frontcourt

Sophomore forward Trayce Jackson-Davis put up impressive numbers last season. As a freshman, he played 34.2 MPG starting 27 games and averaging 19.1 PPG and 9.0 RPG. Jackson-Davis hit 51.7 percent of his field goals. The talented forward needs to work on his mid-range jumper and foul shot. Our Indiana basketball preview 2021 - 22 observes that Race Thompson was also effective in the paint, connecting on 51.5 percent of his twos. Like Jackson-Davis, he started 27 games, averaging 9.1 PPG and 6.2 RPG. Transfer forward Miller Kopp (Northwestern) and returning freshmen Jordan Geronimo, both solid shooters, will likely become part of the rotation. There are additional low post choices that may be utilized.

Indiana Basketball Preview – Backcourt

Point guard is a major question for the Hoosiers as is connecting from beyond the arc. Pittsburgh transfer Xavier Johnson, a solid three-point shooter, joins the team and may be an option. He has a tendency to turnover the ball. Returning junior Rob Phinisee has been plagued by injury and confidence issues. He’ll be given another crack at the point. Khristian Lander came to Indiana as a five-star recruit. However, he’s struggled as a shooter and been overmatched physically. Shooting guard has plenty of competition, as freshman sharpshooter Tamat Bates and junior transfer Parker Stewart (UT-Martin), a sound three-point shooter, arrive. There are additional options, including returning freshmen Trey Galloway and Anthony Leal.