He certainly could. I was just envisioning a year after a strength and conditioning summer in Bloomington….oh boy!

That is a good point. A lot of TBs points last year came from penetrating guards that were able to dish off to him to get an easy slam. Hoping JN can fill some of the void left by Mr. Yogi.

Hmmm… That’s a good point. Even so, I still see him hesitating at times and the defender has a chance to respond, compared to when I see him go stronger and score. But I’ll keep an eye out for that–it’s definitely something that can be improved, which is a positive.

Part of the reason I wonder if that’s really what’s going on is that DD doesn’t suffer from it. His moves are stronger and he isn’t getting blocked the same way.

He also had Yogi getting him the ball last year. I don’t want to take away anything from the guys on the team now, but there’s something different about getting the ball from an elite point guard that lets you catch the ball comfortably and get into your shot more quickly.

DD is going to be a swat machine this year….he is that good.

TB is getting blocked more this year than last year. He’s just taking an extra step or motion on some shots rather than going straight to the basket. He’ll get over that, I think, especially as he continues to bang against DD in practice. And agreed, DD is developing faster than I expected — we’re starting to look _really_ tough with both of them in at the same time. DD as more of a true center and TB as a forward is a nice combination against certain teams.

Generally speaking everyone is competing for the same 200 minutes per game..With that said ,from a situational standpoint the competition for minutes becomes role specific ..Neither of you are necessarily right or wrong..Good thoughts from both!

Only difference I have with what you’re saying is I’d call us 11-deep. The two Macs aren’t at the same level as the previous nine, but they bring something meaningful and aren’t just filler. We can play lots and lots of kids and by the time the B1G rolls around — assuming OG is healthy by then, and it’s sounding like he will be– we’ll be able to really wear most teams out. It’ll be the rare team that’s deep enough to keep up with us.

Well, okay, I won’t argue with you there. But DG is a guard, and Priller is a forward. So, they’re not really competing for playing time, are they? I mean, even in CTC’s “positionless” concept I don’t think he subs Priller for DG–and of course can’t watch last night’s game again.

I beg to differ on this one. Priller gets the crowd going after the game’s mostly over. Some of Green’s plays have been highlight reel spectacular. Like that dunk a few games ago. That certainly got the crowd going. And this doesn’t take anything away from Priller, who I think will be contributing more this season. But Green needs more minutes in these cupcake games. We might really need him in a few months and he’s not ready yet.

Totally agree on Green. He still has a long way to go, but I’m expecting a lot out of him. He’s going to blow up sooner or later.

I know we all get frustrated with TB getting blocked by smaller players sometimes, but man that guy is just awesome. He is such a good leader and he really communicates well with the guys. He and DD seem to have some good chemistry and he believe it or not seems to be the best at feeding the post (surprise!).

I love TB he’s the kind of player Hoosier Nation really loves having at IU. He plays hard, plays with emotion and passion, he’s always team first, and he loves being a Hoosier!! But Man…. Can De’Ron play the post or what!!! I think with the way TB can shoot the three he could play the 4 and play DD at the 5 if needed at different times

Hi cbags.

1- The whole team has been saying all summer how big of a jump JMo (DD coined that name earlier 🙂 will make. I think he’ll get even better!
3- I saw the same thing tonight and I’m puzzled as well. Confused as to why he doesn’t just DUNK the ball when he’s that close. Too many blocked shots.
4- I think CuJo will have a break-out season next year. Excited about him.
5- McFly will come around, just needs to concentrate on his defensive stuff now (where he shines), and the offense will get there.
6- GG has had better games, and he’ll improve with minutes as well. Same as Devonte Green. DG is better than he looks at times, and next year will shine as well.
7- Yes!!!
8- Great team job keeping the TOs down, especially in the face of a good SIUE defense. Please, keep that trend going. 🙂

I agree with you about ZM, love his energy and hustle. Seemed to do a little of everything last night. But unfortunately, I don’t see a scholarship, just because of all the recruits we want in the next couple years. Not saying he wouldn’t deserve one, just that there are only so many to pass out.

I’ve found myself the last few games thinking how wonderful everything he did was but just kept (barely) not finishing the play. Now the question need not be asked! Just great.

Legs maybe. … ankles though? ?

I dunno. He plays hard and I’m sure he practices hard as well, so he’s valuable there. Plus, nobody gets the student section fired up like he does–and we were reminded of the student section’s value the other night. Nothing wrong with keeping them happy.