The bigger concern here is if IU isn’t hitting 3’s…..

 I’m really concerned about Lamb from 3.

*cough* Charles Barkley *cough* He said at the half of the NMSt game that he was surprised we would choose to run it so much. Uhhhhhhh Chuck? 

*cough* Charles Barkley *cough* He said at the half of the NMSt game that he was surprised we would choose to run it so much. Uhhhhhhh Chuck? 

True. I’ve shaken my head multiple times at “experts” and “analysts” who have actually said that IU should try to slow everything down and keep the game in the 50’s.  That just screams “I don’t actually know anything about IU”.

I agree with the keys for IU winning.  However, I firmly believe that IU’s best and most likely aspect that they will utilize effectively is tempo.  It may surprise some, others not so much, but the key to this game is establishing a very quick tempo in order to get good looks before UK gets their half court defense set up.  When i say that, i do not mean just chucking up quick shots unless they are really good shots.  We always have the option of getting into a set to work for a good shot, which I think we can do against this highly touted defensive team.  Most important is we need to keep floor balance to ensure that we do not allow Uk to get out on too many breaks.  We need to force them to play half court offense as much as possible.  Preferably forcing perimeter shots rather than drives to the rim. 

I think the Hoosiers may play some zone during this game to reduce dribble penetration, esp when Jordy is on the floor. I am concerned about his ability to keep Lamb or Teague from getting into the lane and / or to the rim. When Abell is on the floor for Hulls I think we can play more man-to-man, but I think CTC may throw some zone at UK to disrupt them and mix things up.

I think the Hoosiers may play some zone during this game to reduce dribble penetration, esp when Jordy is on the floor. I am concerned about his ability to keep Lamb or Teague from getting into the lane and / or to the rim. When Abell is on the floor for Hulls I think we can play more man-to-man, but I think CTC may throw some zone at UK to disrupt them and mix things up.

Also, this is off-topic, but IU starts three super-long, supremely athletic players in Zeller, Oladipo, and Sheehey, yet not once have I heard an analyst reference how athletic IU is as a team.  The only reason people think a team like Baylor, for example, is good is because they have length/athleticism. IU has that plus great shooting/skilled offensive players/willing defenders.  

Also off topic, is there any truth to the rumor that Illinois had to plan a potential visit by Shaka Smart around his demand that any flight from Virginia not actually cross into Indiana airspace? 

Seriously buddy, wait for a better opportunity not so close to Crean country.

Hulls is such a ridiculously effective and efficient shooter, and he’s added a lot to his game in terms of getting off shots off the dribble.  It’s what makes him an elite offensive player (which sounds ridiculous to say after the VCU game, but it’s been true far more often than not this season.)  

Any matchup of Zeller and Davis that occurs away from the rim favors Zeller, easily.  On both ends of the floor.

Any matchup of Zeller and Davis that occurs away from the rim favors Zeller, easily.  On both ends of the floor.

If they are a disciplined team, they won’t bite on Vic’s fake, but if they do bite, it would create some good opportunities for him to get to the rim and get to the line.

Not to mention the addition of an entitled, enabled 6′ 11″ kid next year. Won’t mention any names… 

MU will have chemistry issues. Bet on it. 

Not to mention the addition of an entitled, enabled 6′ 11″ kid next year. Won’t mention any names… 

MU will have chemistry issues. Bet on it. 

A sweep is so much better than a split the the cats. We need to start to catch up with them in the head to head match up score. 

Agreed. Since Vic does not yet have a reliable jump shot, he must attack the rim to soften up the middle as he has done in the past. 

Two handed strong jam attempts will draw fouls on UK. 

What a chance for Crean to shine as a great X’s and O’s coach. 

3 transfers, including a starter in Smotrycz (sp?) and Burke looking to go pro. I don’t think they have a point guard on the roster if this all shakes out.

Think a lot of UM fans thought the same as IU fans, “we’re a Final Four team next year.”

Combine that with their first round flame out and there can’t be many happy people up there.