Sunday, December 30, 2007

IU Basketball - Progress Report


Well, at this point IU is 11-1 and will begin the Big Ten season on Wednesday. So far, IU has been only slightly challenged by their opponent, but we can make a few observations from their play so far.

First, DJ White is the cog that moves this team. Although EJ leads the team in scoring, DJ will be required to provide the only inside threat available for Indiana. As the Big Ten wears on, he will need to stay out of foul trouble, rebound well, and continue to move the offense through passing. To date, DJ is averaging 16.4 points per game and nearly 10 rebounds per game.

Second, IU will likely cut the rotation to 8 or 9 players. We know that Basset, EJ, DJ, Stemler, and Ellis will receive substantial minutes with Deandre Thomas, Jordan Crawford, and Mike White receiving minutes. The big question becomes the presence of Ratliff. Will he be able to receive any minutes as the season wears on? Without an injury or suspension, Ratliff falls as the odd man out.

Finally, how will Indiana perform against improved defenders. To win the Big Ten, IU will face an increase in pressure at the guard spot and will need to make better decisions. Overall, I feel that Indiana will win all there home games and lose at Michigan State, at Wisconsin, and at Purdue. Their record at the end of the Big Ten season will be 27 - 4.

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