STF Super Awesome Team Previews: #9 Indiana Hoosiers

#9 Indiana Hoosiers



Team: Indiana Hoosiers

Conference: Big Ten

Last Season Recap: 21-11, lost to UCLA in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Key Players Returning: After a few injury plagued seasons, this could be the year that we see a Player of the Year type season from DJ White. The moment that he decided to hold off on the NBA, the Hoosiers became a Final Four contender. He's a low post scoring threat (13.8) and a beast on the boards (7.3 rpg). Another encouraging sign for Hoosiers fans was White's performance for team USA at the Pan America Games, where he led the team in scoring and rebounding. Also returning for the Hoosiers is PG Armon Bassett, SG AJ Ratliff and F Lance Stabler.

What's To Love: There is more to love about the Hoosiers outside of White. Namely, a fantastic recruiting class led by shooting guard Eric Gordon. Gordon, who initially committed to Illinois, is the perfect outside scoring and athletic threat needed to compliment the inside attack of DJ White. Also coming to Bloomington with Gordon is JC Player of the Year G Jamarcus Ellis, 6'9 C ELi Horman and 6'7 Brandon McGee.

What's Not To Love: The key issue for this team may mixing the new with old. Six players are going to be new to this squad, which is quite unusual for a team ranked this high. Chemistry issues will be an important aspect for this team to make a run at the championship. Also, the Kelvin Sampson phone scandal may hang over the heads of this team be an issue for a team with so many new players.

Key Player: The key player for the Hoosier won't be Gordon or White, but PG Armon Bassett. Bassett will be filling in for the graduated Eric Calloway. The Hoosiers going to need consistent PG play to feed the ball to White and Gordon. If Bassett struggles the point, it could derail the Hoosiers trip to San Antonio.

Best Case: White has a Player of the Year type season, Gordon is type of athletic shooting guard that has been missing in Bloomington for some time, Bassett takes hold of the PG position and feeds the ball to White and Gordon, the Hoosiers are too athletic for everyone else in a weak Big Ten and cruise to a conference title.

Worst Case: The Verizon Network continues to follow Kelvin Sampson, White struggles offensively with constant double team, Bassett isn't the answer at point, chemistry issues hurt this team early in the season.

STF Prediction: Just a hunch, but I see a special season in Bloomington. Big Ten champions and Final Four.