Indiana Preview Capsule
By The Associated Press=
Indiana
Last season: 27-8, won Big Ten regular season title, lost to North Carolina in NCAA Tournament regional semifinals.
Nickname: Hoosiers.
Coach: Tom Crean.
Conference: Big Ten.
Who’s gone: G Kevin ”Yogi” Ferrell, F Troy Williams, F Max Bielfeldt, G Nick Zeisloft.
Who’s back: C Thomas Bryant and F OG Anunoby were so impressive as freshmen some thought they should head straight to the NBA. G James Blackmon Jr. also tested the NBA waters despite missing the second half of last season after having knee surgery. G Robert Johnson may be the most crucial player on this season’s team because of his leadership skills, but he had offseason ankle surgery.
Who’s new: Former Pittsburgh G Josh Newkirk is expected to play a significant role after sitting out last season because of the NCAA transfer rules. F Freddie McSwain Jr., a junior college transfer, could provide another athletic interior presence after averaging a double-double last season. The two freshmen most likely to help immediately will be G Curtis Jones and 6-10 forward De’Ron Davis.
The Skinny: Indiana has plenty of athletes, lots of scoring punch and even the knowledge of what it takes to win a conference title. But Crean still must find a replacement for Ferrell and won’t have a senior to lean on until F Collin Hartman returns after injuring his knee last month. Regardless, the Hoosiers should be a serious contender for the conference crown.
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Online:
AP College Basketball: http://collegebasketball.ap.org
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