Read on Twitter
IU is 9-8, 4-6 in conference play.
The gaudy computer rankings (given the won/loss record) mean nothing if the Hoosiers don't start racking up actually victories ... and fast.
On the bright side, the remaining schedule is exactly what you'd want in this situation:
(1/9)
The gaudy computer rankings (given the won/loss record) mean nothing if the Hoosiers don't start racking up actually victories ... and fast.
On the bright side, the remaining schedule is exactly what you'd want in this situation:
(1/9)
IU has:
• 3 potential resume boosters (v Iowa, at OSU, and v MICH)
• 2 more games against like teams (at RUT, at PUR)
• 3 games they'll be favored in (at NW, v MIN, v MSU)
To have a shot on Selection Sunday, IU probably needs to go at least 5-4 down the stretch.
(2/9)
• 3 potential resume boosters (v Iowa, at OSU, and v MICH)
• 2 more games against like teams (at RUT, at PUR)
• 3 games they'll be favored in (at NW, v MIN, v MSU)
To have a shot on Selection Sunday, IU probably needs to go at least 5-4 down the stretch.
(2/9)
That would put IU at 14-12, 9-10.
The loss number would be troublesome, but if at least one of the wins is against Iowa, OSU, or MICH, it might be enough to squeak Indiana in.
But how in the hell will we win that many more games?
Answer: unlock the offense.
(3/9)
The loss number would be troublesome, but if at least one of the wins is against Iowa, OSU, or MICH, it might be enough to squeak Indiana in.
But how in the hell will we win that many more games?
Answer: unlock the offense.
(3/9)
The only way to do that is by letting Lander take the reins.
I mean like a football coach changing QBs: make Lander PG for the rest of the season, as many minutes as he can handle.
It's a high risk/high reward proposition. But this spiraling season demands that upside.
(4/9)
I mean like a football coach changing QBs: make Lander PG for the rest of the season, as many minutes as he can handle.
It's a high risk/high reward proposition. But this spiraling season demands that upside.
(4/9)
Besides, it's quite clear that he's one of the four most talented players on the roster (along with Trayce, Race, and Armaan).
If you're not gaining the benefits of defaulting to experience, which we're not, then default to talent.
(5/9)
If you're not gaining the benefits of defaulting to experience, which we're not, then default to talent.
(5/9)
But putting Lander at PG does't mean Rob sits. Play them together.
Start KL, RP, AF, RT, and TJD.
Let Rob play off the ball, where's been most successful, and let him take the most difficult perimeter defensive assignment to "mask" Lander's D as much as possible.
(6/9)
Start KL, RP, AF, RT, and TJD.
Let Rob play off the ball, where's been most successful, and let him take the most difficult perimeter defensive assignment to "mask" Lander's D as much as possible.
(6/9)
Move Al to a 6th man role, where he's more ideally suited to coming in off the bench and providing an offense spark.
Just make sure that one of Lander or Rob is *always* on the court. Al is not a backup PG. He's a bench scorer.
(7/9)
Just make sure that one of Lander or Rob is *always* on the court. Al is not a backup PG. He's a bench scorer.
(7/9)
Bottom line: Lander's not a panacea. He's still a reclass freshman PG.
With more exposure, his swings might actually get more severe. Some games could be ugly.
But Lander figuring it out on the fly is this flawed team's last shot at rising above mediocrity.
(8/9)
With more exposure, his swings might actually get more severe. Some games could be ugly.
But Lander figuring it out on the fly is this flawed team's last shot at rising above mediocrity.
(8/9)
Plus, it keeps an eye on the future.
Lander/Franklin can be one of the B1G's best backcourts over the next 2 seasons. Let them play as many minutes as possible together now.
It's the clear best option for the future, and it's become the only chance in the present.
(9/9)
#iubb
Lander/Franklin can be one of the B1G's best backcourts over the next 2 seasons. Let them play as many minutes as possible together now.
It's the clear best option for the future, and it's become the only chance in the present.
(9/9)
#iubb
