Indiana Basketball: Hoosiers Most Likely to Have Breakout Season

Indiana basketball season will be here before we know it, so it’s time to start previewing the upcoming campaign. The Hoosiers may be young but are bound to have players who surprise us.  This article takes a look at who is most likely to have a breakout season for IU in 2014-15.

3. Stanford Robinson

As a freshman, Robinson was solid, averaging 6.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in 16.9 minutes per game. He was one of IU’s best at attacking the basket, but one of its worst at shooting the basketball. He made just 31.4 percent of his two-point shots outside of the restricted area and 18.8 percent of his threes.

After a whole offseason in the program, his shot is sure to have improved. During IU’s stint in Canada, Robinson played about the same amount he did last season (17 MPG) but increased his production. Up north, he averaged 12 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.

This year, he should be the first off the bench for the Hoosiers and one of the primary offensive options while on the court. Playing in 32 games last season gave him tons of experience he will lean on as a sophomore. With hopefully an improved shot and a larger role in the offense, I think Robinson is due for a big year.

2. Nick Zeisloft

Zeisloft comes to the Hoosiers after transferring from Illinois State. Last year for the Cardinals, he averaged 6.9 points and 3.4 rebounds in 25.7 minutes per game. But that was Illinois State. Zeisloft is now at IU and surrounded by much, much better talent. For Indiana, his responsibility will be to spread the floor to open up the lane and wait for the ball at his sweet spot, the three-point line. He’s 38 percent shooter from the area for his career.

While in Canada, he showed that even though his only college experience is at a mid-major, he can fit in at Indiana. He scored 8.8 points per game, but more importantly, he was lights out from beyond the arc. He drained 55 percent of his attempts, a number that has to have Tom Crean itching with excitement.

Recent successful IU teams have had guys who set up on the wing and bury threes. Matt Roth and Christian Watford come to mind. I think Zeisloft can follow in their footsteps. When Indiana pushes the pace, as it loves to do, a trailing Zeisloft can find an opening and be ready to fire.

His transfer to IU may not have caught the attention of many, but everyone in the conference should know who he is by the end of the year.

1. Troy Williams

Williams was arguably the most impressive Hoosier during this summer’s trip. His offensive output exploded from 7.3 points per game on 50.9 percent shooting in 2013-14 to the tune of 18.4 points, with a 66.1 shooting percentage. On top of that, he grabbed 6.4 rebounds and had a steal and a block per game.

Feb 27, 2014; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Troy Williams (5) dunks the ball during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

IU’s roster and scheme is set up for Williams to succeed. With Yogi Ferrell and the introduction of James Blackmon Jr., Indiana will have two legitimate outside shooters on the floor with Williams. There will be plenty of space in the lane as the floor will be better spread and defenders will be hesitant to leave Ferrell or Blackmon Jr. open from three. Williams should be able to do what he does best — attack the rim.

He is an above-the-rim player at heart, and I forsee him having plenty of chances to get to the basket. Having Blackmon, an elite offensive talent, on the court forces the defense to turn its attention away from players such as Williams. Blackmon Jr. was a McDonald’s All-American and will be one of the top freshman in the country. Opposing teams will have to respect him. This means that Williams should be able to thrive as the focus isn’t on him.

If how he played in Canada is any indication of how this year will go, he could quickly become regarded as one of the Big Ten’s best players.