Thomas Bryant needs to embrace leadership role

Thomas Bryant has already established himself as a great player, but can he lead?

Electing to stay another year at Indiana instead of entering the NBA draft and potentially making millions in guaranteed money speaks volumes about Thomas Bryant’s character.

As a freshman and only 18 years old, Bryant showed surprising passion that fueled audiences and teammates, alike. Cody Zeller and Noah Vonleh, the two star predecessors to Bryant, were great basketball players – however they lacked the type of emotional energy that Bryant brings to the table.

The absence of Yogi Ferrell leaves a leadership role empty on this young Indiana team. Some explosive players such as James Blackmon Jr. and OG Anunoby may be able to lead through their play, but do not have the same type of zealous spirit that Bryant possesses.

The thing about being a leader, however, is that you have to be able to control these emotions just as much as unleash them. While Bryant’s enthusiasm on the court was often a great thing for the team, there were also times where he was immediately surrounded by teammates, attempting to calm him down after a questionable call or hard foul.

Another thing Bryant will have to improve on is staying on the court. He will be a huge part of Indiana’s offense next season, with a much different situation at point guard, and cannot assist his team if he is in foul trouble. Indiana does not have a strong second option for rebounding or defending in the paint and if he goes out, will be forced to play small ball which can put them in some very dangerous scenarios. Too many times last season Bryant would pick up a couple early fouls and have to sit until the second half.

He is simply too valuable on the court to lose. Last season Bryant averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds per game and those numbers greatly improved as the season progressed. The 6’10 freshman shot 68 percent from the field, third in the nation and not behind by much. A more prominent role should see his productivity skyrocket.

Many analysts expected Bryant to declare for the draft. His athleticism and effectiveness at such an early age makes him a very valuable prospect. Of course he would have to play a stretch 4 position in the big league, being outsized by some of the giants of the NBA. However, Bryant’s outside shooting creates very advantageous match-ups.

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Luckily for Indiana, Bryant wants to develop just a little bit more before going pro. That and he is enjoying his time being, literally, the big man on campus. It is not all that surprising from his perspective, as Tom Crean is revered for his ability to improve his players who commit the time. Victor Oladipo and Yogi Ferrell are two prime examples of players who vastly improved year-by-year until they were ready for the NBA.

This may be Bryant’s last year as a Hoosier. Surely he is looking at all of the NBA money being thrown around and wants a piece of the action. What he can do now is embrace his leadership role and become the face of the program. Not only will that increase his draft stock, but will also give his team a chance to make a run at a conference, if not national title.

Bryant is clearly a self-less teammate. It is evident every time he rushes over to praise his fellow Hoosiers after big plays. He has a love for the game and is not afraid to show it. All of the makings of an Indiana great are there, he just has to grab hold of the opportunity in front of him.