Round Table: 2011-12 Starting 5
By Editorial Staff
Ever since Cody Zeller committed to Indiana University there has been and there will continue to be a buzz about the upcoming basketball season from the Hoosier faithful. So when I talk to my friends and fellow Hoosier fans, it’s only natural that Hoosier basketball becomes a topic of discussion. Within that broad umbrella we like to lay hypothetical questions on each other in order to stay sane unil the madness can be released come October. The following post is related to the question, “Who will be the starting 5 for the Indiana Hoosiers in 2011-12”? Helping me answer that question and giving their own perspective on the matter are two of my good friends and future contributors to my posts here at HoosierStateofMind.com, gmhaynes and jneill.
gmhaynes’s Starting 5 for 2011-12
Jordan Hulls, PG
Verdell Jones III, SG
Victor Oladipo, SG
Christian Watford, SF
Cody Zeller, PF
When talking about a potential starting line-up for the 2011-12 Indiana Hoosiers, the first thing that comes to mind is the health of Maurice Creek. A 100% healthy Creek locks up Victor Oladipo’s spot, but at this point in time Creek is far from healthy and unfortunately nobody knows if he ever will be the same player we saw glimpses of his freshman year. That being said, expect Oladipo to take over for Jeremiah Rivers as the Hoosiers best perimeter defender. We all know that he is a top notch athlete, but if he can improve his jump shot to go with his quick first step, we could see big things from him this year.
Jordan Hulls was Indiana University’s most improved player last year who flashed his abilities to create opportunities off the dribble late in the season. Look for him to continue to be deadly beyond the arc as well as add some consistency to his mid range game.
Verdell Jones III needs to increase his awareness on both sides of the floor and become the senior leader that this team desperately needs. Hopefully Remy Abell can assert himself as a PG to decrease Jones’ minutes at the point.
Christian Watford needs to continue to get stronger to be consistently effective. Pre-injury last year, Watford was a strong finisher at the rim, increased his shooting range and decreased his turnovers. Post-injury his turnovers spiked because he couldn’t handle the ball nearly as well. The addition of Cody Zeller should help him in all facets of the game as he moves to his natural position as a 3/4 combo player.
In this writer’s opinion, CZ’s impact will not be seen in numbers. Simply his presence on both ends of the floor will open things up for the Hoosiers in the upcoming season. Hoosier fans need not worry if he’s not putting up ridiculous numbers right away. Let’s not forget that an All-American by the name of D.J. White only averaged 13pts and 5rebs as a freshman.
A lot can change from now until November, specifically Creek’s health. Until then this is what we’re working with and I’m cautiously optimistic.
jneill’s Starting 5 for 2011-12
Jordan Hulls, PG
Maurice Creek, SG
Verdell Jones III, SG
Christian Watford, SF
Cody Zeller, PF
Having Jordan Hulls and Verdell Jones capable of running the point should allow the Hoosiers to push the ball even more. Jones will continue to impress with his mid-range game and Hulls will continue to be lights out from deep. Creek is the one player I really struggled picking. Provided he is fully healthy and returns to the form we saw his freshman year he will be a huge lift offensively. Christian Watford’s ability to play inside and out can now start to create more matchup problems as he will not have to play as big with Cody Zeller in the lineup. Zeller needs little explanation, but a legitimate inside presence and an excellent passing big man will no doubt open things up for the Hoosiers on the perimeter.
This group will obviously have to improve defensively, but all around I think this is the best starting 5 we can put on the floor. This also leaves some very solid guys to bring a spark off of the bench (see dunks by Victor Oladipo & Will Sheehey).
sully’s Starting 5 for 2011-12
Jordan Hulls, PG
Verdell Jones III, SG
Austin Etherington, SF
Christian Watford, SF
Cody Zeller, PF
What good is a discussion on potential starter’s without a controversial pick? Enter Austin Etherington. I have nothing left to add on the other player’s selected as my colleagues have already provided good insights on their abilities and what to expect from them next year. So in an effort to avoid being redundant, I’m going to focus my portion of this post explaining why Austin Etherington will start for the Hoosiers in 2011-12.
At 6’6” and nearly 200lbs, Etherington has been dubbed by many recruiting analysts as the best pure shooter in the 2012 class. Yes you read that right … 6’6”… best pure shooter. If you have read about him, or if you happen to follow him on Twitter, then you already know that he is the definition of a “gym rat”. My guess, however, is that not many of you know much about him since he has been completely overshadowed by Zeller-palooza. His size coupled with his athletic and shooting ability make him, in my mind, the “X” factor this season. Above all else, he is a work horse, so mark it down, you’ve read it here first … Austin Etheringon will start for the 2011-12 Hoosiers, and he’ll earn every second of it.
In conclusion of this round table, I want to inform all followers and readers of this blog that if there is ever a topic you would like to be discussed by myself, gmhaynes and jneill feel free to e-mail me at steven.sullivan520@gmail.com. We’re always looking for ideas to discuss and we’re always interested in what you’d like to read about.