Indiana Basketball has found a new and improved identity, and that improvement comes from the absence of James Blackmon Jr.
The role of a sports fan is simple. Things happen, and then we react to them. Sports as a whole are reactionary.
Sometimes those reactions are too quick and too emotional, so it’s important to always keep said reactions in some sort of form of perspective.
In a 31 game season, every game is a new and one can’t rush to conclusions after each completed game. One must look at various games and allow things to play out a bit before either writing off a team or praising it.
I myself am a hypocrite.
This past Wednesday, Indiana’s second-leading scorer James Blackmon Jr. was ruled out for the season with a knee injury. In Blackmon’s absence, Indiana has played four Big Ten games, finishing each game with an impressive victory over their opponent.
As a fan, you shouldn’t rush to conclusions.
James Blackmon Jr is one of the most prolific scorers in the country. As a former 4-star recruit, Blackmon presented Indiana with boat loads of undeniable talent and skill. Without Blackmon on the floor, this team will most likely struggle to space the floor and find open shots like it used to.
Unfortunately, I am a college student. So, if you tell me I shouldn’t do something, I’m probably going to do it.
Indiana Basketball is better without James Blackmon Jr. on the floor.
Nothing against Blackmon. He’s an incredible player. His talent is through the roof. Blackmon came into conference play as Indiana’s second-leading scorer at 15.8 points per game. This left him at 10th in the Big Ten in scoring. He is also third in the Big Ten in 3-point field goals made per game at 2.8 and seventh in 3-point field goal percentage at 46.3 percent.
He is great at what he does, but my argument has nothing to do with Blackmon’s talent level. My argument solely surrounds the style of play in which this Hoosier Basketball team can play, without him.
In the small sample size since Blackmon’s departure, we have seen a new Indiana Basketball team. A new identity. An identity highlighted by defense, rebounding, and relentless energy.
Indiana Basketball is better without James Blackmon Jr. on the floor.
In order to analyze this new found identity, it’s important to look at what this team was like with James Blackmon Jr. on the floor.
When looking at almost every good college basketball team, one will notice a strong differentiation between roles. Everyone on a team should play a different role in order to find success. There are lock down defenders, lights out shooters, strong post players, etc.
So what role did James Blackmon play?
If you look at everything James Blackmon did for IU, it is replaceable. (Yea, I know that’s an aggressive sentiment, but hear me out.)
- James Blackmon is an incredible iso-scorer. Spread the floor, give Blackmon the ball, and let him find his shot.
You know who else can do that for Indiana? Yogi Ferrell. Yogi is one of the best iso-scorers in the country.
When you have two isolation players on the floor at the same time, the offense can get stagnate. Too much reliance on isolation basketball restricts ball movement and can lead to complacency from other players on the floor.
2. James Blackmon is a remarkable shooter. He was shooting over for 46 percent from behind the arc and 48 percent from the field.
You know who else can do that for Indiana? Almost everyone.
Although it’s hard to replicate Blackmon’s efficiency, six other players on this Indiana Basketball team are shooting 40 percent or better from behind the arc. As one shooter steps down, another one shall arise.
Although Blackmon is an incredible player, he doesn’t do much differentiate himself from others on this Indiana Basketball team. What he is proficient in, so are many others. With all of this said, it shouldn’t be surprising to notice this Indiana offense not only remains as effective as it was previous to Blackmon’s departure but, in my opinion, it has improved.
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Ball movement has clearly improved due to the decrease in isolation play and second chance opportunities have increased as players such as OG Anunoby and Collin Hartman have received elevated minutes.
Now, what is Blackmon deficient in?
Quite simply, DEFENSE.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine that the defensive effort displayed above by Blackmon just won’t cut it. Of course, I am aware that this defensive lapse against Notre Dame is not one of Blackmon’s shining moments, but it’s consistent with the fact that Blackmon just doesn’t play well on the defensive side of the ball. Although we have seen improvements from him this season, he just doesn’t quite have the proper ability on that side of the ball.
So, how has Indiana been able to improve on defense without him?
Insert OG Anunoby, Colin Hartman, and Robert Johnson.
These are the three guys that received the greatest minutes increase in Blackmon’s absence, and they’re relishing it. Robert Johnson and OG Anunoby are quite simply lock down defenders. One can just look back at the Rutgers game to see how pivotal their play has been.
Against Rutgers, Omari Grier went off on this IU defense in the first half scoring 18 points. This is a result of him being matched up against Troy Williams. Fast forward to the second half and notice Omari Grier was held scoreless by the combination of OG Anunoby and Robert Johnson.
There is no denying James Blackmon’s abilities, but this Indiana Basketball team has just looked like a more cohesive unit without him. Players are hustling on both ends of the floor, grabbing key rebounds, and dialing down defensively.
I know it’s harsh, but Indiana Basketball has found a new and improved identity, and that improvement comes from the absence of James Blackmon Jr.