Indiana Basketball: The importance of the junior class for the Hoosiers
Consistent play from Indiana juniors Devonte Green and De’Ron Davis will be crucial for the Hoosiers’ success this year.
With Rob Phinisee getting into foul trouble and Juwan Morgan getting hurt, Indiana received some quality minutes from their juniors Devonte Green and De’Ron Davis against Michigan State.
Evidently through the upset win, we now know what Indiana basketball is capable of with strong bench play.
Both players posted season highs in minutes, with Davis playing 25 minutes, coming off an ankle injury, and Green playing 34 minutes after being reinstated following a suspension. Each provided a much needed spark off the bench as they combined for 23 points, shooting an effective 50 percent from the field.
When both Davis and Green both play at least 10 minutes in a game, the Hoosiers have been an impressive 4-1, with high quality wins over Louisville, Butler, and now Michigan State.
With the inconsistent play from Rob Phinisee since returning to the team from a concussion, the play from Devonte Green as the lead guard will be crucial as a security blanket from an upperclassman.
Injuries have long plagued the Indiana Men’s basketball team with Rob Phinisee, Devonte Green, Al Durham, De’ron Davis, Race Thompson and Zach McRoberts all missing games due to injury this year. Heralded freshman Jerome Hunter was ruled out indefinitely and has decided to redshirt this season.
With team captain and Big Ten player of the Year candidate Juwan Morgan banged up, it’s unclear of how effective he will be moving forward, Davis will now be relied on to provide quality minutes for Indiana.
His presence in the post was a huge boost against Michigan State, using his size to affect the game on both ends of the floor.
If Green can continue to give the team consistent play off the bench and continue to build off his 39 percent three point shooting, he could be the reason why Indiana finishes the season strong.
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As for Davis, if he can establish himself worthy of consistent extended minutes, he can give the team the boost in size, rebounding, and defense that it desperately needs.
With Indiana’s next game against another Big Ten team with a strong front line, the Iowa Hawkeyes, they will look to Davis to continue being a presence in the paint and Green to continue his efficient play as they continue on in Big Ten play.