The Indiana basketball program loses their top two scorers from last season and look to Devonte Green to fill the void that has been left open.
As one of two players returning to Bloomington for their senior seasons, Devonte Green will be asked to take on not only a leadership role for Indiana basketball, but also an increased role in the team’s offense.
The question remains though, could Devonte Green elevate his game to All-Big Ten status?
While Green’s season averages of 9.4 points and 3.0 assists per game may not impress the casual fan, it is the finish to his season that should have the Big Ten on alert.
Over Green’s final seven games of the season, he averaged 15.4 points and 3.9 assists per outing.
Another impressive statistic was his stellar shooting, as he shot 51 percent from the three-point line during that stretch, including an 8-for-10 performance in the team’s loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament.
Another blossoming part of his game is his ability to make plays and create for his teammates. Despite playing nearly 170 minutes less than the team’s season assist leader Rob Phinisee, Green came second on the team in assists at 85, right behind Phinisee’s total of 94, and an assist rate of 23.1, four percent higher than that of Phinisee.
It is also worth noting Green’s rebounding prowess.
For a 6-foot-3, on a good day, guard, he is still an active rebounder despite his physical limitations. Proven in the team’s NIT win over Arkansas, Green posted an impressive double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds. He also showcased his rebounding ability with a nine rebound game against Central Arkansas and a seven rebound game against Wichita State.
All of these are areas in which Green can continue to improve and develop on this summer, heading into the season, but one key thing will be staying out of trouble for the senior guard.
Last season, Green served an indefinite suspension that forced him to sit out four games during the team’s seven game losing streak. However, it was in his first game back that the team beat sixth ranked Michigan State on the road, bringing life back to the team’s postseason aspirations.
In the end, Devonte Green’s All-Big Ten case will come down to the consistency of his play throughout the season.
The Big Ten has seen what Green is capable of doing and it is up to him to continue his development this offseason to return and finish his career as a Hoosier in fantastic fashion.
Though Devonte Green has been labeled as a streaky player for as long as he’s been wearing an Indiana uniform, if his performance at the end of last season is indicative of the potential he brings to the Hoosier team, he can definitely make his case as a All-Big Ten selection at the end of the year.