Indiana Basketball: Hoosiers now have size, depth up front to compete in Big Ten

Archie Miller hasn’t used a traditional lineup in his time in Bloomington, but that is something that could change for the Indiana basketball program.

The physical play of Big Ten basketball is unlike anything else when it comes to college basketball, and the Indiana basketball program got a first hand look at that over the past few seasons.

Since Archie Miller’s arrival in Bloomington, two words that have never been associated with the IU front court are ‘size’ and ‘depth’.

In Miller’s two seasons as the head coach for Indiana, the Hoosiers ranked in the bottom half of the Big Ten in rebounding, a stat that Indiana dominated for almost all of the last decade – spent 2011-2016 in the top-5. Something that may not have been a huge priority at Dayton and in the  Atlantic 10 Conference, is anything but in the Big Ten.

Injuries have played a huge part in the matter, however. Whether it be De’Ron Davis out with an Achilles injury for half of the 2017-18 and missing time last year with an ankle injury, or Race Thompson who was limited all throughout his redshirt freshman season with a concussion, Indiana lacked the depth and size needed to compete near the top of the conference.

This year should be entirely different.

Not only are Davis and Thompson fully healthy entering the season, but two new members of the front court have arrived. Joey Brunk and Trayce Jackson-Davis are two welcomed faces to the Indiana roster that will play huge roles and minutes this season, and gives the Hoosiers something they haven’t had in Miller’s tenure; size and depth.

"“[We] weren’t as big as we needed to be. Obviously I think at times when we were able to play a little bigger last year it helped us. I think this year’s team will start off in that mode of a bigger team in size. So hopefully with the added size it helps you on the glass, helps you around the basket a little bit more.” Said Miller of his front court."

Whereas Jackson-Davis is a freshman and still will have growing pains, Joey Brunk comes in at 6-foot-11 and 250 pounds as someone who has already played a couple of seasons at the collegiate level. To have two big bodies like Brunk and De’Ron Davis at your disposal will be critical come Big Ten play and down the stretch in big games.

Though the game of basketball has been trending in the way of a stretch-four and undersized power forward, that doesn’t mean you can’t have depth with size. Justin Smith, as frustrating as his inconsistent play can be at times, is exactly what you need on a roster. His versatility to play on the outside, while still being 6-foot-7, gives the Hoosiers options.

"“He’s got versatility where hopefully we can move him back and forth from the perimeter to the small forward slot. To me, he’s as capable a defender as there is in college. He’s as good as it gets in terms of talent and athleticism.” Miller said of Smith."

Can Indiana still rotate the four aforementioned ‘bigs’ in with Justin Smith? Absolutely. But what has Miller excited is for the more traditional lineup to be in play this year.

"“You know, that’s the old-school lineup right there. That’s the big-ball, traditional two bigs. Can it happen? Absolutely.” Miller explained. “But could they play together and defend a team who doesn’t play traditional with bigs. That will be the quest. Can those guys exist on that end of the floor a little bit.”"

A big part of playing a two or three big man lineup is up to Trayce Jackson-Davis and his ability to defend on the perimeter, much like Smith. With Jackson-Davis’ athleticism, length, and increasing mobility, potentially playing him with a traditional front court of De’Ron Davis and Brunk is something that can happen.

"“But for the betterment of him and our team, that’s one thing I think that we’re all hopeful for, is he [Jackson-Davis] can take that role as a guy who can defend inside and out a little bit. He’s not a prototype typical big. He’s very mobile, athletic, he’s got great endurance for a young player.” Miller added."

While Race Thompson won’t be someone who plays 20 minutes a game, his role is crucial for the Hoosiers.

Despite being in and out of the lineup, Thompson showed his value last season. Whether it was his seven rebound performance while playing exceptional defense on Ethan Haap in late February, or his three offensive rebounds against Iowa to help force overtime, his toughness and rebounding ability is critical for a fifth big man in the rotation.

What may have been the downfall of Indiana in recent years, the front court could be the strength of Indiana’s team this season, and could allow them to be a sneaky team towards the end of Big Ten play.