Indiana Basketball: Al Durham brings increased role, importance this season

The Indiana basketball junior guard will see a new role this season and only brings more responsibility and importance to the Hoosiers.

When Romeo Langford went down with his season-ending injury last season most of the talk went to now senior guard Devonte Green and his increased role and while he excelled, it was Al Durham who caught my eye as someone who, when given an expanded role, will become that much more important this season.

Beyond his 8.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game a season ago, Durham proved why he was such a vital part to what Archie Miller was building and the future of Indiana basketball.

Whether it be his third lowest turnover percentage on the team, or his second ranked three-point shooting percentage, Durham was someone who Miller trusted and needed out on the floor.

Coming into this year, however, Durham will need to take another jump up in his production and efficiency with his expanded role.

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With Devonte Green and Rob Phinisee the two main ball handlers on the roster, what happens if one gets injured or struggles, as we saw last season with Phinisee missing an extended period of time with a concussion.

That’s where Durham’s new role comes into play.

"“Definitely without question I see him (Durham) playing a lot more point guard for us this year,” Miller said at IU media day.  “I feel like that’s going to be something that’s going to help our team. It’s going to put — if it’s not Rob or Devonte, it’s going to put him on the floor as an older player with the ball in his hands. That’s important.”"

With no ‘true’ ball handler outside of Rob Phinisee – as Green is more of a combo guard – Durham’s role is crucial for the Hoosiers.

Despite not being a huge playmaker for others, he is looked at to be a steady hand in the backcourt if/when Phinisee and/or Green head to the bench.

It becomes even more important due to Green’s role transitioning into a the main scoring option instead of a distributor, or someone in between roles as he has been throughout his Indiana career.

With Green being the leading returning scorer, and by far the best shooter on the team, putting him in situations where all he needs to focus on is scoring, will benefit the senior guard.

"“I think that’s where guys like Al and playing the one more comes into a little bit more play,” Said Miller. “Devonte, when he needs to score, we have to have the ability to put him in situations where he’s a more primary offensive weapon. Where he’s not brining it up. He’s more or a receiver than a facilitator.”"

With Archie Miller wanting to have more motion and freedom in the offense in his third season, it’s important to have more than just one or two players comfortable with the ball in their hands, and that is exactly what adding Durham to the mix does for the Hoosiers.