The former four-star recruit heads into year two with bigger expectations put on by Indiana basketball coach Archie Miller.
There is no question that both Indiana basketball fans and Damezi Anderson expected his freshman season to go differently than it did, but now heading into year two, there is a much better understanding of what Archie Miller wants out of Anderson.
Despite being a four-star recruit and South Bend standout, Anderson’s freshman season was a bumpy one. Playing in 21 games, he averaged just 1.5 points and 1.1 rebounds a game, numbers he is expected to far surpass in year two.
Not only does he have the skills to do so, but he also plays a position that the Hoosiers need some production out of.
At 6-foot-7, Anderson has the athleticism and ability to play on the wing, but also at 220 pounds, can play a small ball four at times on the defensive end, depending on the lineup Miller wants to use.
As we approach the season, what exactly has Anderson done to show the coaches that he is ready for a bigger role and has the ability to produce at the Big Ten level? His shooting ability.
"“Our perimeter guys have to shoot it in, we’ll have to find some other guys that can find that niche. Damezi (Anderson) is a guy we have some hope for in that regard,” Said Miller at his season opening presser. “As a sophomore, he’s going to have to have a role on our team. One of the best things that Damezi does is he can shoot the ball. You’ve got to start him with that.”"
Not only did Miller echo that at Big Ten Media Day on Wednesday, but he also is expecting that from the forward.
"“It’s just a much different feeling for him. It’s not the first time he’s went through it,” Said Miller. “He now has the advantage of going through a year under his belt, and he knows what we expect of him. He kind of knows right now what he’s going to need to do to help our team. And I think everyone from players to coaches feel that he’s going to do that, and we’re excited for him.”"
With Jerome Hunter still a question mark as to what exactly, and how much, he will provide the Hoosiers this season, Anderson becomes a crucial member of the rotation. With no true ‘small forward’ on the roster outside of Hunter, and the backcourt relatively slim, Anderson has the opportunity to play significant and meaningful minutes throughout the season.
What he’s done already throughout the summer has shown Miller that he is ready for a bigger role, but not all of it has to do with his physical attributes.
"“But I think he’s [Anderson] much more equipped mentally to do that more than anything, which is what you want from your young players, to grow and to keep playing better.” Miller added."
Anderson doesn’t have to be, and won’t be, a big scorer in order to help this Indiana team. What he needs to do is be that energy player off of the bench and the three-and-D guy that has become so valuable for teams at all levels.
Will he be that player this season? It’s too early to tell, but by the looks and sounds of it, he not only has the backing from his coach, but also the confidence to do it himself as well.