1. Hoosiers finish in top three of Big Ten
Usually saying ‘finishing in the top-three of the conference’ would not be much of a ‘bold statement’, but because of the recent play of Indiana, that’s where we’re at.
Indiana has finished in the top-three of the Big Ten just six times since 2000. Yes, you read that right. Last year, the Hoosiers finished t-10 in the conference but were just four games back from second and just two games from third – rankings were a bit unusual this year with a three-team tie for first.
Though finishing 9-11 in the conference, Indiana basketball lost three games by four or fewer points, with two one-point losses. If they get a couple of extra bounces that go their way, the outcome of the season is much different.
One part of last year that needs to change in order for this to happen is winning on the road. Just 2-8 away from Assembly Hall in Big Ten play, the Hoosiers were an entirely different team. Whether it be a blowout loss from start to finish, or poor scoring droughts to start the second half, Indiana needs to be much better.
Look, while this sounds like a very bold prediction considering the lack of success in the Big Ten in the past 20 years, looking deeper at it, it may not be as far off as you think.