2. Make a deep postseason run, reach Elite 8
The Hoosiers *haven’t* made an NCAA Tournament since 2016 and with the sour taste in the their mouths from this year, look for a big season in year four for Archie Miller.
Indiana is projected to return nine of the top 10 scorers on the roster from this past season. Add in a top-30 recruiting class and the possibility of 2021 five-star point guard Khristian Lander reclassifying, Archie Miller will have a lot at his disposal.
Not only will Archie Miller have his most talented roster yet, but it will be his most experienced. With so many underclassmen playing a lot of minutes and big roles in their first two seasons, even if a few of them take that next step in their progression, it will do wonders for the Hoosiers.
A talented frontcourt, headlined by a rising sophomore Trayce Jackson-Davis, the backcourt is what will win games and lead a deep postseason run.
Rob Phinisee and Al Durham have grown a lot since last season and have learned to play both on and off of the ball. Regardless, they need to play at a much more consistent level than they did this past year.
This past season, Indiana had five ranked wins on the season and at times looked like a top-15 team. It was the inconsistent play that held them out of the rankings all year. Despite that, they were as streaky a team out there and a team that could have easily won a couple of games come the NCAA Tournament.
If Indiana can nail down its consistent play next year, the talent and skill on the team could lead to a deep run, and an Elite 8 potential.