Hoosier State of Mind
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Indiana Basketball: Justin Smith’s departure carries some upside

By Trevor Gersmehl

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Justin Smith #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers steals the ball in the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Assembly Hall on March 04, 2020 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Justin Smith #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers steals the ball in the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Assembly Hall on March 04, 2020 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Jerome Hunter, Indiana basketball.
Jerome Hunter, Indiana basketball. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Indiana basketball: It’s Jerome Hunter time!

I’m rubbing my hands together and licking my chops at the opportunity to see Jerome Hunter suddenly thrust into a key role. The former top 50 recruit who we thought may never play a game for the Hoosier due to injury is now right where he should be: front and center.

I think Archie Miller tends to shelter his players. It was fun to watch Hunter last season because it seemed like he got better every time he went in the game. His defensive upside is just as high as Justin Smith’s, but he has a ways to go to get there. Offensively, he is a million times more potent than Smith. There is no sheltering now; Hunter has no choice but to make a huge impact.

I think Hunter would thrive as the starting small forward for the Hoosiers. It may be a little rough at first, but he has great upside, and I for one am excited to see it on full blast a year earlier than I thought I’d be able to.

Indiana Basketball: Hoosiers have a chance to be top Big Ten Team. dark. Next

Overall, I think Smith’s decision to transfer is a win-win situation. He will likely have a better chance to make the NBA under a coach with a proven track record of getting his players to the league. Conversely, I think Indiana’s offense will actually massively benefit from Smith’s departure, and they’ll be a much better team because of it.

Check back in with Hoosier State of Mind, as we’ll be talking more about Smith in the coming days.

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