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Indiana Basketball: Four potential lineups after Justin Smith’s transfer

By Trevor Gersmehl

BLOOMINGTON, IN - FEBRUARY 23: Justin Smith #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers brings the ball up court during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Assembly Hall on February 23, 2020 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - FEBRUARY 23: Justin Smith #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers brings the ball up court during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Assembly Hall on February 23, 2020 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Indiana basketball, Indiana Hoosiers.(Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /

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Rob Phinisee

Khristian Lander

Al Durham

Trayce Jackson-Davis

Joey Brunk

Khristian Lander is only a junior in high school, and despite his talent, he will need time to adjust to the college game. This almost surely means he will not start for Indiana. However, if Archie Miller wanted to shake things up late in the season and deemed Lander to be ready, this would be a fun lineup to go to.

While I am not personally a fan of the Trayce Jackson-Davis/Joey Brunk duo, Miller is. This gives a shred of realism to this lineup. We saw Al Durham play small forward when he was alongside Romeo Langford, and he did fairly well in that role.

This lineup would feature three reliable shooters who could all run the pick and roll effectively. It’s not dripping with offensive talent but has a solid mesh of experience combined with talent.

Phinisee manning the point guard spot would mean Lander wouldn’t have to shoulder the main playmaking load. It could help Lander get acclimated to the game without being the main focal point of the defense.

This lineup would need to be used against select teams, however, as it doesn’t boast much size. Phinisee and Lander are only 6’1,” and Durham is only 6’5.” Teams with big guards would torch this lineup, which is why it isn’t a fantastic option despite some positives.

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