Hoosier State of Mind
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Indiana Basketball: 3 things to look forward to next season

By Trevor Gersmehl

BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 14: Exterior views of Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall before a college basketball game between the Marquette Golden Eagles and the Indiana Hoosiers at the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on November 14, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 14: Exterior views of Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall before a college basketball game between the Marquette Golden Eagles and the Indiana Hoosiers at the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on November 14, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – FEBRUARY 27: Al Durham #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers dribbles the ball against Eric Hunter Jr. #2 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on February 27, 2020 in West Lafayette, Indiana.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – FEBRUARY 27: Al Durham #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers dribbles the ball against Eric Hunter Jr. #2 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on February 27, 2020 in West Lafayette, Indiana.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Better guard play

Keeping on the same track, this year’s roster has a lot more malleability than in the past, particularly at guard. Last season, Archie Miller had Al Durham, Rob Phinisee, Devonte Green, and Armaan Franklin. Franklin had moments but was just a three-star freshman recruit who had struggles as any other three-star freshman would. Green was sporadic, leaving Phinisee and Durham as the only two backcourt guys who Miller could rely on.

This year, however, there is a lot more to work with. Durham is back as the senior leader and is poised for a breakout year. Phinisee is solid as ever and Franklin has a year of experience under his belt. Plus, you have newcomers Anthony Leal, Trey Galloway, and the heralded Khristian Lander, who all bring their own unique talents and skillsets to the table.

The wing situation will also help the guards thrive. The shooting numbers for Durham, Phinisee, and Franklin last season were all below what you’d expect them to be, but that was because they were oftentimes the only shooters on the floor. This year, Jerome Hunter and Jordan Geronimo will be on the wing to add much more shooting, keeping the defense from clinging onto the guards.

There will likely be many more options this year than in years prior. Last season, if a guard was playing poorly, there really wasn’t an adequate substitution Miller could make. This season, there will be way more flexibility and way more success as a result.

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