Hoosier State of Mind
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What Indiana Basketball's Rotations could look like next season.

The Hoosiers should be deep and talented next season. How will Coach Woodson manage his rotations?

By Dante Pryor

Feb 24, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Mike Woodson reacts from the bench during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Indiana 83-74. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Mike Woodson reacts from the bench during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Indiana 83-74. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports / Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
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One of the criticisms fans and media had of Mike Woodson last season was his insistent use of two-deep rotations. The issue with those rotations was simple: Indiana did not have the talent depth for reliable rotations. It was no surprise Indiana's play improved when Woodson shortened his bench.

Injuries played a big part in last season's depth issues. Xavier Johnson, Kel'el Ware, and Malik Reneau all missed time because of injuries. Taylor Hood-Schifino's unexpected departure to the Association did not help matters either.

Woodson Gets to Work

Woodson declined an NIT invitation to hit the recruiting trail despite the unnecessary criticism. That controversial move paid off. Indiana Basketball had the top-rated transfer portal class in the country.

In addition, the Hoosiers signed wing player Bryson Tucker, one of the best high school recruits in the country. What could some of Woodson's rotations look like with so many new signees?

Starting Five

Guard: Myles Rice

Guard: Trey Galloway

Center: Oumar Ballo

Forward: Mackenzie Mgbako

Forward: Malik Reneau

There could be some competition for the shooting guard spot between Trey Galloway and Kanaan Carlyle. Galloway is a veteran who played well with a solid, consistent ball handler in the backcourt. Carlyle has significantly more upside than Galloway, but Woodson might favor the veteran if the Stanford transfer doesn't take the job.

Defensive Rotation

Guard: Kanaan Carlyle

Guard: Anthony Leal/Jakai Newton

Center: Langdon Hatton

Forward: Anthony Leal

Forward: Luke Goode

Woodson had options here. Both Carlyle and Leal are versatile. If Carlyle starts next to Rice, he can easily move over and run the point in a second unit. Woodson does not have to replace the entire starting five. Ballo is one of the best defensive centers in the country. If Jakai Newtwon wants significant playing time, he must become a reliable defender.

Small Ball Lineup

Guard: Myles Rice

Guard: Kanaan Carlyle

Center: Malik Reneau

Forward: Bryson Tucker

Forward: Luke Goode

If Indiana decides to go small, they could use any combination of Reneau, Mgbako, Tucker, Goode, or Leal in the front court. Tucker gives you a secondary ball handler and shooter on the wing if you want to run. The Hoosiers could go with Gabe Cupps in this rotation because of his ability to pass and handle the basketball.

One thing is for sure, "Coach Woody" and the Hoosiers have options they didn't have last season.

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