Hoosiers basketball is back as Mike Woodson and company opened their campaign with an 80-61 victory over the SIU Cougars on Wednesday. A victorious effort spurred on by Mackenzie Mgbako's 31 points as the reigning Big 10 Freshman of the Year looks to build off of an excellent 2023 campaign.
The Hoosiers enter 2024 as the 17th ranked team in the nation. Diving into what Indiana's future prospects could look like, I spoke with Team NBS Media's Kevin Lucas. Lucas is a Big 10 insider, covering the conference and the top prospects entering the 2024 NBA Draft. He gave his insight on what the future could look like for Woodson and how far he believes the Hoosiers could go come March.
With that being said, let's talk Hoosier hoops.
Vierra: Hello Kevin, thank you for joining us. Entering year four, Mike Woodson looks to return the Hoosiers to the NCAA Tournament after missing out last season. If Woodson fails to do so, could we see Indiana get rid of own of their own?
Lucas: If Woodson fails to make the NCAA tournament then it’s a good chance he doesn’t return. The good thing for him is they have boosters that fully support his vision. Right or wrong.
Vierra: If Indiana gets into the tourney, is this a team built to make a final four run?
Lucas: If they make it to the tournament they can be a final four team but I personally don’t see that happening. Due to Woodson’s style of play and lack of adjustments, I think they will struggle playing Malik Reneau and Oumar Ballo together.
Vierra: Big 10 Freshman of the Year Mackenzie Mgbako is the name on everyone’s mind. What’s your expectations for his sophomore season?
Lucas: With added strength and a year of experience under his bel,t Mackenzie Mgbako should be in for a huge sophomore season. His shooting will be one of the main factors that will determine how the Hoosiers season will go this year. With added strength and a year of experience under his belt, Mackenzie Mgbako should be in for a huge sophomore season. His shooting will be one of the main factors that will determine how the Hoosiers season will go this year
Vierra: Could you give us some insight and your opinion on how Indiana has navigated recruiting and NIL in this new era of college basketball?
Lucas: Indiana has done a great job getting ahead of the curve of this new era of college basketball. In just this past offseason, they were able to add transfers from Washington State, Arizona, Illinois and Stanford. They have a support system that allows them to go out and get all of the highly touted players around the country. If Woodson ever figures it out, they will be a national powerhouse once again.
It's the giving season.
— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) November 8, 2024
3️⃣2️⃣ is the first major conference player in the last decade to have at least nine assists in 17 minutes of play or less. pic.twitter.com/OfOM1GHlZq
Vierra: A player that I think could be the X-factor for the Hoosiers this year is Trey Galloway. What’s your opinion on the 5th year man?
Lucas: Trey Galloway is another dude whose shooting ability should make life easier on both Myles Rice and Kanaan Carlyle. During his time in Bloomington, he has had to play multiple different roles and that will benefit this Hoosier squad immensely. Perimeter shooting is the most valued thing in all of basketball right now but especially in the college game. Galloway has leadership and energy thats infectious, he knows how to get his teammates going when the time is right. The spark he provides is irreplaceable
Kevin Lucas is a Big 10 insider. For more of his views, listen to his podcast titled The Hoops Head Podcast where Lucas is joined by fellow Big 10 insider Melo Williams, WNBA insider Nick Andre and Georgetown insider Joe Cardoso.