Indiana University Athletics
Indiana Basketball Summer Update
7/11/2017 4:28:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Full transcripts can be found below:
Welcome everybody. Give you an opportunity to get a quick update on things as the summer has continued to sort of evolve with our team, and as we flow into July and recruiting starts to take shape, usually we really focus on a lot of team stuff. So having the opportunity to do a couple workouts a week as a group for the first time is a little refreshing. You get a little bit more anxious, and you wish you had a little bit more time with them because you get your juices flowing a little bit, once you start to see the possibilities or whatnot of all the different guys.
Been really, really proud of the group all the way since getting here. Very, very impressive group of workers, and adding our new guys, the three young guys over the last three weeks, they have fit in seamlessly as people. Just really encouraged by their approach.
So I'll probably just open it up to you guys a little bit here and answer as much as I can. Get you guys as much information as you need to, because probably within about three weeks these guys will depart, and we'll break for a quick break before fall semester starts.
Q. You mentioned the new guys fitting in seamlessly as people. As players, what is the biggest challenge for a fresh man coming into the first summer being a college player?
ARCHIE MILLER: Well, I think every freshmen has an adjustment with the pace and the speed and the size of everything that's going around. Most of the time their biggest adjustment as a young player is learning how to defend in college against older, bigger, stronger faster guys. They're no longer, so to speak, the elite talents that they were in high school where physically they could just dominate people. That's the norm.
These guys haven't really missed a beat. They're a mature group, smart. Where they're supposed to be, when they're supposed to be there. In three weeks time they've all made significant progress on their bodies and their conditioning. And just watching them move yesterday with the other guys and watching them sort of get into the flow, I feel all of them belong here. I feel all of them have a real chance to be successful with us.
But the learning curve is big. The one that's a unique thing for them is usually freshmen are coming into a situation where there are seniors and juniors and sophomores that have been there and done that, and they're not learning, and they're the only guys that stand out in terms of making more mistakes. In this case, everyone's at ground zero, so they have a little advantage in that regard.
Q. Juwan talked about the need for veteran leadership. I think Robert said it's like having a coach on the floor or whatever. How important is it that you get that from this group?
ARCHIE MILLER: It's really important. I think the upperclassmen have established they have a good way about them in terms of their communication, leading by example. But we need a group that have a loud voice.
Rob's a guy that's going to have to step out of his comfort zone a little bit. He's done a better job this summer than he did in the early spring. He's really, really worked hard and shown people how it's done. But he's talking more.
Collin is a huge boost. He and Juwan both have been fantastic in every regard of what we're doing, in terms of them communicating, talking. You've got to have a team that can communicate with one another. And there's got to be a sounding board, and I think those older guys know that.
Q. What is Collin able to do?
ARCHIE MILLER: Collin on Monday or Sunday night in his last checkup was actually cleared for contact. So as we approach these team workouts we'll be very, very smart with him. There is no real reason to speed him up. But I think confidence-wise, mentally and physically, he feels as good as he's felt in a long, long time. We'll continue to take him slow, but he's ahead of schedule just in terms of where he's supposed to be, doing what he's going to do, and the way he's handled things in this off-season, he's given himself a chance to kick off October, November, full go.
Q. When you're putting your stamp on the program, how key is it that you have those upperclassmen setting that tone that everybody's getting in a lot of stuff behind them?
ARCHIE MILLER: Yeah, I think it's very important that we're very driven right now to put a stamp on things. To get an identity started, and I think from small groups to individual sessions they've gotten a feel for that, and they understand sort of what we do.
Now, from a team perspective, you know, we're sort of reteaching everything. You're reteaching the way you practice. You're reteaching the way you communicate in practice. Everything's new. So you have to take some time with that. But those guys that have been there, they have to pick it up quicker and they have to help teach the other guys who aren't getting there as fast.
But the identity is going to start and stop with the guys that pick things up the fastest and execute what we're asking them to execute. The purpose of this summer, in particular these next three weeks, is going to be to put in place a foundation of how we practice. What we do in practice, and starting to build a foundation on offense and defense.
So making sure those guys, the upper class guys, the seniors that have been there, they're out in front. Not that anyone can't catch them, but they're out in front.
Q. The ability to be in synch with Clif in terms of what he's doing strength and conditioning-wise, how close do you guys have to work so that if you go hard one day in practice, he can adjust what he does?
ARCHIE MILLER: Yeah, that relationship is probably more important than most realize. Clif and I obviously get a game plan in each phase of the year. The calendar year requires different things. This is a big time for him. He's had a great off-season with some guys, and he's also had a great way about him of getting great results through his way of doing it.
But his communication on a weekly basis, his communication on guys mentally, physically, how do they feel really dictates how I operate with them sometimes. And as the course of the season goes and we're closer to fall and closer to practices, that's when you really have to be smart with guys. And Tim Garl -- Tim, Clif and myself, that's sort of a three-headed monster that operates very, very closely.
Q. You mentioned how important this off-season is for De'Ron Davis. At this point, how would you evaluate the progress that he's made?
ARCHIE MILLER: Excellent. Excellent progress. He's done a great job in the classroom. He's done a great job in terms of when we first started we have to get a couple things done before we can start talking about basketball, and that was conditioning and his body. And he's done a fantastic job there.
He's lost close to 20 pounds. He's moving and jumping as good as he ever has. He has a great confidence about him. I think he feels good about himself. He still has another gear I think he can reach, which is good as he approaches these next three weeks and then he goes home.
But he's right where he should be in terms of what we've asked him to do, and I think he's gained confidence because he's worked very hard.
Q. Where are you with non-conference schedule? Is it almost done, and how do you go about it?
ARCHIE MILLER: It's been, amongst everything, scheduling is obviously very difficult, and inheriting sort of really a blank slate and getting a late start at it, it's taken some time for us to build it and with some of the things we need to have happen here in terms of games played in Assembly Hall and whatnot.
But we're coming down home stretch here. Feel like we can get some things buttoned up in the next couple weeks. When you look at the non-conference schedule and some of the things that are out there, whether it's Seton Hall on the road or Duke at home. Louisville is already out there on the road, and then Notre Dame neutral. Two Big Ten games coming into the first weekend of December.
When you look at the early stretch, we're really going to be taxed by a three- or four-week period. Not only are we going to be jamming games away, but we're not going to be home as well. So it's going to be very, very taxing in terms of getting through November and early December. It will be as many games played at a high level for us in that period of time, maybe upwards of five, to six, seven games played against top 15 or top 25 teams. So we're going to know where we are heading into December and then we've got to jam some more in.
Games being played at home and games being played on the road, it's been a tough balance. But I think when it's done, it will be a tough non-conference schedule for us. Will it be glamorous? Probably not. I'm not sure we could have pulled glamorous off right now. But in future schedules years down the line, it will be easier to build around.
We're also, as most people know, as a league, contemplating 20 Big Ten games which changes the whole format. So scheduling something that's evolving, changing by the day, and it could get tweaked a little bit more as the Big Ten kind of looks to maybe make a tweak in the conference slate. Which, you put 20 Big Ten games in there, a Big Ten Challenge, a Gavitt game, Indianapolis, I don't know how many more you can actually schedule at that point.
But it's been good. I think we'll get it done here in the next couple weeks.
Q. Will you handle -- coaches talk about not knowing what to do with that week off and suddenly everyone's gotten it in March, do you have an idea what you want to do with that open slate?
ARCHIE MILLER: I think a lot of things have been thrown out, like whether you save one of your exhibition games and play somebody so you stay sharp or save a non-conference game at that point in time. There is so much risk as you're heading into postseason play. I think the Missouri Valley has done it here for a while, and the Wichita States of the world take that week off. They sharpen themselves up and improve and try to get as fresh and healthy as you can. I don't think that's all bad either.
I think as we look at it for the first time here, that week in between or whatnot, we use it as a time to regroup, refresh, and hopefully get a little better at a time of the year when you don't get much.
Q. Just talk about what changes you've seen up until now in the players?
ARCHIE MILLER: It goes from great uncertainty to, in a very quick way, if you're doing things the right way, put them at ease, and as they get a chance to work with you and they get a chance to watch what you've talked about, sort of lay out for them, I think there's great excitement. And with great excitement and opportunity for some of these guys there is an added sort of bounce to their step. I think we have a group that feels good about themselves right now. I think we have a team that believes there is enough in the room that can do things regardless of what people say because I think they like one another right now. They've had a very good off-season. And typically very consistent off-seasons should start you off in a good way.
We have a lot of room to go though. When you start talking about practicing, I haven't probably ran a practice like yesterday since maybe my first year at Dayton when you're actually trying to teach them the name of a drill. Those type of things haven't been done in a while. So we're all at the beginning stages. But I think this is a group that can handle things. They're very coachable.
Q. I know it's a bit of an anomaly, but what is your own thought about having those first two Big Ten games in early December?
ARCHIE MILLER: It hurts you in terms of navigating a non-conference schedule. But in terms of knocking two Big Ten games out in three days, as long as everybody's doing it in the whole league is fair. And I think it will add great excitement early in December to a couple really big environment games, one at home and one on the road.
That can get you kick started into that month of December as you get ready to open it up in January. When I was in the ACC, they had always played a game in early December, and out of all the games you played in November and December, that one had a whole different feeling.
So I think you have games in early December that have a whole new meaning regardless of who you played before or what you'll do right after. So there is a real importance in December to be ready. Those two count. I think it will be a good statement for the league at that time too. I think it will be showcase basketball for our conference in early December.
Q. I know it's early, but can you talk about the state of leadership within the team? The players were in here speaking about how they lacked that last year?
ARCHIE MILLER: They good. I think it really starts with the older guys, not to single guys out. But if you look at a fifth year kid like Collin, you look at Rob's experience level, you watch Juwan going into his third year, not to single anybody out, but those three guys have been fantastic with their voices.
Some guys lead by example. We have other guys sort of fighting their own fight to be better players and all that. But I think leading by example, talking, we have a good group in that way. Just everything that we've done, those guys have responded and tried to do it. Now we haven't gotten punched in the face or no one's gotten in the game or been yanked out of the game yet, so that's how it has to go.
But I feel a couple of these guys feel this is their last go, and they're going to give it everything they have. I think Collin being really a guy who is really spear-heading and is good. He's like an assistant. He's like having a coach, regardless if you're in the weight room or where you're at, I think he's contagious. Really, really fortunate to have his voice around right now.
De'Ron Davis and Juwan Morgan
Q. Your off-season regimen, how's that going for you? Do you feel a little different when you're on the court now?
DE'RON DAVIS: Yeah, it's been going pretty good. It's been up and down. Been a lot of struggles, but in the long run it's helped my body. I feel good. I don't have any injuries right now on the court it was my first time with team practice was yesterday. I feel really good on the court, I feel light and explosive, and I'm just ready for the regular season to start.
Q. What is the biggest change you've had to make, lifestyle or basketball-wise?
DE'RON DAVIS: Probably just eating habits. I've always been good on watching what I eat as far as healthy food, but just probably portions and really focused on getting my carbs from healthier foods.
Q. What do you weigh now?
DE'RON DAVIS: I'm at 251.
Q. Is that about where you want to be?
DE'RON DAVIS: My senior year in high school, I was 245, so I'm not trying to get that low. I think if I play around 247, 250, that would be a good weight.
Q. Are you still maintaining your strength?
DE'RON DAVIS: Yeah, and Coach Clif was telling me how hard it was for someone to lose a bunch of weight like I have and maintain strength or even build strength, so I'm doing good on losing the weight but still getting stronger at the same time.
Q. What have you seen from the change in De'Ron, do you think?
JUWAN MORGAN: I see a new found determination in did a Ron. Before he would always talk about it, and when he first got here last year it was always a confidence thing. Now he's more confident. He sees the changes going on. We all see it, and we're just going along with him and encouraging him as he's going along.
A lot of us have made changes with him. I know myself, I probably eat bad three out of the seven days a week. Then I saw what De'Ron was doing with his body and said, why not? And just joined along with him.
Q. Can both you guys talk about maybe the impact Coach Marshall has had with you guys and the strength?
JUWAN MORGAN: I just think he's done a great job with all of us, just finding all of our different, I guess, strengths and weaknesses and adjusting each lift and work out to what we need. I guess, because say a guy like Freddie who is already built as he is, I'm going to need to do probably a lot more actual work on my own than Freddie will. And he just finds the time to explain exactly what I need. Explain what it's going to do for my body and things like that.
Q. Having had the team practice yesterday, how different is it than what you guys have been used to before Coach Miller got here?
JUWAN MORGAN: I just think having De'Ron and Freddie here this summer was the real big difference. We're all healthy, we're all ready to go, and I just think having the team as a whole, everybody holding accountability for each other, I just think that's the big difference.
Q. What have you seen of the freshmen so far, and what impact have they made coming into this summer?
DE'RON DAVIS: I see a lot of athleticism within all our freshmen, and I feel like they're all pretty versatile as well. I don't feel like they have missed a step. Especially like me missing the summer and coming here late, they've been here the whole time, so they've been grinding with us all summer.
I feel like the biggest thing I see is the explosiveness out of all of them and the versatility.
Q. Losing 20-plus pounds, how are you moving on the court right now?
DE'RON DAVIS: It's a lot. I'm able to get up and down the court faster. I've been working on my conditioning, trying to help me stay in games longer, play more minutes. It just makes me feel better. It takes away a lot of the injuries that I had last year. So me being 20 pounds lighter, those injuries -- those little knickknack injuries, you don't see too much.
Q. Do you think it helped fouling-wise?
DE'RON DAVIS: Yeah, I used to foul a lot when I got tired, I would try to get a breather. So me getting in better shape, me losing the weight, taking away some of those foul-prone injuries, you know.
Q. So the guys you came in with are gone. How different is that for you not having those guys here now?
JUWAN MORGAN: It's a lot different, honestly, because even though both of them were clearly bigger than I was, I just always called them a little brother because I was always older and the more mature one out of the three of us.
I don't know. It's going to be a different feel, I guess, but at the same time we're still in constant contact with each other. So just got to keep going, I guess.
Q. You guys both talked about the impact Coach Marshall's had on you physically. But what's it like working with him? What is different about his approach and what really makes him kind of have the effect he does on you guys?
DE'RON DAVIS: He's a real laid-back dude in my opinion. He attacks everything. He goes by the Bible. I think he's just a good hearted dude at heart. Everything with him is more, you know, how did he say it? He says, time under tension with him. So everything with him is really smooth and really collective.
Q. You mentioned physically the strides that you've made. But what have you guys done from a preparation in terms of being in a different leadership role and how has the mentality changed from last summer until now?
JUWAN MORGAN: I think me personally I just have to take more responsibility and not just sit back and try to help on the side. I think I have to take initiative and actually put myself out there more and show the guys how it's supposed to be done, and make sure everybody knows exactly what it is and not just taking one at a time.
Q. For Juwan mostly, you addressed this earlier saying having all the guys healthy in these offseason workouts is bringing you all together. Given the fact that there is new leadership, how key will that be going forward into this off-season and into next season? The fact that everyone is here and healthy at this time?
JUWAN MORGAN: I think it just gives everybody a better feel for each other. Building that chemistry on the court, just playing in the open gym as well as being in practice, going at each other, it's just being healthy gives you, I guess, another advantage over some teams that probably started a little later or teams that aren't playing as much as you guys or as we are over the course of the week.
Q. Juwan, I know it's early, but what is the biggest difference you've seen from this team from a year ago that the fans are going to notice right when they see you guys practicing? Is?
JUWAN MORGAN: I feel like there won't be any questions of leadership at all.
Q. Follow-up on the leadership, did somebody, upperclassmen, picking their brains on that specifically?
JUWAN MORGAN: Personally, I think I will most likely do that. But Collin is still right there. Rob, josh has started speaking up more. I think everybody will take part in it.
Q. Did that come from the coaching staff asking that?
JUWAN MORGAN: That was something we decided upon ourselves because we realized missing Collin last year, like me and OG used to joke about it calling him the annoying guy you always hated hearing, but you knew he was right. I think that's what we really missed last year.
Q. De'Ron, it is so early, but what is Coach Miller like on the court so far? What is his style like?
DE'RON DAVIS: Yeah, like you said, it's early. But I feel like his style, he's an energetic coach. He likes energy. He's real keen on the details of the game.
Robert Johnson and Josh Newkirk
Q. Rob, what do you feel like you got out of the whole NBA process? And as you've been back for a while now, what do you feel you've taken into workouts, whether it's weight room, on the court, all those different things?
ROBERT JOHNSON: Yeah, I think I got a lot of good feedback as to what I need to work on, things I need to show going forward. So I think it's just good to have those things in mind as you try to progress.
Q. Just what are some of those things?
ROBERT JOHNSON: Well, a couple things that they talked about was they wanted to see if I could play point guard at a high level, have the ability to run a team, and just be more consistent throughout the year.
Q. De'Ron was talking a little bit about leadership and how far you guys have come. Going into the fall, what makes you guys confident to take that next step as far as leadership?
ROBERT JOHNSON: Yeah, I think at this point we have multiple guys that have game experience, that have played at a high level for the past couple years with me, Josh, Kyle and Juwan, guys like that that have given valuable minutes to the team.
So I think with all those guys, that will definitely help with a team like this, and we're just looking to build every day.
Q. Why do you think veteran leadership is important? And why, when you really didn't have it last year, how much did that hurt you guys?
ROBERT JOHNSON: I think it's always important just for the simple fact that leaders have to be coaches on the court, and that's something that should be able to be reflected whenever you watch us play. So I think that the experience that comes this year, you know, that will really help.
Q. De'Ron said in here he was down about 20 pounds. When you're on the court with him, what is the biggest difference you see for either of you guys?
JOSH NEWKIRK: He just looks more agile. You can just tell he's lighter on his feet. He's moving better. The weight that he lost, it's definitely helping him. So he just feels better. It's just helping him a lot.
Q. Anything specific either one of you guys have been working on with Coach Marshall?
ROBERT JOHNSON: Nothing specific, but just total body workouts as far as conditioning, getting stronger, more athletic, more flexible. We've done a lot of different things.
Q. From the point guard perspective, obviously, new coach, new system, what have you made of it now that you've had a couple weeks to digest it?
ROBERT JOHNSON: Well, as far as the workouts, they've been really good workouts. We've done a lot of different things that I think will help us get better.
JOSH NEWKIRK: Yeah, Coach Miller, he was a point guard, so he's definitely teaching us a lot during the workouts on just teaching us just the little things. Now to just read defenses, different ways to get in the paint, different ways to create.
Q. For both of you guys, the ability to reduce the turnovers, what is the key from your standpoint?
ROBERT JOHNSON: I think it just all comes down to decision making. Making the simple play right when it's available and just doing that over and over again.
JOSH NEWKIRK: Yeah, just being in certain situations. In practice we deal with playing against man dangers, so just reading situations, getting the experience. I think it will help.
Q. Coach Miller talked about turnovers coming down. He also talked about defense and having a really aggressive attitude. How do you guys implement that. How do you think that's going to look?
JOSH NEWKIRK: We're putting in defensive techniques right now. We're just learning his different techniques, different terminology. So I think we're just taking it day by day, learning how to be better defenders and learning the ins and outs of his defensive scheme.
ROBERT JOHNSON: Yeah, basically what he said. We're just learning what his philosophies are as far as defense. We obviously want to be a lot more aggressive going forward. I think it will be really good for us.
Q. How would you describe his defensive philosophy? What are the points that he hammers home to you guys?
ROBERT JOHNSON: Just aggressive. You want to get after people. A lot of help-side, a lot of simple things, but just making sure you stay consistent and be really aggressive with them.
Q. For both guys, I know it's early, but can you talk about what the biggest difference is between Coach Miller?
ROBERT JOHNSON: I feel like every team is different, especially when you go through coaching changes at a high level. At the end of the day, we're still a Big Ten team, and I just think it will obviously be different as far as philosophies and things like that, but at the end of the day, it will be about the same thing, which is winning games.
JOSH NEWKIRK: Yeah, same. It's different terminology, just different personalities we've just got to get used to. But at the end of the day everybody got like a new team, so we'll just deal with it and move on.
Q. For each of you guys, how much of a difference has it made having Collin be more involved? I know he's still working his way back and working through rehab and things like that, but as much as he could be last year, as he continues to work his way back and becomes more involved, how much of a difference has that made?
JOSH NEWKIRK: It's definitely an added help. Collin's a very vocal leader. He brings a lot of things to the table that goes unnoticed, like just his hustle, just him being out there and being a leader. So it will definitely help us.
Devonte Green and Curtis Jones
What areas have you been working on this summer to improve your game?
CURTIS JONES: For me this summer I try to just focus myself all the way around. I came back and stayed extra time and got a lot stronger, quicker and faster. I was working on my all-around game.
What areas did you see the most improvement?
CURTIS JONES: My bench press at 185 pounds went up six reps.
How big of a difference does that make on the court?
CURTIS JONES: It makes a big difference with being able to hold your ground in the post, finish around th rim and things like that. It makes a difference big difference for me."
What are some areas you have been focusing on this summer Curtis?
CURTIS JONES: His main focus for me over the summer was ball handling, slowing the game down and decision making. I've been getting a lot of shots of things like that."
How different is this summer compared to last summer?
DEVONTE GREEN: It's just a lot more adjustments. We are still the same team with the same goals and we're still working just as hard as we did last summer so much has changed."
How have the older players helped you with the transition to year two?
DEVONTE GREEN: They definitely have some things to teach me with ball-screens, finding people and helping me become a point guard.
What have you been working the most this summer?
DEVONTE GREEN: Working on the most I think is staying consistent with my 3-point shot and my decision making.
What changes have you noticed in De'Ron Davis since started working with Clif Marshall this summer?
CURTIS JONES: He's changed a lot. He has working on it. He's a lot quicker and getting up quick and dunking more consistently. He's definitely running a lot better and playing above the rim. He looks good.
How much focus has been on limiting turnovers so far in workouts?
CURTIS JONES: It's been emphasized. Coach is real big on when we are doing dribbling drills or passing drills that there are no turnovers and that we take care of the ball. And then defensively, that is a big focus for us. We have been doing shell drill and staying low.
What have been your impressions of the freshmen so far?
DEVONTE GREEN: The freshmen look real good. Justin is real athletic. Clifton is real athletic. Al can shoot it real good. They all look real good.
What has it been like working with Clif Marshall?
DEVONTE GREEN: He emphasizes recovery. He has a strategy to the way he wants us to work.
Curt talked about this, but what areas have you seen improvement in the weight room this summer Devonte?
DEVONTE GREEN: Strength-wise, I came in and got 10 reps at 185 and recently I put it up 12 times. So I'm definitely getting stronger.
Collin Hartman
You have been cleared for contact. Obviously you have been able to do different things over the last few months. What is the difference for you now that you have cleared that last hurdle?
COLLIN HARTMAN: It is a big step, obviously. We have taken this process somewhat slowly. We have been very diligent in the rehab and really staying safe, taking the time that we have. There is no need to push into contact and risk a third injury. It has been good to take those steps forwards and see the progress.
A number of people in your situation might not have wanted to stick around for a new coach. Is that something that intrigued you?
COLLIN HARTMAN: It is a change. It is cool to be a part of two eras. I had four great years with Coach Crean, won a championship. I have known him since I was in eighth grade. We have an extensive history between the two of us and I am appreciative for everything he has done for me, and I am also looking forward to what we do with Coach Miller and what we have going forward in this year. One of the main reasons I came back was just because I do not get another chance at this.
Juwan talked a lot about leadership. Can you talk about the importance of veteran leadership with this group?
COLLIN HARTMAN: It is extremely vital at this point because we are all learners. We are all learning a new system and new coaches. We are all learning. The leadership comes when we are just pushing guys and getting the best out of each other. Some of us that have won before, we know what it takes to win and we just got to take the mentality of winning and transform into this new system that Coach Miller and his staff is implementing.
A lot of people look at last season's team and think that the outcome would have been different with you on the court. Do you look back and have what-ifs?
COLLIN HARTMAN: There are always what-ifs. You cannot change it. It is what it is. Last year I tried to do my best and communicate. We were a young team and a lot of unfortunate incidents with OG and injuries. A lot of things did not go our way. In situations like that you do the best you can at that point in time. For myself it was just talk to these guys: keep coaching, keep coaching, keep coaching and just diligent in your work day in and day out.
When you were thinking about coming back, who did you keep counsel with? Who did you talk with about the decision?
COLLIN HARTMAN: Obviously, my mom, my family, coach Crean, the coaching staff and everybody around me. But, I really took to heart what people said who did not have their biased opinions in the matter. Those that did not get anything out of me staying or going. I talked to people that were neutral that gave me an insight on life. Those are the real people that I really took in. I love my mom more than anything but I knew she wanted me to stay, and that's what she was going to try to sway me to do. She did a great job staying neutral. So I did talk to people who did not have a stake in whether I stayed or I left.
Are you trying to impress upon the young guys just how important it is to put the Hoosier jersey on? How important the moment is, and taking full advantage of it?
COLLIN HARTMAN: It is really hard to, if you have not lived it on the court, it is hard to put into words what this jersey really means, especially for the guys coming on the campus. It is different when you are in Bloomington. People recognize you, they know every move we are making, they know if we are doing something good or doing something bad, walking around or whatever, they know. It means more than they can imagine. A lot of these guys have never played without a name on their back and we do not. We just have a name across our chests and that is all that we represent. Yes, we represent our family and represent ourselves, but at the end of the day we represent millions of people that are IU fans that live and die by every game we play. It is hard to really put into words to these young guys what it really means.
You are learning to work with a new coaching staff, what has been the biggest adjustment for you?
COLLIN HARTMAN: Just the schemes, really. At the end of the day, if you play hard, they are going to live with mistakes. If you play hard, try to make up for those mistakes and you do not turn the ball over you will be fine. A lot of people play hard, so that is where your talent and work comes in play. We have had a good summer so far. It has been a very smooth transition so far because the game is the game. The x's and o's will probably be the biggest change in the transition.
Are there players besides yourself that are taking on more of a leadership role?
COLLIN HARTMAN: Definitely. Rob has, he has always been a leader by example, but I think he has really taken up a more vocal role in his leadership. Josh, Juwan and guys like that have stepped up. Everybody has really matured throughout the summer and I think we have really grown together as a group.
How are you smarter about rehab, training and practice?
COLLIN HARTMAN: The one word I would use is efficiency. When you go through rehab you will not be able to go as long as other people are, you are not going to be able to work as long as you would like, but when you are doing that work you have got to use it wisely. You cannot be doing stuff that is not going to help you or mess around like some other people might be able to. You really have to be efficient with your work. That applies to everything in life as you move on: from practice through movements through school through anything you use your time efficiently. I think that is one of the biggest things that I have learned more.
How has it been since you proposed in March?
COLLIN HARTMAN: It has been pretty crazy. It kind of blew up that night, but it has been crazy. It was an unforgettable night. I do not think her or I, or anybody that was there will really forget it. It was a special moment. I had her family there, my family, all of our friends, both teams and it was the easiest way, and the most inconspicuous way, to get everybody there so she would not know what to expect/ It was kind of hectic for a little bit, but it has slowed down a little bit. We went looking for venues and that was not as fun as I thought it might be. We are going to shoot for way after the season so I do not have to worry about it until the end of season.
What is your first impression of the freshman class?
COLLIN HARTMAN: They listened really well. And at this level, especially with the coaching change, that is huge. They may even have the upper hand on me because they are not hardwired one way already. You know I have to change their schemes or whatever and so we are learning together. They work hard, they listen well and they are easy to talk to. They are good dudes so it makes living with them basically that much easier.
What do you hope to get out of this next season?
COLLIN HARTMAN: Simply put, whatever the game calls for at that point in time whether it's guarding big or guarding a guard or scoring 20 or scoring 0 and getting rebounds or steals or whatever. I just want to be able to play every position that coach needs me and be able to be a Swiss Army knife. Where he could put me anywhere at any point in time and I can carry out my job.
How different is what you are able to do now that you are cleared compared to what you have been able to do since last year?
COLLIN HARTMAN: Well it's a lot different. I have to think about other people now when I do contact. Throughout rehab, and I've done this twice now, you're not thinking about anybody else. You control your own body movements and that's it. But after you get in contact, you have to be get back into the physicality of the game and you have to think about other people's movements and read them and that's not all just based off you now. So it's really reactionary and reprogramming my body and my muscles to be able to react and be more explosive."
What are some areas that the team has worked on so far this summer to improve up on some things from last year?
COLLIN HARTMAN: Working on defense, working on our skill work, ball handling, passing and making everything more crisp and clean. So at the end of the day, that's really what it comes down to – if you play defense and don't turn the ball over, you are going to win 80 percent of your games.
What's different about the approach you guys are taking to making sure that this team has the leadership needed?
COLLIN HARTMAN: You said it. It's the communication vocalising things and not just expecting people to know it. Like I said Rob and Juwan are being much more vocal on and off the court, which is very promising for games. Because when you get 17,000 fans in there, you can't hear anything especially if nobody's talking to you. So communications has to be at a very high level and I think that guys are really taking steps towards that this year.
