Indiana University Athletics
Big Ten Coaches Weekly Teleconference - Feb. 9
2/9/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 9, 2015
Follow On Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
BLOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana head coach Tom Crean joined the other Big Ten Conference men's basketball head coaches on the weekly teleconference Monday morning. Below is a transcript of what Coach Crean had to say.
On the balance between Hanner and Collin Hartman:
"I think they can both play together. It just gives us more things we can plan for in the game and more adjustments we can make. Certainly there is a lot going on in the game when we have Collin at that position. Are they going to match up? And we have Hanner in the situation as he gets healthy, then it changes things for us a little bit. So Collin is going to be on the court, there is no doubt about that. He needs to keep getting better, and he knows that and he is. This allows us to do more with Hanner, and hopefully Emmitt will continue to develop the way that he has and allows us to be a little stronger on the back."
On the evolution of Yogi Ferrell's game:
"I think he just continues to improve his game all the time. He's so much better at when there isn't a play, he can keep the ball and he's playing with his head up and attacking very well. When the game is constantly moving and, more importantly, when he is constantly moving, then that makes us that much harder to guard. When he gets into one area or a specific area and is trying to make a play when the defense collapse in that area, then it makes a little easier to guard. When he's in movement and he recognizes better, I think that's key for us. He's just given everything that's he's got on the defensive end, but doesn't mean he doesn't make mistakes. He's giving everything that he has. And not just being a great on-ball defender but really helping out his teammates."
On playing Maryland with them coming off a loss at Iowa:
"I don't think there is any question that Maryland will be fantastic and that's what they are capable of. It's hard to go on the road in a conference and have success. They've been playing outstanding. They've had a great week and showed great balance, but Maryland is definitely the same team. We only played a couple weeks ago. They've got the same guys; they have a healthy Dez Wells; they're doing a good job of moving the ball and they are the product of nights when they don't shoot the ball well, they aren't going to look as good.
"But we know what they are capable of at home. We know that in this league you're always coming back from something whether it's success or a loss and going above and beyond it - in this league there are really no get-well games. Every game is about giving your very best game and bringing everything that you have to it, because the league is so tough and the teams are so tough. We know that Maryland is capable of beating anybody in this league and in the country."
On Hanner Mosquera-Perea's ability to help the team going forward:
"There's nothing really to project, but going straight into Maryland. Maryland has better front lines because they can do different things with it. They can play any of their big guys up front. Cekovsky, Graham and Damonte, they've got all those guys to do things.
"Every night, you're going to see a good front line. Whether it's a big and strong, play at the rim front line or a versatile, inside out front line, that's what Maryland gives you.
"To me, it's crucial that he can play at a level that makes us better and that he works inside with us. When you look at Damonte Dodd and what he's capable of and Jon Graham had a fantastic game, they're getting a lot done at the basket. It just adds to it. At the same time, we're going to have to make sure we integrate him into the offense the way that we want to and the way that serves him best and not get away from the spacing we have. We'll have more mix and match in these games."
On Robert Johnson's growth:
"I think he's made tremendous strides is becoming one of our best defenders. Not only a guy that can guard guards but bigger people as well. He has been on the floor at all the crucial times for us. He has been there in all these games where he could make that last stand. That says a lot about a freshman. And James has improved too.
"Rob can make shots and the biggest thing for him to understand, not in the movement part of the ball game or the concept part, but when we're in a set, what are we looking for. And to know that we don't run as many sets as we do to get us running but there are certain times you want to get a particular thing. And for him to understand that, it will continue his growth and his continuing to get the ball. The one thing with James and Rob every day is to try to get them to a level where they're handling the ball and making screen decisions like Yogi does. He's a pretty good role model to learn from.
"Rob is making tremendous strides there and we want to keep him making ball screens and continue to watch his growth. As he gets more confident, his leadership comes out and I think that's crucial for us going into this stretch."
