Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University
Marian University (Ind.) [Exhibition]
Do-it-All Devonte Green Thrives in Exhibition Victory
10/28/2017 10:13:00 PM | Men's Basketball
By: Pete DiPrimio, IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Devonte Green as a difference-making guard.We saw it Saturday night against Marian in Indiana's 93-62 exhibition victory.
Figure we'll see more of it in all the Cream 'n Crimson basketball nights to come.
Green, a freshman role player last season, is emerging into a sophomore catalyst. He totaled 22 points, seven assists, six rebounds and just two turnovers, and if this came against a NAIA program and not a Big Ten power, don't under-estimate the significance.
"We did a good job of moving the ball," Green said, "and guys made open shots. That helped out the assists. I tried to stay aggressive on the glass."
Coach Archie Miller had hinted at such things previously. In the exhibition debut, hint became reality.
"He does a little bit of everything for us," Miller said. "You're starting to see a guy who, if he stays with it, is going to be a very important player for us."
Green started in Miller's three-guard opening lineup and quickly made an impact in all phases, including point guard. He played a team-high 30 minutes.
"I'm comfortable initiating offense," he said. "I've been playing point guard a lot more this year. I'm working on it in practice."
It was a big step for a player who averaged 4.4 points and 1.8 rebounds last year while totaling more turnovers (40) than assists (34).
"He's shooting well and making the right plays on the offensive end," teammate Josh Newkirk said. "He's staying active on defense. His confidence is very high. We're going to need that. He helped us out a lot. He's playing well."
Added Miller: "When Devonte is unselfish and he's making people better, his team always wins. When he isn't making guys better and is thinking score a lot, the team doesn't win as much.
"He's the guy who is best on our team in being able to skip in the paint and get out and do some things. He's going to be a big end-of-clock, play-making guard as the season goes on."
Marian coach Scott Heady, in his first season after a state-title-winning run at Carmel High School, was impressed with Green and all the Hoosiers.
"Once they got going, they're going to be really good."
Newkirk and fellow guard Curtis Jones each had 13 points. Center De'Ron Davis had 10 points and four rebounds.
IU's emphasis on defense and ball security showed. It held Marian to 39 percent shooting and forced 16 turnovers. The Knights had just eight assists.
The Hoosiers shot 54.1 percent from the field, and that was with veteran guard Robert Johnson going just 3-for-13. More importantly, they committed just 10 turnovers against 17 assists.
"Obviously, very good," Miller said.
Five of the turnovers -- and none of the assists -- were by freshmen Justin Smith (4) and Clifton Moore (1) in their first college game.
"They'll get better," Miller said.
Marian, an NAIA program coming off 14-16 season, bolted to a 16-10 lead behind some hot early shooting. IU settled down and by halftime led 40-28.
The Knights never threatened in the second half.
"I thought our guys were bought in," Miller said. "They are trying to do exactly what we're asking them to do. It's going to take time for them to get the chemistry they need. We know we're going to have to be a very hard-playing team.
"What's concerning is how we're going to score in half-court? That's something we'll have to work on all the time. We're going to have to continue to get better at it."
The offense will get a boost when Collin Hartman and Al Durham play. Both sat out Saturday night with injuries.
"They are both very good shooters," Miller said.
IU has one more exhibition, against Indianapolis on Nov. 5, before opening the season Nov. 10 against Indiana State.
"There are a lot of things that are concerning right now," Miller said. "The big thing for our team is to take this film and have our staff teach them and get better as we head to Sunday."
