Indiana Set To Prove It’s Road Ready

By: Pete DiPrimio
IUHoosiers.com

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Forget history. Indiana seems poised to shatter Wisconsin misery and return to national prominence.

Specifically, the Hoosiers, with two freshman starters and a roster full of youth, are a victory at Wisconsin away from cracking into the national rankings for the first time this season.

Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton is a Cream 'n Crimson believer after what the Hoosiers did to his No. 17 Seminoles during Tuesday night's 80-64 IU victory.

"They showed that Indiana is on its way back," he said. "Their players played with an exceptional amount of energy and focus.

"There's no doubt that is the best team we've played to this point."

That's significant given Florida State has already beaten two ranked teams in Florida and Tennessee, plus a Purdue squad that just crushed No. 5 and defending national champion Virginia.

"They are going to be a NCAA Tournament team," Hamilton added.

IU grew with its 7-0 November run against mid-majors, but took a quantum leap against the Seminoles.

More growth is coming, coach Archie Miller said, as the Hoosiers (8-0) open Big Ten play on Saturday.

"They're all learning. They're all trying to do well. There are a lot of guys searching for their niche."

They found it against Florida State.

"Our team showed they belonged." Miller said.

Belonging demands a style in Miller's feisty image.

"We're going to win with taking care of the ball, by getting to the foul line," he said. "And we've got to rebound like crazy.

"The quest for this team is to have the strength in numbers. That's how we had to play, how we're going to have to do it. There can't be any compromise on that. They know that. That's not going to change."

It helps to have senior guard Devonte Green, who wrecked Florida State's vaunted defense by hitting, on multiple occasions, jaw-dropping shots en route to a career-high 30 points.

As Miller said, "There wasn't a lot of coaching that went into anything he did. When he's good, he's good on his own."

IU needs the good Green, especially with the continuing uncertainty with guard Rob Phinisee because of injuries.

"Devonte has to be a playmaker for us," Miller said. "You have to live with some of the stuff he does because he is gifted and talented and he can make shots. You need that kind of guy to do those things."

As far as Phinisee, Miller said he's "day-to-day" from an ankle injury.

"He's doing underwater work and normal rehabilitation. With no setbacks, maybe we see him toward the end of December."

Look for plenty of freshman forward Trayce Jackson-Davis, who "Continues to be a monster on the boards," Miller said.

Jackson-Davis leads IU in rebounding (9.4) and blocked shots (18), and is second in scoring (15.5).

Green leads the Hoosiers in scoring (15.8). Forward Justin Smith averages 14.3 points and 5.1 rebounds. Guard Al Durham averages 12.6 points.

"We can be a team that plays with a lot of heart," Miller said. "We have a lot of different guys, and they can do things. But Devonte is the head of the snake when the pressure is on."

IU will need the head and beyond to win at the Kohl Center.

The Hoosiers have lost their last 16 games in Madison. Their last win came in 1998.

Adding to the degree of difficulty, this will be IU's first road game.

"We have to make sure we're all on the same page," Durham said. "We can't let ourselves get out of control. We have to stay together."

Added forward Joey Brunk: "We're going to rely on our preparation. Fall back on what's got us here. Be confident in that and in each other."

Rebounding tops the IU priority list.

"Road conditions dictate different styles of play," Miller said. "I would hope that rebounding travels. That's something we take a lot of pride in. In this league on the road, rebounding is everything."

Wisconsin (4-4) is showing vulnerability. It has lost three straight games, to Richmond 62-52, New Mexico 59-50 and North Carolina State 69-54. The Badgers also lost their season opener to then No. 20 St. Mary's.

They do have a victory over Marquette.

"They are maybe on a little bit of a skid," Miller said, "but they haven't been at home. They are much better at home."

Offense has been the major problem. Wisconsin has more turnovers (88) than assists (82). It shoots 42.6 percent from the field, 30.8 percent from three-point range.

The Badgers have three double figure scorers in 6-11 forward Nate Reuvers (15.4 points, 5.7 rebounds), and 6-4 guards Brad Davison (12.1 points, 4.1 rebounds) and Kobe King (10.3, 4.0).

Miller figures IU will get Wisconsin's best shot.

"Without question we are going to play a very ready team, a team that's very motivated," he said.

"Wisconsin is a (NCAA) tournament team. They have some veteran guys back. They will be battle tested and very difficult to deal with in Madison.

"They are a much more physical Big Ten defensive team. It's more of an execution game. It's more long possessions. It's more discipline.

"It's an incredible challenge early in the year."

Indiana University Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Joey Brunk

Devonte Green

Trayce Jackson-Davis

Rob Phinisee

Justin Smith

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