Indiana University Athletics
Previewing Wednesday's Season Opener Against Tennessee Tech
11/24/2020 5:17:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana men's basketball head coach Archie Miller and players Aljami Durham and Rob Phinisee met with the media on Tuesday to preview Wednesday's season opener against Tennessee Tech. Below are videos from the availability, as well as a transcript from Coach Miller.
Indiana Players - Aljami Durham and Rob Phinisee
Indiana Head Coach Archie Miller
Opening Statement
It's been a long time. We're excited to play. Like most college basketball coaches and players, we're thankful to have the opportunity. I think the second thing is we're anxious to play someone else. I mean it's that time of year when you need the games to evaluate yourself and get better. Our guys are excited, we've worked hard. We have a group I think that is excited to play again. We know we have a lot at stake and schedule is very difficult. To be able to open at home on very short notice with what happened when they canceled the regular start of the season – we're very excited to have an opponent coming in here to Assembly. We're ready to go.
On how he keeps the players locked-in with all the uncertainty…
We talked a lot about the uncertainty of our season at the very beginning. We talked about not being disappointed when things go wrong whether that is players not available, cancellations, or pauses in your own daily schedule. That is going to happen, and I think we tried to handle it the best we could in terms of rolling with the punches. We have to be ready to go with the game plan if things change. As we head into the season, as we start to play the games there are going to be a lot of cancellations. There are going to be teams that aren't able to get started. With so many differences in protocols and testing, I think you will see more of that the minute you start testing more. Thankfully the Big Ten Conference was on it very early. I know they took a lot of flak form football, but I tell you one thing from a basketball perspective, we are thankful as coaches for the direction they gave us and the precautions that they put in place. It is going to be very difficult for basketball. The fact that all of our teams are testing every day, I think that are guys are very confident every day that if we do the right things that we are going to have a good year. Tennessee Tech is dealing with a lot of their own situations, and we hope they are all doing well and feeling okay. Our hope is we are ready to go tomorrow. If that changes, we will absorb the blow and move forward into the next one. We will see if we can find an opponent to make that game up at some point in time. I think that will be a part of this deal, adding on the run if something were to happen. If not, we will head to Asheville. We will make that our opener. We are definitely anxious to play the games. I think that's the big thing. Once we get to the jump ball, I think things will feel more normal.
On the best 3-point shooters right now and who he thinks will make strides in the season…
I think right now, the preseason leading into practice and looking at our statistical numbers every day, Al Durham is our best shooter. I think he is a guy we can really count on in terms of being consistent in this point of his career. From a percentage standpoint both Galloway, Leal and Lander all have showed glimpses that they can make shots. I think percentage shows shot selection a little bit, so we're going to have to get into the game to figure that out. The top three guys that would be trusted to make a shot to me starts with Al Durham. I think Rob Phinisee is a much-improved shooter. I also think from three, Jerome Hunter is a much-improved shooter form a year ago. Those three guys I know have made them in games, and I look at those guys as being improved. I think overall we have some more guys that could stretch the floor.
On the team's health and how they have weathered the pre-season, non-Covid-19 related…
I think we have dealt with our fair share of preseason injuries in terms if it's an ankle or what not. Nothing too bad. I think Joey Brunk is the one guy we are being careful with right now due to the wear and tear that he's had. He has a sore back. So, we are going to see where he is at. He has practiced the last three or four weeks really well and has really rounded into form. But it is a long season, so there could be times where he has to take a few days to himself to rest up just for precaution. I think we have handled it pretty well. We have had some guys with some ticky tack stuff, but we have been really consistent in practice these last two, three, to four weeks. In particular, having most of our guys with non-Covid stuff available. Having most of our guys available, I think that is why our team and some individual guys have improved in the last two weeks.
On guys getting into game shape…
Not sure yet. I think we have four young guys that are true freshmen that all of them will see minutes and all of them will have roles. They can always grow their role. But as we head into the first game, the one thing we haven't been able to do is evaluate several rotations of players or how that rotation is going to work in a game, who doesn't player well together and who does. So, without exhibition games or close scrimmages we really haven't had to rotate anyone yet. I told our guys today that they think 10 guys play on game day, that's not the case. You know, there's five that start and them from that point forward we have to develop a team approach and we haven't had the chance to do that yet. Tomorrow's going to be our first go at it in terms of planning, but I feel like all of our returning players are ready to play big minutes if they're asked to. I think our young guys are all going to see the floor and at different times some could be more than others. But I feel like all four of those guys have earned their way to see action early here in the season. Planning wise for the long term, you just won't know who is going to be available at certain times in the year. So, every single guy on your team has to have a little experience here moving forward. We don't have the luxury of a lot of exhibition games here at the beginning so Wednesday night is very important and then as we head into those three games in three days in Asheville, you know to me that's putting all of our feet in the fire to test our team and to test our rotation to see how deep we really are.
On having to shake off rust early in the season…
I definitely think that to start the season, college basketball could be a little bit unique because not only has it been a difficult preseason, but some teams haven't practiced. Some teams have had a really hard time with COVID. There's been other teams that have had very little access to their players other than maybe some preseason stuff. So, I feel like as game get started here you could see some team that aren't really ready. And I know that I'm concerned. I'm concerned with our group in terms of being physically conditioned to play a game 40 minutes and be able to play as hard as you have to play. Game shape is a different type of shape. There's conditioning, practice shape, and then there's games. And games get you into game shape. But without exhibitions and scrimmages and things like that, that first couple 4 minutes, 8 minutes, 12 minutes of a game could feel really different I think for some guys for the first time in a while. That's why I think it's important that we have some guys ready to play. But I do hope that our retuning players are ready to go. I think those guys have been chomping at the bit to get back on the floor and I hope that those guys are ready to handle more so than teams we've had in the past. We have expectations from those older guys that they are ready to play and that those other guys can fill in line and sort of get with it. But I wouldn't be surprised at all if these first few weeks of the season games don't look great and some teams are working themselves into shape or their rotations are taking a hit early here in the year and not knowing a whole lot about how they want to play. I know were going to have some trial and error. We're an untested team when it comes to different lineups and rotations that we know we can play. You can only do that so much in your own setting.
On Aljami and Rob Phinisee and their importance…
They're very solid but were looking down the line for those two guys. Armaan as well I would as in there as in experienced guard. But most importantly is taking care of the ball. There's nothing more important to this time this year than taking care of the ball. And from our guard's perspective, a lot of our games a year ago especially on the road, or in our intense games our guards have to dominant the games in terms of not turning it over and decisions. With a senior guard and a junior guard that have played a lot of minutes, looking forward to those two guys taking control a little bit and Armaan as a year older understanding that as well. We need to really rely on taking care of the ball early in the season. If the games are going to be sloppy, if there is going to be some teams that have an opportunity to beat you, one of the ways you get beat early this year is you don't take care of it, we're looking for that. But I think more importantly than anything is those guys having their voice in the huddles, their vice on the floor. Defensively making sure were organized with stuff. And if you're out there with Khristian or Trey or Anthony or Jordan, be mindful of those guys. And they've done a good job of that overall. I think Al's been playing it really well over the last week and a half and this has been the most consistent Rob has been really since his Freshman year just in terms of no nagging that has kept him out. And Armaan has well, 14 maybe 15 pounds heavier so Armaan's a bigger and better Armaan right now. We need him to get going a little bit more with experience as well. But if you look at Indiana and how were going to be successful, you're going to have to look at our guard play, and assists to turnover ratio from our back court. Those guys have to high assist guys and very low turnovers and I think we have a chance to be pretty good.
Indiana Players - Aljami Durham and Rob Phinisee
Indiana Head Coach Archie Miller
Opening Statement
It's been a long time. We're excited to play. Like most college basketball coaches and players, we're thankful to have the opportunity. I think the second thing is we're anxious to play someone else. I mean it's that time of year when you need the games to evaluate yourself and get better. Our guys are excited, we've worked hard. We have a group I think that is excited to play again. We know we have a lot at stake and schedule is very difficult. To be able to open at home on very short notice with what happened when they canceled the regular start of the season – we're very excited to have an opponent coming in here to Assembly. We're ready to go.
On how he keeps the players locked-in with all the uncertainty…
We talked a lot about the uncertainty of our season at the very beginning. We talked about not being disappointed when things go wrong whether that is players not available, cancellations, or pauses in your own daily schedule. That is going to happen, and I think we tried to handle it the best we could in terms of rolling with the punches. We have to be ready to go with the game plan if things change. As we head into the season, as we start to play the games there are going to be a lot of cancellations. There are going to be teams that aren't able to get started. With so many differences in protocols and testing, I think you will see more of that the minute you start testing more. Thankfully the Big Ten Conference was on it very early. I know they took a lot of flak form football, but I tell you one thing from a basketball perspective, we are thankful as coaches for the direction they gave us and the precautions that they put in place. It is going to be very difficult for basketball. The fact that all of our teams are testing every day, I think that are guys are very confident every day that if we do the right things that we are going to have a good year. Tennessee Tech is dealing with a lot of their own situations, and we hope they are all doing well and feeling okay. Our hope is we are ready to go tomorrow. If that changes, we will absorb the blow and move forward into the next one. We will see if we can find an opponent to make that game up at some point in time. I think that will be a part of this deal, adding on the run if something were to happen. If not, we will head to Asheville. We will make that our opener. We are definitely anxious to play the games. I think that's the big thing. Once we get to the jump ball, I think things will feel more normal.
On the best 3-point shooters right now and who he thinks will make strides in the season…
I think right now, the preseason leading into practice and looking at our statistical numbers every day, Al Durham is our best shooter. I think he is a guy we can really count on in terms of being consistent in this point of his career. From a percentage standpoint both Galloway, Leal and Lander all have showed glimpses that they can make shots. I think percentage shows shot selection a little bit, so we're going to have to get into the game to figure that out. The top three guys that would be trusted to make a shot to me starts with Al Durham. I think Rob Phinisee is a much-improved shooter. I also think from three, Jerome Hunter is a much-improved shooter form a year ago. Those three guys I know have made them in games, and I look at those guys as being improved. I think overall we have some more guys that could stretch the floor.
On the team's health and how they have weathered the pre-season, non-Covid-19 related…
I think we have dealt with our fair share of preseason injuries in terms if it's an ankle or what not. Nothing too bad. I think Joey Brunk is the one guy we are being careful with right now due to the wear and tear that he's had. He has a sore back. So, we are going to see where he is at. He has practiced the last three or four weeks really well and has really rounded into form. But it is a long season, so there could be times where he has to take a few days to himself to rest up just for precaution. I think we have handled it pretty well. We have had some guys with some ticky tack stuff, but we have been really consistent in practice these last two, three, to four weeks. In particular, having most of our guys with non-Covid stuff available. Having most of our guys available, I think that is why our team and some individual guys have improved in the last two weeks.
On guys getting into game shape…
Not sure yet. I think we have four young guys that are true freshmen that all of them will see minutes and all of them will have roles. They can always grow their role. But as we head into the first game, the one thing we haven't been able to do is evaluate several rotations of players or how that rotation is going to work in a game, who doesn't player well together and who does. So, without exhibition games or close scrimmages we really haven't had to rotate anyone yet. I told our guys today that they think 10 guys play on game day, that's not the case. You know, there's five that start and them from that point forward we have to develop a team approach and we haven't had the chance to do that yet. Tomorrow's going to be our first go at it in terms of planning, but I feel like all of our returning players are ready to play big minutes if they're asked to. I think our young guys are all going to see the floor and at different times some could be more than others. But I feel like all four of those guys have earned their way to see action early here in the season. Planning wise for the long term, you just won't know who is going to be available at certain times in the year. So, every single guy on your team has to have a little experience here moving forward. We don't have the luxury of a lot of exhibition games here at the beginning so Wednesday night is very important and then as we head into those three games in three days in Asheville, you know to me that's putting all of our feet in the fire to test our team and to test our rotation to see how deep we really are.
On having to shake off rust early in the season…
I definitely think that to start the season, college basketball could be a little bit unique because not only has it been a difficult preseason, but some teams haven't practiced. Some teams have had a really hard time with COVID. There's been other teams that have had very little access to their players other than maybe some preseason stuff. So, I feel like as game get started here you could see some team that aren't really ready. And I know that I'm concerned. I'm concerned with our group in terms of being physically conditioned to play a game 40 minutes and be able to play as hard as you have to play. Game shape is a different type of shape. There's conditioning, practice shape, and then there's games. And games get you into game shape. But without exhibitions and scrimmages and things like that, that first couple 4 minutes, 8 minutes, 12 minutes of a game could feel really different I think for some guys for the first time in a while. That's why I think it's important that we have some guys ready to play. But I do hope that our retuning players are ready to go. I think those guys have been chomping at the bit to get back on the floor and I hope that those guys are ready to handle more so than teams we've had in the past. We have expectations from those older guys that they are ready to play and that those other guys can fill in line and sort of get with it. But I wouldn't be surprised at all if these first few weeks of the season games don't look great and some teams are working themselves into shape or their rotations are taking a hit early here in the year and not knowing a whole lot about how they want to play. I know were going to have some trial and error. We're an untested team when it comes to different lineups and rotations that we know we can play. You can only do that so much in your own setting.
On Aljami and Rob Phinisee and their importance…
They're very solid but were looking down the line for those two guys. Armaan as well I would as in there as in experienced guard. But most importantly is taking care of the ball. There's nothing more important to this time this year than taking care of the ball. And from our guard's perspective, a lot of our games a year ago especially on the road, or in our intense games our guards have to dominant the games in terms of not turning it over and decisions. With a senior guard and a junior guard that have played a lot of minutes, looking forward to those two guys taking control a little bit and Armaan as a year older understanding that as well. We need to really rely on taking care of the ball early in the season. If the games are going to be sloppy, if there is going to be some teams that have an opportunity to beat you, one of the ways you get beat early this year is you don't take care of it, we're looking for that. But I think more importantly than anything is those guys having their voice in the huddles, their vice on the floor. Defensively making sure were organized with stuff. And if you're out there with Khristian or Trey or Anthony or Jordan, be mindful of those guys. And they've done a good job of that overall. I think Al's been playing it really well over the last week and a half and this has been the most consistent Rob has been really since his Freshman year just in terms of no nagging that has kept him out. And Armaan has well, 14 maybe 15 pounds heavier so Armaan's a bigger and better Armaan right now. We need him to get going a little bit more with experience as well. But if you look at Indiana and how were going to be successful, you're going to have to look at our guard play, and assists to turnover ratio from our back court. Those guys have to high assist guys and very low turnovers and I think we have a chance to be pretty good.
Players Mentioned
Center
/ Men's Basketball
Guard
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Forward
/ Men's Basketball
Guard
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