HOOSIER HOOPS PREVIEWING IU BASKETBALL FOR THE 2017-18 SEASON
$9.95
Miller Time Archie Miller Takes Over As IU's Head Coach
Player profiles • Opponent previews The top prep players in the state by class IU records section • Women’s basketball And much more Presented by
THEHOOSIER.COM THE SOURCE FOR IU SPORTS & RECRUITING
HOOSIER HOOPS
ORDER YOURS TODAY!
THE 2017-2018 INDIANA BASKETBALL PREVIEW
PREVIEWING IU BASKETBALL FOR THE 2017-18 SEASON
$9.95
Miller Time Archie Miller Takes Over As IU's Head Coach
OPPONENTS
Iowa Hawkeyes
P R E V IE W n Projections
Player profiles • Opponent previews The top prep players in the state by class IU records section • Women’s basketball And much more Presented by
THEHOOSIER.COM THE SOURCE FOR IU SPORTS & RECRUITING
PHOTO BY JEFF BECKER/COURTESY IOWA
bers ms And Num The Names, TeaHeading Into To Know paign Cam 018 L ZEMBA The 2017-2 JACEY BY Ten Preseaso
Dec. 4 • Bloomington Feb. 17 • Iowa City
Key Player To Watch
BY JORDAN WELLS finishes on KenPom. After a stretch of top-30 national NCAA bids from INDIANA com from 2013-16 — and three straight a step back last sea2014-16 — a young Iowa squad took Analysis son. the Johnson hasstarting their a chance tolineup, have a special senior season. He is the only Featuring three freshmentheinHoosiers’ one of and top KenPom.com four scorers from last on season to return to school and will be Hawkeyes finished No. 71 nationally one of the topof Tourshooters Ten on the the Big team. matchup fell 95-73 to IU in their firstCareer at No. 345 Highlights Iowa put players young of number nament. That Tested the NBA in DraftKenPom.com’s I teams waters after his junior season, nationally out of 351 Division his senior year following the feedback he received but opted to return for from pro scouts … Played experience category last year. in all 34 games last season, in firstscorer starting in 32 of them … Boasted second-highest leading Despite losing the conference’s scoring average on the team his at 12.8 points exhausted per has game who … Needs just 22 points to Jok, become team All-Big Ten guard Peter the 51st IU player to score a points 1,000 career around at Iowa enthusiasm the team with 29 steals … Also ranked eligibility, there’s a lot of… Paced second on the squad with 85 assists … Netted young, budding core. seaabout double-digit pointsthe in 25upcoming contests, including three “Iowa fans are pretty excited m. with 20 or more of HawkeyeReport.co … Scored a career-high 27 points son,” said Tom Kakert, publisher and and pulled except for Peter down 11 rebounds in aJok triple-overtime “The Hawkeyes return everyone home victory over Pennfold. to the State Feb. 1 … Has shot at freshmen have added two very goodleast 42 percent Tourfrom NCAA the field to the in each return of his could first team this is feeling “The three seasons at IU … Started 20 consecutive games nament after a one-year absence.” as a sophomore after startingan twicetask, through Indiisn’t justeasy and ana’s Replacing Jok’s scoring firstshooting eight games in 2014-15 Also started on in 33 more of a…blip was likely the Hoosiers’ 34 games during his freshman season in but last year’s trip to theofNIT a new…trend. Ranked second on the the radar than the start of2014-15
Big BIG TEN IN 2016-1 a young STATE (20-15, 10-8 few healthy post players and Bridges 1. MICHIG AN — d Miles issues last year sophomore small forwar points and 8.3 s had two major the likes of star Bridges averaged 16.9 com The Spartan hletic movement helped Jr. was a Rivals. roster. The youthcenter Nick Ward. The uber-at player Jaren Jackson ore Freshman post and sophom game last year. rebounds per TEN) ct. a breakout (24-10, 11-7 BIG five-star prospe to celebrating 2. MINNESOTA on the hot seat center transfer Reggie State went from being Both Richard Pitino rs. The addition of Illinois spark the turnaround. Head coach assists helped Gophe 5.0 and Coffey the Golden forward Amir , who averaged 15.2 points season with eshman small Mason Lynch and then-frsenior point guard Nate star are back plus year. und pick, 14-4 BIG TEN) TYLER COOK per game last 3. PURDU E (27-8, turned pro and became a first-ro — averaged 12.3 per game. Senior The former four-star recruit in 2016 — who held offers from Kansas, Michigan and Virginia an 255-pound forward 19.5 minutes “Biggie” Swanig continleast ’s at ed Caleb earning All-Freshman Big Ten honors. The 6-9, averag center this season points and 5.3 rebounds per game last year, Sophomore six players who Haas will lead against IU last season. akers return center Isaac averaged 11.0 points per game in two contests ds and senior but the Boilerm last year. game apiece d Vince Edwar power forwar averaging 12.6 points per the 10-8 BIG TEN) making (24-12, RN sport, gent, with both of WEAKNESS 4. NORTH WESTE e droughts, regardless actually STRENGTH Chris Collins all-tim (14.8), Head coach . sh d one of the GUARDS season McInto snappe last Bryant FRONTCOURT Jok, who Northwestern first time ever point guard Law (12.3) all There is more to this than just replacing Peter of talent ment for the year. Senior forward Vic year. Iowa’s frontcourt features a nice combination NCAA Tourna ahead of schedule by a was an AP honorable mention All-American last is 6-9, and junior small Big Dance. ts returns and depth. The team’s leading returning scorer to The had the Wildca guard Scottie Lindsey (14.1) Sophomore point guard Jordan Bohannon is flanked g leading the team game as 255-pound sophomore forward Tyler Cook. He senior shootin 12 points a game while after averaging 10.9 points and 5.1 assists per TEN) junior Nicholas Baer and 6-7 the the conferleast (24-9, 12-6 BIG they are now at forward by 6-7 redshirt averaged a combined 12.3 a rookie. He might have been the surprise of averaged at 5. MARYL AND last year, and Wager, who choospoint as freshmen ence last season, averaging double figures after Huerter and junior Ahmad rebounds per game last season. extensively among , wing Kevin Draft points and 9.2 three players ing the Hawkeyes over Drake and Northern Iowa, Garza, Anthony Cowan lar will get heavy NBA The Hawkeyes also added 6-11 big man Luka Maryland played program. Point guard recruiting cycle. debut. 2016 particu the his during in others, in n Newburgh Jackso of the per game try to fill who could vie for a starting role, and 6-11 lead the way. driving force 6.0 rebounds Redshirt sophomore Isaiah Moss will have to name that Jackson will and 6.5 10.5 points and (Ind.) Castle forward Jack Nunge, an in-state forward Justin Jok’s massive shoes. He averaged 17.1 minutes he averaged recruitTEN) t blow he is also a season after might be familiar to Hoosier fans, in their 2017 (26-12, 10-8 BIG points per game last year, but like Bohannon interest this urely was a difficul 6. MICHIG AN ing class. s of senior recruit. three-star NBA Draft premat former nucleu the improving to to a quality Wilson on go on to One area this group will have to commit That’s not to say three-star prospects can’t forward D.J. ines still have Duncan Robins the protecting the defensive glass. The loss of powerTen title hopes. The Wolver an, senior stretch four 4.2 reboundsisper become big-time players, but they have to replace on 32.3 Big and Rahkm which The Hawkeyes allowed offensive rebounds to Michigan’s Muhammad-Ali Abdur- who averaged 12.1 points production of Jok — who averaged 19.9 points, to Kenr, — and percent of opportunities last season, according shooting guard Moritz Wagne led the Big Ten, and 5.5 rebounds per game junior center is in the Izzo, That mark ranked 296th nationally, according Tom Pom.com. there’s not nearly as much depth as there and emerging . under head coach to the advanced analytics website. appearances frontcourt. game last season M Tournament 7)
straight NCAA round since 2015. have made 20 past the second The Spartans not advanced but they have
018 BASKE 42 ❙❙ 2017-2
42-45.Big Ten
Preview.indd
42
TBALL PREVIE
W
PHOTO BY PER
KJLEDSEN
THEHOOSIER.CO
NEWCOMER TO WATCH GARZA
LUKA the Hawkeyes in scoring (22.5 leading as the starting center after PM The former four-star recruit could get the nod 10/5/17 3:12 in August. He had per game) on their four-game tour in Europe points per game) and rebounding (10.3 boards Tom Crean. picked up an offer from former IU head coach THEHOOSIER.COM
team during his debut campaign with 79 assists and 29 steals.
Coach’s Corner STARTERS PROJECTED “He’s all business right now. Really, really
impressive kid.
He’s setting himself up to do what he wants Bohannon, So.to do, which is G Jordan have a great senior campaign for us.”
5.1 apg) (10.9 Prep ppg,
— Archie Miller
HOOSIERS BASKETBALL 2017-18
NSON5
4
G
JOH ROBERT ond,Va. Sr. • Richm
6-3,19
Four-star recruit Moss, was listedR-So. by Rivals.com as the Isaiah G No.
4 shooting guard and No. 48 overall prospect ppg) in(6.5 the class of 2014 … Named first-team all-state and All-Metro Player of Baer, the Year byR-Jr. The Richmond Nicholas F Times-Dispatch after rpg) 24.5 points and 4.6 5.8averaging (7.5 ppg, rebounds during his senior season at Chesterfield Benedictine College Preparatory So. School … Played Cook, Tyler F in(Va.) the Derby Classic and was voted “fan favorite” 5.3 rpg) ppg, (12.3 after notching 10 points in 20 minutes of action ParticipatedGarza, in the NBPA Fr. Top 100 Camp Luka C in… high school … Played AAU basketball for(N/A) Boo Williams, the uncle/guardian of former IU standout and current Houston Rockets forward Troy Williams. Personal All-Time Series: Indiana leads 100-75 Sport CommunicaMeeting: Indiana 95, Iowa 73 (March 9, 2017; Last tion major … Born D.C.) Washington, May 27, 1995. (8th Head Coach: Fran McCaffery, 137-101 at Iowa year) and 388-278 overall (22nd year) 2016-17 Results: 19-15 overall, 10-8 Big Ten (T-5th) Returning Starters: 4 Notable: Iowa went on a European tour in August, Alland defeated a German All-Star team, a Swiss AllStar squad, a Milan All-Star unit and a Vicenza as Star group to finish 4-0 … Tyler Cook was ranked high as the No. 36 overall player nationally (ESPN) in the 2016 recruiting cycle.
Quick Facts
STATISTICS PREVIEW ❙❙
51 BASKETBALL Year 2017-2018 G-GS MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 3FG% FT% 2014-15 34-33 27.0 8.9 2.9 2.3 42.9 38.8 65.1 2015-16 30-22 24.9 8.1 3.3 3.1 44.9 44.7 63.9 2016-17 34-32 29.4 12.8 4.4 2.5 44.9 37.0 75.5 10/5/17 4:39 PM
TEN QUESTIONS WITH
Robert Johnson
Who has had the most impact on your life and why? My dad, just because he’s always been there for the family, taught me a lot of things growing up that I use right now. What is your hidden talent? I can draw and paint. What sports icon, dead or alive, would you like to have dinner with? [Former NBA star] Kobe Bryant. Who is the best pure shooter on the team?
Collin [Hartman].
How do you prepare for a game? Any pregame rituals? I usually listen to some mellow music throughout the day then something more hype as the game gets closer.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Bloomington? Scholar’s Inn. Who is the best dunker on the team? Freddie [McSwain Jr.]. What is your biggest pet peeve? Cockiness. Who is the best player you have ever guarded? [Former IU star and Dallas Mavericks point guard] Yogi Ferrell, hands down. What is your ideal vacation destination? Bora Bora.
51.Iowa Preview.indd 51
THEHOOSIER.COM
2017-2018 BASKETBALL PREVIEW ❙❙ 21
20-33.IU BKB Bios.indd 21 10/5/17 3:20 PM
The IU Basketball Preview Magazine Includes: • 100 full-color glossy pages • Articles on new head coach Archie Miller and his staff, and the Hoosiers’ five seniors • Detailed player bios • Opponent previews and Big Ten outlook • Features on IU’s commitments for the class of 2018
• Profiles of the top senior, junior, sophomore and freshmen prep players in the state of Indiana • An excerpt from the new book, “The Indiana Hoosiers Fans’ Bucket List” • A look back at the 1993 season, one of the best in Bobby Knight’s career • Records section • IU Women’s basketball coverage • And much more
$9.95 plus $4 Shipping
CLICK HERE TO ORDER or CALL 1-800-421-7751
On The Cover
YEAR ONE
IU basketball begins a new era with Archie Miller as its new head coach Page 6
Inside Hoosier Notes...................................................2 Coaching Staff...............................................10 Season Outlook..............................................14 Robert Johnson..............................................16 Josh Newkirk.................................................18 Men’s Basketball Bios...................................20 Freddie McSwain Jr.......................................34 Collin Hartman...............................................36 Tim Priller.......................................................38 Non-Conference Superlatives.......................40 Big Ten Preview.............................................42 Opponent Previews........................................46 Commit Profiles.............................................66 Top Indiana Preps..........................................71 IU In The Pros.................................................77 1992-93 Indiana Team...................................80 Book Excerpt..................................................85 Where Are They Now?...................................87 2016-17 Season In Review............................90 Women’s Basketball Preview........................94 Women’s Basketball Bios..............................98 IU Records....................................................100
On
PHOTO BY JORDAN WELLS
HOOSIER HOOPS
PREVIEWING IU BASKETBALL FOR THE 2017-18 SEASON
Premier Issue ■ 2017 Editors: Stu Jackson, Jordan Wells Managing Editor: Matt Carter Contributing Editors: Steve Downey, Ryan Tice, Jacey Zembal Contributing Writers: Sam Beishuizen
Taylor Lehman, Bill Murphy Design/Production: Chris Miller, Jeanette Blankenship Cover Photo: David Jablonski, Dayton Daily News Contributing Photographers: AJ Mast, Jamie Owens, Lon Horwedel, Joe Raymond, Per Kjeldsen TheHoosier.com Basketball Analyst Jim Reamer
Publisher: Stu Coman Business Manager: Linda Autry Circulation Manager: Gail Evans Merchandise/Marketing Manager: Beverly Taylor Customer Service: Lauren Saunders 800-421-7751 Advertising Sales Director: Michelle Hamilton 877-630-8768
Special thanks to IU Media Relations for their assistance. Hoosier Hoops is published by Coman Publishing Company, 905 W. Main St., Suite 24-F, Durham, NC 27701, 919-688-0218. Mailing address: Coman Publishing Company, PO Box 2331, Durham, NC 27702.
THEHOOSIER.COM
1.Contents.indd 1
■ Basketball Recruiting: Will Indiana sign five-star shooting guard Romeo Langford? We’ll track all the developments in his recruitment. ■ Basketball: Get the most thorough and complete coverage of Indiana basketball throughout the upcoming season on TheHoosier.com.
GO TO THEHOOSIER.COM 2017-2018 BASKETBALL PREVIEW ❙❙ 1
10/5/17 4:38 PM
6 ❙❙ 2017-2018 BASKETBALL PREVIEW
6-9.Archie Miller.indd 6
THEHOOSIER.COM
10/5/17 2:01 PM
T
BY SAM BEISHUIZEN here was no game scheduled to be played on that March day, but a few thousand Hoosier fans began lining up outside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Some skipped class, others left work early and a handful were probably retirees with nothing better to do than to put on candy-striped pants and a jersey to come and wait for him. A white noise of murmurs built among those gathered on 17th Street that day a new era began. Tom Crean’s nine-year tenure in Bloomington ended with his firing March 16 following an NIT loss to Georgia Tech on the road. A national search for his replacement immediately followed, only to end less than two weeks later. Right on time, the crowd erupted when he first revealed himself. First, there was a single clap from the first to spot him, then a shower of cheers rained down as the new face of Indiana University men’s basketball walked through the south-east tunnel, up a red carpet running down the length of the court, passed his new team of players and stepped onto a stage set up with five national championship banners serving as a backdrop. Ryan Joseph “Archie” Miller had arrived.
the Hoosiers to the 2002 NCAA championship game only to fall 12 points short to Maryland. Davis, Kelvin Sampson and Crean all failed to give Indiana fans the sixth banner they so desperately want. Despite the drought, IU has remained a blue-blood program with a fanatic following comparable to the Dukes and North Carolinas of the college basketball world. It’s a pressure-packed challenge that’ll bite a man as quickly as reward him. And Miller wants it. “First and foremost, this is why you want to be at Indiana University right here if you’re a basketball person,” Miller told his new fans with his first words. “My family and I, [wife] Morgan and [daughter] Leah, are honored and excited to represent Indiana University in what we consider one of the finest basketball traditions in all of college basketball.”
Leader Of The Pack There was something uniquely special about the game-winning play former North Carolina State coach Herb Sendek ran out of a timeout trailing Clemson by one on the road back in January 2002. He didn’t call it.
The Wolfpack trailed the Tigers 79‑78 after Tony Stockman nailed a 15-foot jumper with 10.8 seconds left in Clemson, S.C. Rather than let emotions get the best of his team, Sendek called timeout and began mentally drawing up a play to share with his players in the team huddle. Then Miller blew those plans up. “Archie came in running off the court, grabbed me and said, ‘Coach, if we run Rod and Bump, I think we’ll get Anthony Grundy for a wide-open layup,’” Sendek recalled Miller telling him. The senior guard spoke with poise and confidence while making his case. “Without batting an eyelash, I said okay,” Sendek admitted. Fast-forward out of the timeout, and Grundy was unable to finish with his layup try. Fortunately for Miller, freshman Josh Powell was there in front of the basket for an easy put-back for the game-winner at the buzzer. It wasn’t exactly how Miller drew it up, but the play worked all the same. “There’s no question he had the makings to be a great coach,” Sendek said. “He just saw the game differently.” Miller finished that senior season with averages of 9.9 points, 2.9 assists and 1.4 rebounds per game as the captain of the
THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB
The Son Of A Coach, Archie Miller Brings A Track Record Of Success, Passion And Intensity To IU “Wow, what a crowd,” IU athletics director Fred Glass remarked. “Welcome to Indiana basketball, Archie.” What happened the day Miller was introduced was not normal, which was actually rather appropriate. The words “normal” and “head coach of Indiana basketball” don’t belong in the same sentence. It’s been 30 years and three coaches since Bobby Knight led IU to its mostrecent national championship in 1987. The closest anyone got was Mike Davis, Knight’s immediate replacement, who took In his six seasons at Dayton, Miller posted a 139‑63 record and his teams played in the NCAA Tournament four times, reaching the Elite Eight in 2014.
PHOTO BY JORDAN WELLS
THEHOOSIER.COM
6-9.Archie Miller.indd 7
“It wasn’t me,” Sendek recalled. “That was Archie.” Miller really has always been a coach, Sendek explained. After all, he was born into a basketball family where father John was a legendary Pennsylvania high school coach and older brother Sean is the head coach at Arizona. Even on the floor while wearing a jersey, Archie looked at the game differently than most of his teammates. He didn’t really have an option to be anything other than a thinker, Sendek joked, because 5-11 guards can’t typically make plays on raw talent alone. “To play as successfully as he did at his size and athleticism points to some other things,” Sendek said. Back to the play.
Wolfpack. He shot 38.8 percent beyond the arc while putting up 181 tries. Upon graduating, Miller spent one year at Western Kentucky as an assistant before returning to North Carolina State to join Sender’s staff. He then followed his coach to Arizona State, soaking up as much information as he could. “He was the same way as a coach as he was as a player,” Sendek said. “He was just a great competitor. He had a passion for basketball. He always had good ideas and good insights.” Following the 2007 season, Miller left his mentor’s side for Thad Matta at Ohio State for a couple of years before ultimately working under big brother Sean for another two seasons at Arizona. 2017-2018 BASKETBALL PREVIEW ❙❙ 7
10/5/17 2:01 PM
INDIANA HOOSIERS BASKETBALL 2017-18
MEET THE HOOSIERS
A Closer Look At The 2017-18 Indiana Men’s Basketball Team COMPILED BY STU JACKSON / PHOTOS BY AJ MAST
STATISTICS Year G-GS MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 3FG% FT% 2013-14 16-0 4.5 0.7 0.9 0.1 45.5 0.00 50.0 2014-15 32-12 19.7 4.8 3.1 1.2 50.0 47.5 65.7 2015-16 35-24 21.9 5.0 3.1 1.7 45.1 35.8 84.2
TEN QUESTIONS WITH
Collin Hartman
Who has had the most impact on your life and why? My mother for countless reasons, but mostly for being my rock through all the injuries and the hard times, and just pushing me to be my best every day. What is your hidden talent? Cooking. I’m a real good cook, I like to chef it up at night. What sports icon, dead or alive, would you like to have dinner with? [Former UCLA coach] John Wooden, just to pick his brain about the game and about his philosophies on life. Who is the best pure shooter on the team? I’m hands down the best pure shooter on the team. How do you prepare for a game? Any pregame rituals? I like to get out there early, get my form shooting in and get my mind focused before everyone else is on the court. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I like spending my free time with my family. It’s the thing I value most in my life, and I want to give them the most time I can. What’s your favorite restaurant in Bloomington? Little Zagreb, or as the townies say, Janko’s. Who’s the funniest player on the team? Tim Priller; he’s just a goofball. Who is the best dunker on the team? It’s a toss-up — Freddie [McSwain Jr.] is explosive, but Justin [Smith] floats, so it depends on what you like to watch. What is your favorite professional team (any sport)? I don’t really have one, to be honest. I just follow my guys that I’ve played with.
20 ❙❙ 2017-2018 BASKETBALL PREVIEW
20-33.IU BKB Bios.indd 20
30
MAN T R A H N 6-7, 220 COLLI lis F
5th-Sr. •
o
Indianap
Analysis Now healthy after sitting out the 2016-17 campaign due to an injury, Hartman’s presence will provide valuable leadership for IU this season while he looks finish his college basketball career on his own terms. College Suffered a season-ending knee injury in September 2016, but his contributions behind the scenes earned him recognition as IU’s Big Ten Sportsmanship Honoree last year … Announced March 30 that he would return to IU and use his fifth and final year of eligibility … During the 2015-16 season, averaged 5.0 points and 3.1 rebounds while starting in 24 of the 35 games he played in … Also played three NCAA Tournament games with a fractured right wrist; he totaled 17 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in those contests … After compiling 11 points and 15 rebounds in 16 games off the bench as a freshman, he appeared in all 32 games and made 12 starts as a sophomore while averaging 4.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest. Coach’s Corner “I think the great thing about him — and it’s what everybody told me about him — is the confidence he can give a locker room. In the weight room, in the locker room, he’s got a great vibe about him as a competitor. We’re excited for him right now.” — Archie Miller Prep Was an unranked three-star prospect per Rivals.com … Averaged 13.9 points per game during his senior season at Indianapolis Cathedral, leading the Fighting Irish to a state championship … Named a third-team all-state pick by ESPNHS … Also an Indiana Junior and Senior All-Star at Cathedral … Scored seven points and pulled down four rebounds in the Derby Festival Basketball Classic … Played on Team USA’s U-17 squad that placed seventh at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany. Personal Graduated in three years with a degree in business … Completed his master’s degree last spring … Born June 27, 1994 … Got engaged on Senior Night in late February, proposing to his longtime cheerleader girlfriend at the end of his speech.
THEHOOSIER.COM
10/5/17 3:06 PM
INDIANA HOOSIERS BASKETBALL 2017-18 Analysis Johnson has a chance to have a special senior season. He is the only one of the Hoosiers’ top four scorers from last season to return to school and will be one of the top shooters on the team. Career Highlights Tested the NBA Draft waters after his junior season, but opted to return for his senior year following the feedback he received from pro scouts … Played in all 34 games last season, starting in 32 of them … Boasted second-highest scoring average on the team at 12.8 points per game … Needs just 22 points to become the 51st IU player to score 1,000 career points … Paced the team with 29 steals … Also ranked second on the squad with 85 assists … Netted double-digit points in 25 contests, including three with 20 or more … Scored a career-high 27 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in a triple-overtime home victory over Penn State Feb. 1 … Has shot at least 42 percent from the field in each of his first three seasons at IU … Started 20 consecutive games as a sophomore after starting just twice through Indiana’s first eight games in 2014-15 … Also started in 33 of the Hoosiers’ 34 games during his freshman season in 2014-15 … Ranked second on the team during his debut campaign with 79 assists and 29 steals. Coach’s Corner “He’s all business right now. Really, really impressive kid. He’s setting himself up to do what he wants to do, which is have a great senior campaign for us.” — Archie Miller Prep Four-star recruit was listed by Rivals.com as the No. 4 shooting guard and No. 48 overall prospect in the class of 2014 … Named first-team all-state and All-Metro Player of the Year by The Richmond Times-Dispatch after averaging 24.5 points and 4.6 rebounds during his senior season at Chesterfield (Va.) Benedictine College Preparatory School … Played in the Derby Classic and was voted “fan favorite” after notching 10 points in 20 minutes of action … Participated in the NBPA Top 100 Camp in high school … Played AAU basketball for Boo Williams, the uncle/guardian of former IU standout and current Houston Rockets forward Troy Williams. Personal Sport Communication major … Born May 27, 1995.
4
NSON95 H O J T R 6-3,1 ROBE . G
a mond,V
Sr. • Rich
TEN QUESTIONS WITH
Robert Johnson
Who has had the most impact on your life and why? My dad, just because he’s always been there for the family, taught me a lot of things growing up that I use right now. What is your hidden talent? I can draw and paint. What sports icon, dead or alive, would you like to have dinner with? [Former NBA star] Kobe Bryant. Who is the best pure shooter on the team? Collin [Hartman]. How do you prepare for a game? Any pregame rituals? I usually listen to some mellow music throughout the day then something more hype as the game gets closer. What’s your favorite restaurant in Bloomington? Scholar’s Inn.
STATISTICS Year G-GS MPG PPG RPG APG FG% 3FG% FT% 2014-15 34-33 27.0 8.9 2.9 2.3 42.9 38.8 65.1 2015-16 30-22 24.9 8.1 3.3 3.1 44.9 44.7 63.9 2016-17 34-32 29.4 12.8 4.4 2.5 44.9 37.0 75.5
THEHOOSIER.COM
20-33.IU BKB Bios.indd 21
Who is the best dunker on the team? Freddie [McSwain Jr.]. What is your biggest pet peeve? Cockiness. Who is the best player you have ever guarded? [Former IU star and Dallas Mavericks point guard] Yogi Ferrell, hands down. What is your ideal vacation destination? Bora Bora.
2017-2018 BASKETBALL PREVIEW ❙❙ 21
10/5/17 3:20 PM
OPPONENTS
Duke Blue Devils Nov. 29 • Bloomington BY JORDAN WELLS It won’t take long for Archie Miller to see Assembly Hall at its best. After a pair of exhibitions and a few lower-ranked home tilts — a road game at Seton Hall notwithstanding — potential preseason No. 1 Duke comes to town. Accompanying legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski is a group loaded with five-star talent, including Rivals.com’s former No. 1 overall recruit in 2018, Marvin Bagley, who reclassified to 2017 to join Duke this summer. “Expectations are high, as anticipated,” Brian McLawhorn of DevilsIllustrated.com said. “Since Mike Krzyzewski and his staff embraced the one-and-done type prospects, Duke fans have expected championships, and this season is no different. “The level of talent Duke brought in with the freshman class has the fan base hoping the team can recapture the magic of 2015. This season, fans think the holes that were present last season have been filled out nicely with a diverse recruiting class. “Anything less than a title will be disappointing for the fan base — fair or not.” Alongside Bagley, the Blue Devils are expected to start point guard Trevon Duval and forward Wendell Carter — both top-10 prospects in the class of 2017 — and guard Gary Trent Jr., the No. 18 overall prospect nationally in 2017 according to Rivals.com.
Key Player To Watch
GRAYSON ALLEN The preseason first-team All-ACC performer (Athlon) is Duke’s leading returning scorer and assist man. With Trevon Duval in the lineup, he’ll also be able to play more off the ball this year.
PHOTO BY REAGAN LUNN/DUKE ATHLETICS
NEWCOMER TO WATCH MARVIN BAGLEY Some have called Bagley a transcendent talent. If the former Rivals.com No. 2 overall player nationally lives up to his billing this year, he’s potentially the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
STRENGTH
WEAKNESS
TALENT & DEPTH It’s hard to nail down a particular strength with a team that could start up to four freshmen in the lineup. Duke’s roster is stacked with blue-chip recruits, and some will even come off the bench. If you project senior Grayson Allen to join freshmen Trevon Duval, Gary Trent Jr., Wendell Carter and Marvin Bagley in the starting lineup, the average Rivals.com national individual ranking for those players in their respective classes is 11.8. Then, if you stick with the above as a starting five, sophomore big man Marques Bolden could come off the bench. He was rated a five-star prospect and the No. 11 overall player nationally out of high school. Another forward, sophomore Javin DeLaurier, was rated a four-star prospect and the No. 39 overall player nationally in 2016. Even if Duke suffers an injury or two, or gets in foul trouble — especially in the frontcourt — there is talent waiting to come off the bench.
EXPERIENCE If you’re looking for a chink in Duke’s armor, the only obvious one is the team's youth. The talented starting lineup also will feature — based on our projection — four freshman starters, and one of them reclassified from the class of 2018. The veterans on the bench haven’t received many minutes to date. Junior big man Antonio Vrankovic averaged 7.8 minutes per tilt last season, while sophomore forwards Jack White and DeLaurier played just 6.1 and 7.1, respectively. There’s no doubting the Blue Devils’ talent, but it will be interesting to see the cohesiveness among both the newbies and the veterans. Sometimes even the most talented teams can take a while to come together, and the Hoosiers get the Blue Devils before December hits. “Each one of the freshmen were stars in high school, so learning how to play within a team concept and not being selfish on the court can be a challenge,” Brian McLawhorn of DevilsIllustrated.com said. “How they respond will dictate how good this team can ultimately be this season.”
THEHOOSIER.COM
49.Duke Preview.indd 49
PROJECTED STARTERS G Trevon Duval, Fr. (N/A)
G Grayson Allen, Sr.
(14.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.5 apg)
G Gary Trent Jr., Fr.
(N/A)
F Wendell Carter, Fr. (N/A)
C Marvin Bagley, Fr. (N/A)
Quick Facts
All-Time Series: Duke leads 5-3 Last Meeting: Duke 94, Indiana 74 (Dec. 2, 2015; Durham, N.C.) Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski, 998-271 at Duke (38th year) and 1,071-330 overall (43rd year) 2016-17 Results: 28-9 overall, 11-7 ACC (T-5th) Returning Starters: 1 Notable: Despite the talent Duke has added in recent years, Coach K’s squad finished just 11-7 in the ACC in each of the last two seasons … Freshman forward Jordan Tucker nearly committed to IU and former head coach Tom Crean before the program made a coaching change. 2017-2018 BASKETBALL PREVIEW ❙❙ 49
10/5/17 4:03 PM
OPPONENTS
Michigan Wolverines Dec. 2 • Ann Arbor, Mich. BY JORDAN WELLS The Wolverines have advanced to six of the last seven NCAA Tournaments under head coach John Beilein, and there’s nothing to suggest that trend stops this season. Michigan did lose leading rebounder and shot blocker D.J. Wilson (5.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks per game) to the NBA, which is a hit in the talent department. The forward left school after his redshirt sophomore year to declare for the NBA Draft and was selected No. 17 overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. And they were already set to lose their top two scorers in Derrick Walton Jr. (15.5 points per game) and Zak Irvin (13.0) to graduation. “If D.J. Wilson had returned, fans would be talking about contending for the Big Ten title,” Chris Balas of TheWolverine.com said. “But they’re still pretty optimistic. “There’s a lot of talent there. I think this is a team they believe can contend for the top four or five in the league, and if you get a couple breaks or a couple guys are better than you thought, you can get into the top two or three.” Kentucky transfer Charles Matthews, a redshirt sophomore, and Ohio graduate transfer Jaaron Simmons are two guards that join potential preseason first-team All-Big Ten junior forward Moritz Wagner in the starting lineup. If that nucleus can gel together, the Wolverines look likely to be dancing in the postseason again.
Key Player To Watch PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN
MORITZ WAGNER
After weighing NBA options in the offseason, the 6-11 forward returns for the Wolverines this year and should be one of the best players in the conference. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors last season thanks to his efficient shooting in 23.9 minutes per game (he averaged 12.1 points).
PROJECTED STARTERS
STRENGTH
WEAKNESS
G Jaaron Simmons, 5th-Sr.
SHOOTING Efficient shooting is a stamp of John Beilein teams. In 2015-16, the Wolverines finished 40th in the country in both two-point shooting percentage (52.6) and threepoint shooting percentage (38.0) Last year, those marks were improved to 30th nationally in three-point shooting (38.5 percent) and eighth in the country for two-point shooting (56.3 percent). Derrick Walton Jr. and D.J. Wilson were two of the most well-rounded and efficient scorers on last year’s squad, and they’re both gone. Junior big man Moritz Wagner returns, though, after an incredibly efficient year. He shot 123 of 186 from inside the arc (66 percent) and 45 for 114 (39.5 percent) outside of it. Senior guard Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman made 42 of his 111 three-point tries (37.8 percent). Senior guard/forward Duncan Robinson could also see an increased role after sinking 64 of his 151 long-range shots (42.4 percent) last year. If that trio of players can carry over — or exceed — their production from last year, it looks like Michigan will once again have an excellent shooting team.
REBOUNDING As efficient as Beilein coaches his teams to be, it leaves some weaknesses in a couple areas, particularly rebounding. Michigan has finished 300th or worse nationally in offensive rebounding rate each of the last two seasons. Last year, they grabbed an offensive board on just 24.8 percent of their opportunities. That rate checked in at 314th nationally. TheWolverine.com editor Chris Balas notes Michigan could see contributions from a couple of “tougher” players in the 2017-18 campaign, which could lead to a bit more scrappiness on the boards. Still, it’s not something the coaching staff seems to emphasize. Beilein’s formula works. There’s a reason the Wolverines have seen consistent success under his watch, including NCAA bids in six of the last seven years with a trio of runs to the Sweet 16 or deeper during that time. But rebounding hasn’t usually been a part of that equation.
(15.9 ppg, 6.5 apg at Ohio)
G
Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, Sr. (9.1 ppg)
G Charles Matthews, R-So.
(1.7 ppg, 1.6 rpg at Kentucky in 2015-16)
F Duncan Robinson, 5th-Sr.
(7.7 ppg)
F Moritz Wagner, Jr.
(12.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg)
Quick Facts
All-Time Series: Indiana leads 107-59 Last Meeting: Michigan 75, Indiana 63 (Feb. 12, 2017; Bloomington) Head Coach: John Beilein, 215-135 at Michigan (11th year) and 691-410 overall (36th year) 2016-17 Results: 26-12 overall, 10-8 Big Ten (T-5th) Returning Starters: 2 Notable: Michigan has finished in the top 50 nationally on KenPom.com in six of the last seven seasons … Wagner was ranked as the No. 48 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by DraftExpress.com. 50 ❙❙ 2017-2018 BASKETBALL PREVIEW
50.Michigan Preview.indd 50
NEWCOMER TO WATCH CHARLES MATTHEWS
The Kentucky transfer was rated a four-star prospect and ranked as the No. 48 player nationally in 2015. He also listed offers from Kansas, Ohio State and Wisconsin, among others, out of high school, and should bring some athleticism and toughness to the starting lineup. THEHOOSIER.COM
10/5/17 2:48 PM
PREVIEW
The Names, Teams And Numbers To Know Heading Into The 2017-2018 Campaign BY JACEY ZEMBAL Big Ten Preseason Projections 1. MICHIGAN STATE (20-15, 10-8 BIG TEN IN 2016-17) The Spartans had two major issues last year — few healthy post players and a young roster. The youth movement helped the likes of star sophomore small forward Miles Bridges and sophomore center Nick Ward. The uber-athletic Bridges averaged 16.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game last year. Freshman post player Jaren Jackson Jr. was a Rivals.com five-star prospect.
2. MINNESOTA (24-10, 11-7 BIG TEN) Head coach Richard Pitino went from being on the hot seat to celebrating a breakout season with the Golden Gophers. The addition of Illinois State center transfer Reggie Lynch and then-freshman small forward Amir Coffey helped spark the turnaround. Both are back plus star senior point guard Nate Mason, who averaged 15.2 points and 5.0 assists per game last year.
3. PURDUE (27-8, 14-4 BIG TEN) Sophomore center Caleb “Biggie” Swanigan turned pro and became a first-round pick, but the Boilermakers return six players who averaged at least 19.5 minutes per game. Senior power forward Vince Edwards and senior center Isaac Haas will lead this season’s contingent, with both averaging 12.6 points per game apiece last year.
4. NORTHWESTERN (24-12, 10-8 BIG TEN) Northwestern snapped one of the all-time droughts, regardless of sport, making the NCAA Tournament for the first time ever last season. Head coach Chris Collins actually had the Wildcats ahead of schedule by a year. Senior point guard Bryant McIntosh (14.8), senior shooting guard Scottie Lindsey (14.1) and junior small forward Vic Law (12.3) all averaged at least 12 points a game while leading the team to The Big Dance.
5. MARYLAND (24-9, 12-6 BIG TEN) Maryland played three players extensively as freshmen last year, and they are now the driving force of the program. Point guard Anthony Cowan, wing Kevin Huerter and point forward Justin Jackson will lead the way. Jackson in particular will get heavy NBA Draft interest this season after he averaged 10.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in his debut.
6. MICHIGAN (26-12, 10-8 BIG TEN) The loss of power forward D.J. Wilson to the NBA Draft prematurely was a difficult blow to Michigan’s Big Ten title hopes. The Wolverines still have a quality nucleus of senior shooting guard Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, senior stretch four Duncan Robinson and emerging junior center Moritz Wagner, who averaged 12.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game last season. The Spartans have made 20 straight NCAA Tournament appearances under head coach Tom Izzo, but they have not advanced past the second round since 2015. PHOTO BY PER KJLEDSEN
42 ❙❙ 2017-2018 BASKETBALL PREVIEW
42-45.Big Ten Preview.indd 42
THEHOOSIER.COM
10/5/17 3:12 PM
7. WISCONSIN (27-10, 12-6 BIG TEN) Wisconsin shouldn’t be picked this high on paper, but the Badgers have earned the benefit of the doubt in being able to overachieve. Redshirt junior center Ethan Happ is a premier player after he averaged 14.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game last year. Who will help him remains to be seen, but sophomore point guard D’Mitrik Trice and junior forward Khalil Iverson are good candidates.
8. INDIANA (18-16, 7-11 BIG TEN) New coach Archie Miller has enough pieces to overachieve this season. He’ll particularly need senior combo guard Robert Johnson, junior power forward Juwan Morgan and sophomore center De’Ron Davis to lead the way to make that happen. Fifth-year senior Josh Newkirk, a transfer from Pittsburgh, and sophomore Devonte Green will tag-team at point guard.
9. PENN STATE (15-18, 6-12 BIG TEN) The baby Nittany Lions will ride or die behind their sophomore class of point guard Tony Carr, power forward Lamar Stevens and center Mike Watkins. Carr averaged 13.2 points and 4.2 assists per game last year. Senior shooting guard Shep Garner, who averaged 12.0 points a contest, complements him.
10. IOWA (19-15, 10-8 BIG TEN) Iowa relied extensively on wing Peter Jok last year, but his 19.9 points per game have moved on. The Hawkeyes have a deep roster, but will need some role players to out-play their previous roles. Sophomore center Tyler Cook was hailed as a recruiting steal a year ago, and that proved prophetic while he averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
11. ILLINOIS (20-15, 8-10 BIG TEN) Hiring former Oklahoma State coach Brad Underwood was an inspiring move, but he has some holes in the rotation to fix in his first year at Illinois. Redshirt junior center Michael Finke, junior power forward Leron Black and potentially Wright State shooting guard graduate transfer Mark Alstork are the new nucleus.
12. NEBRASKA (12-19, 6-12 BIG TEN) Nebraska was stung last season by the premature loss of Andrew White, who became a graduate transfer at Syracuse, and struggled mightily. Junior point guard Glynn Watson Jr. is a quality player who broke out to average 13.0 points and 2.6 assists per game, but he needs help. Miami wing transfer James Palmer and Georgetown combo forward transfer Isaac Copeland, both juniors, will need to step right in.
13. OHIO STATE (17-15, 7-11 BIG TEN) Few programs this side of perhaps Georgetown have had a rougher last 12 months. New coach Chris Holtmann was an inspiring hire from Butler, and he inherits senior forward Jae’Sean Tate, who averaged 14.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
14. RUTGERS (15-18, 3-15 BIG TEN) Second-year head coach Steve Pikiell inherited a massive rebuilding job, but the Scarlet Knights are showing some signs of life. Junior point guard Corey Sanders is a mercurial talent who averaged 12.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per contest.
SUPERLATIVES Top Passer Northwestern senior Bryant McIntosh has the ability to play both guard spots, but has settled in at point guard for the Wildcats. McIntosh and MSU sophomore point guard Cassius Winston led the Big Ten at 5.2 assists per game in 2016-17, though McIntosh had six more assists (188) than Winston. McIntosh, who averaged 6.7 assists per contest his sophomore year, had 10 games with at least seven assists last year, including a season-high 10 (plus 20 points) in a win over Iowa.
Top Shooter Michigan fifth-year senior forward Duncan Robinson gets the nod, though special mention to Purdue senior wing Dakota Mathias, who is the top returning three-point shooter at 45.3 percent. The former Division III standout Robinson shot 45 percent his redshirt sophomore year and then 42.4 percent last year for the Wolverines in a reduced role. THEHOOSIER.COM
42-45.Big Ten Preview.indd 43
Fifth-year senior Duncan Robinson has made 46.3 percent of his 508 field goals and 43.9 percent of his 362 three-pointers during his two years at Michigan. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
2017-2018 BASKETBALL PREVIEW ❙❙ 43
10/5/17 3:13 PM
INDIANA HOOSIERS BASKETBALL 2017-18
WHERE ARE THEY
It has been 25 years, yet Indiana fans can still close their eyes and see silky-smooth left-hander Calbert Cheaney rising up after catching a pass off a screen to bury a jumper for two or three points. Cheaney scored with such frequency that by his graduation he left Bloomington as both Indiana’s and the Big Ten’s all-time leading scorer with 2,613 career points. Cheaney’s senior year saw him honored as the National Player of the Year, Big Ten MVP and MVP of the Preseason NIT, and earn first-team All-Big Ten and All-America accolades. In the 1993 NBA draft, Cheaney was the first pick of the Washington Bullets and the sixth player selected overall. During his 13-year NBA career, he played for Washington, Boston, Denver, Utah and Golden State, averaging 9.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 26.7 minutes in 825 regular-season games. Cheaney said Utah was the best of his stops in the NBA. “I got a chance to play with two NBA Hall of Famers, John Stockton and Karl Malone,” he recalled. “I also played with Mark Jackson, who was a very good player as well. “I loved playing for Coach [Jerry] Sloan. He was a great coach and treated everyone on the team the same, whether they were a star or the 12th man.” From 2009-11, Cheaney served as a special assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors. He returned to Indiana in June of 2011 as director of basketball operations under then-head coach Tom Crean. A year later, he added director of internal and external player development duties. Following the 2012-13 season, Cheaney become an assistant coach at St. Louis under head coach and former Hoosier Jim Crews. He held the position through the 2016 campaign, when Crews was released by the school. Cheaney still lives in St. Louis with his wife of 20 years, Yvette, and his two children — Julian and Sydney, a senior and junior in high school, respectively. Cheaney said he has had many opportunities to get back into basketball, but the couple did not want to move their children from their friends and schools. He is taking this time to enjoy his family before returning to the sport. — Bill Murphy
PHOTO COURTESY ST. LOUIS BILLIKENS
NOW?
CALBERT
PHOTO COURTESY IU ATHLETICS
THEHOOSIER.COM
87-89.Where are they now.indd 87
CHEANEY 1989-93
2017-2018 BASKETBALL PREVIEW ❙❙ 87
10/5/17 3:50 PM
RAISING THE BAR
Indiana’s Women Enter The Season With Heightened Expectations
94 ❙❙ 2017-2018 BASKETBALL PREVIEW
94-97.Women's BKB.indd 94
THEHOOSIER.COM
10/5/17 4:43 PM