Indiana Hoosiers
Head Coach: Tom Crean
2007-08 Record: 25-8 (14-4 Big Ten)
2008-09 Roster
Key Losses: G 6’4” Eric Gordon, F 6’9” D.J. White, G 6’1” Armon Bassett,
G 6’4” Jordon Crawford, G/F JaMarcus Ellis
Key Additions: G 6’2” Devan Dumes, G 6‘3” Nick Williams, G 6’3” Matt Roth,
G 6’5” Malik Story, C 7’0” Tijan Jobe, G 6’4” Verdell Jones, F/C 6’8” Tom Pritchard
Starting Lineup
G Devan Dumes Jr. 6’2” 16.9 ppg, 4 rpg *Junior College Stats
G Verdell Jones Fr. 6’5” 17.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg *High School Stats
F Nick Williams Fr. 6’4” 19 ppg, 8 rpg *High School Stats
F Kyle Taber Sr. 6’7” 1.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg
C Tom Pritchard Fr. 6’8” 18 ppg, 10 rpg *High School Stats
The only returning player that was of any consequence is Kyle Taber. He played 11 minutes a game, and as one of only three players over 6’5”, his production will increase with more playing time. An offseason knee surgery could slow him down in the early season.
Welcome to Indiana, Devan Dumes—you have the most experience. Can you please lead the team? Dumes is a capable scorer and is strong from behind the arc. He will be looked to provide leadership and a calm presence while the freshmen find their way.
Lanky Verdell Jones has point guard skills but will start at shooting guard. He must improve his shot and not rely on just creating off one-on-one situations.
Nick Williams committed to Marquette when Tom Crean was still there but followed his coach to the Hoosier state. He is an athletic wing that will need to aid the post players and grab his share of rebounds.
After losing 25 pounds since he came to campus, Tom Pritchard is confident in his abilities to be a force on the block for the Hoosiers.
At 7’0” and 255 lbs, Tijan Jobe will see a good number of minutes backing up Pritchard. He is massive in the post and has a 7’5” wingspan but needs to learn how to stay out of foul trouble.
Both Matt Roth and Malik Story will be used a lot to back up both guard spots and add scoring and shooting ability when they hit the floor.
FORECAST
Remember when D.J. White’s weight and motivation were Indiana’s biggest problems? Then Kelvin Sampson came to campus and destroyed the immediate future of this program.
Fortunately for the Hoosiers, Tom Crean is here to save the program. I think Crean is an underrated coach. Hoosier fans will have to be patient, but he will get Indiana back to the tournament in due time.
It is tough to expect new players to carry teams. Usually they come to be a role player and then develop into a star. Not this year. Even though none of the guards are on the Eric Gordon level, they are talented and must prove that can play at the Big Ten level.
All I can say is, good luck!
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