Who Will Start for the Indiana Hoosiers in 2011-12?

The Hoosiers are coming off a 12-20 season, with only three conference victories, but finally have the talent and experience to compete in the Big Ten.

With the season just two weeks away, the starters for Tom Crean's Indiana Hoosiers are still not set. Recently, at the Haunted Hall of Hoops on Oct. 29, Crean tried many different lineups and was unclear about who are the odds-on-favorites to start.  Here are his options.

Point Guard: Jordan Hulls

Probably the clearest decision for Crean at this point, Jordan Hulls is the likely favorite to man the point guard position. Hulls has improved his decision making and playmaking ability, and looks much more comfortable as a leader. He has a confidence in him that Hoosier fans haven't seen of Hulls in the past. The Bloomington native will be the engine that make the 2011-2012 Hoosiers go.  

Shooting Guard: Verdell Jones III

Verdell Jones III is the likely starter at the two-spot. His offense will come and go, but Jones III is one of the best defenders in the Big Ten. He is a must start for Crean, who has really emphasized defense leading up to the season.

He is a versatile defender who has both the length and quickness to defend point guards and shooting guards. Jones III will have to guard some of the Big Ten's best in Jordan Taylor, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Aaron Craft and will be up to the challenge.

Just as Hulls is the engine that makes the Hoosiers go on offense, Jones III will be the leader on the defensive end.

Small Forward: Sheehey vs Oladipo

With Maurice Creek suffering his third major injury in the last 22 months, these two reserves from last years team will have to step up and man the 3-spot. Oladipo is lengthy, athletic, and looks much more confident than last season. Sheehey also is lengthy, athletic, and looks confident. Both have played extremely well in the two scrimmages thus far for the Hoosiers. Consistent shooting will be extremely important for the two who are both known as slashers. You can't really go wrong with either at this point and it will be exciting to see who becomes the starter and who becomes the first person off the bench for the Hoosiers.

Prediction: Oladipo starts over Sheehey because is ability to pressure the ball. Crean really wants his Hoosiers to play defense this year and Oladipo is a slightly better defender than Sheehey. Expect Sheehey to have a major role though. 

Power Forward: Christian Watford

The Hoosiers' best player from last year returns and is ready to show he is among the nation's best.

The versatile four-man can step out and shoot, as well as finish and rebound down low. He has improved his first step and ball handling in the offseason and will be able to blow past his defenders at will.

Watford is another obvious starter for Crean and looks to be the Hoosiers leading scorer.

Center: Cody Zeller

The native from nearby Washington, IN. and top-20 recruit will have a huge impact on the Hoosiers this year.

Zeller is an athletic five-man who can shoot, rebound, pass and defend. The two most impressive things shown by Zeller thus far are his ability to run the floor and his footwork. Both of this attributes are far more developed than most freshmen.

Zeller will improve the Hoosiers in all aspects of the game and will be the biggest contribution to them having a successful season.