2005 Indiana Hoosiers Basketball Preview

2005 Indiana Hoosiers Team Preview

The past three years for Hoosiers’ coach Mike Davis have not been very good. His team is 29 and 29 during that time. That’s a big turnaround for a coach who in his second year at Indiana got his team to the final game for the National Championship. In the past two years his team has missed the NCAA Tournament completely and his recruitment and retention of new talent has been anything but stellar.

How do you spell “last chance?” That’s apparently where Mike Davis is in the eyes of Indiana officials and fans. What he needs to do at the very least is finish first or second in the conference and make it into the Tournament. Considering Indiana’s talent and experience these goals are certainly attainable.
The biggest problem for Davis is replacing the loss of Big Ten scoring champion Bracey Wright (18.3 PPG), who left early for the NBA. Forward/center Marco Killingsworth, an Auburn transfer, led his former team in rebounding and scoring during the 2003-04 season. He’s rough, tough, and strong and could be a big asset to the team.

Add sophomore D.J. White to the frontcourt and you could have a dynamic tandem that would easily make up for Wright’s offense. Last season the Big Ten Freshman of the Year averaged 13.3 PPG and 4.9 APG . Another returning sophomore, Robert Vaden, brings versatility and athleticism to the court as he ranges from forward to guard and back again. He knocked in 10.2 points a game in his first season and brought in an average of 4.3 rebounds.

Senior point guard Lewis Monroe, another Auburn transfer, brings fine ball handling and passing skills that can keep opponents off balance. The addition of Monroe will allow three-year starting senior Marshall Strickland to finally move to his natural position-- shooting guard. This should help make Strickland a more productive contributor.

One big question that will determine this team’s success in the Big Ten concerns their ability to generate points. Last year in their conference the Hoosiers finished seventh in scoring, tenth in rebounding, and dead last in assists. Is this a team that can rectify those types of deficits? it better be if Mike davis expects to be back coaching the team whose nickname symbolizes great basketball.

For more info on the 2005 Hoosiers check out the official Indiana athletic site.