BLOOMINGTON – Survival within the Huge Ten typically begins with a stacked frontcourt.
On the energy ahead spot, Indiana boasts each expertise and depth. Finally, Indiana coach Mike Woodson needs extra perimeter manufacturing from his energy forwards to stretch opposing defenses. However Woodson was thrilled with the choice of rugged Race Thompson opting to return for an additional 12 months granted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thompson has began 62 video games during the last two seasons, and his chemistry with returning heart Trayce Jackson-Davis on and off the courtroom ought to give the Hoosiers a bonus over different frontcourts they may face all through the course of the season.
Right here’s a take a look at IU’s energy forwards going into the 2022-23 season:
THE STARTER
Thompson’s return offers IU an skilled frontcourt participant who has proven regular enchancment the final two seasons.
In beginning all 35 video games for the Hoosiers final season, Thompson averaged 11.1 factors and seven.5 rebounds final season, up from 9.1 factors and 6.2 rebounds in 2020-21. He was amongst IU’s most constant gamers, scoring in double figures in 23 of 35 video games whereas posting 5 double-doubles.
At 6-foot-8 and 235 kilos, Thompson has confirmed he can stand up to the bodily punishment of defending and rebounding within the put up in Huge Ten play and will get extra alternatives to broaden his perimeter recreation as nicely.
Final season, Thompson went 15-of-55 (27.3%) from 3-point vary and is constant to work to develop his shot and general expertise away from the basket.
THE DEPTH
Jordan Geronimo’s resolution to return to IU for his junior seasons offers the Hoosiers an skilled piece off the bench ought to Thompson encounter an harm or foul bother.
The 6-6 Geronimo (4.4 factors, 3.6 rebounds per recreation) emerged late in his sophomore 12 months at IU, scoring 15 factors in IU’s First 4 win over Wyoming and offering stellar protection down the stretch in IU’s 17-point comeback win over Michigan within the Huge Ten event.
With a 40-inch vertical leap, Geronimo is among the many most athletic gamers on IU’s roster and has the flexibility to protect a number of positions in IU’s switching protection.
THE FUTURE
Incoming freshman ahead Kaleb Banks, a flexible 6-8, 215-pound four-star combo ahead from Fayette, Georgia, has proven the flexibility to increase the protection with taking pictures vary out to the 3-point line. He made 40 3-pointers as a highschool junior and earned Class 4A Georgia Excessive Faculty participant of the 12 months honors as a senior.
Banks might want to adapt to the physicality of the Huge Ten however might be an essential piece for the Hoosiers in future seasons.