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Indiana Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Hoosiers

By Lukas Harkins

BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 29: Indiana Hoosiers players react from the bench in the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils at Assembly Hall on November 29, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. Duke won 91-81. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 29: Indiana Hoosiers players react from the bench in the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils at Assembly Hall on November 29, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. Duke won 91-81. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KY – DECEMBER 09: Archie Miller the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers watches. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY – DECEMBER 09: Archie Miller the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers watches. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Key Reserves

Even though the starting lineup is a major reason for so much preseason hype surrounding Indiana this year, an impressive amount of depth and balance will likely prove to be pivotal for the team this year. Most importantly, this group of high-quality reserves mixes a lot of different playing types and there is a strong mix of veterans and underclassmen.

In my opinion, the two most important reserves on the roster this season will be senior Zach McRoberts and freshman Robert Phinisee. McRoberts, who is a walk-on forward, was thrust into major minutes last season and he excelled. Although his per game numbers were not gaudy (2.8 points and 3.4 rebounds), he started in 17 games last season while averaging 21.9 minutes per game. A high-energy player who is a tenacious defender, McRoberts will surely play a major role even if he is not a starter this season.

In regards to Phinisee, he will likely split minutes at the point guard position with the aforementioned Devonte Green. Ranked as the No. 136 player (No. 22 point guard) in the 2018 class, Phinisee is an extremely well-rounded guard who can create for himself as well as find other teammates. He might just be 6-foot-1 but is packed with talent.

Speaking of guard play, returning sophomore Aljami Durham looks poised for a strong season. A 6-foot-4 combo guard, Durham projects as a reserve to both Green/Phinisee as well as Langford at the two-guard position. Over the court of last season, Durham averaged all-around numbers of 4.8 points (.409/.286/.714), 1.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 18.8 minutes per game.

Also, in addition to Phinisee and Langford, the rest of Indiana’s recruiting class is also flat-out elite. Versatile true freshman forwards Jerome Hunter, Damezi Anderson, and Jake Forrester should all compete for reserve minutes in the frontcourt. Furthermore, the seemingly forgotten man of IU’s 2017 recruiting class (due to redshirting), 6-foot-8 Race Thompson, has a year of practice under his belt and could emerge as a breakout candidate.

Evan Fitzner, a smooth shooting big man who spent his last three seasons at St. Mary’s, also figures to be a major piece in the frontcourt.

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