4. Keep everyone healthy
Indiana basketball has seriously struggled with injuries to this point in the year. Through non-conference play, only four players (Langford, Evan Fitzner, Smith, Morgan) have competed in all 13 games for the team and a major reason for this has been injury concerns. When at full strength, which has rarely occurred, this team has the potential to be a top-15 team in the nation and I will stand by that.
In terms of long-term issues, there is no timetable set for when freshmen Jerome Hunter and Race Thompson, who have combined to play just four minutes this season, will be ready to return. Additionally, starting point guard Rob Phinisee (concussion) and senior leader Zach McRoberts (back) missed IU’s last game and one never knows quite how long those will last. This is a lot of injuries to deal with at one time and the Hoosiers cannot reach their full potential without getting and staying healthy.
Injuries force coaches and players to adjust as their rotations and roles need to change. With each injury that occurs, the Hoosiers will need to continue to tinker. And then, once everyone is healthy, it might be difficult to return to their “normal” chemistry on the court. It is hard for a team to “grow as one” if players need to miss time due to injuries. Here’s to hoping that the Hoosiers can stay healthy for the rest of this season.