Big Ten Basketball: Predicting teams at the bottom for 2019-20 season

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 01: Juwan Morgan #13 of the Indiana Hoosiers works against Deshawn Freeman #33 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the second half during the second round of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 1, 2018 in New York City (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 02: Indiana Hoosiers bench celebrates after play against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Breslin Center on February 2, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

12. Indiana

2018-2019 conference record: 8-12

Key players lost: Romeo Langford, Juwan Morgan, Zach Mcroberts

Key players returning: Robert Phinisee, Devonte Green, Al Durham, Deron Davis, Justin Smith

Key newcomers: Trayce Jackson-Davis, Jerome Hunter (missed all of last season), Joey Brunk (transfer)

After a disappointing season in Bloomington, the pressure is on Archie Miller to get this historic program back to the NCAA Tournament. However, after losing their two best players from last season, this won’t be an easy task.

Romeo Langford and Juwan Morgan were the only two Hoosiers averaging double figures last season, scoring 43 percent of the team’s points. On the bright side, they don’t lose much else. Robert Phinisee was better down the stretch of last season which is a good sign because the Hoosiers will need him to take a massive leap for his sophomore season.

The team’s biggest issue last year (aside from losing 12 of 13 games in conference play) was their lack of shooting. They were dead last in the Big Ten in three-point percentage and second to last in makes. They do return their best shooter in Devonte Green and rising sophomore Damezi Anderson was a standout three-point shooter in high school. For the Hoosiers to be better, their shooting must dramatically improve.

Trayce Jackson-Davis will be the x-factor. A five-star freshman, the forward has the skillset to lead the team in scoring and fill part of the void that Morgan leaves. While not a great shooter, the lefty is a solid post option who can pass and defend multiple positions. He will need to be one of the best freshmen in the conference for Indiana to contend. Another x-factor is Jerome Hunter who didn’t play last season due to injury but is a former four-star recruit that can add depth on the wing.

Indiana’s ceiling is pretty high if they can improve shooting and Jackson-Davis is a star. It’s not out of the question they are a top-six Big Ten team. Conversely, I think the more likely scenario is that the shooting woes continue while the offense sputters and another frustrating season in Bloomington may put Archie Miller’s job in danger.

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