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Indiana Basketball: 5 keys for a successful 2019-20 season

By Lukas Harkins

BLOOMINGTON, IN - JANUARY 14: A rack of basketballs at the Indiana Hoosiers games against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Assembly Hall on January 14, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - JANUARY 14: A rack of basketballs at the Indiana Hoosiers games against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Assembly Hall on January 14, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 02: Indiana Hoosiers bench celebrates. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 02: Indiana Hoosiers bench celebrates. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Succeed away from Assembly Hall

Indiana struggled tremendously when forced to play away from Assembly Hall last season. While they were quite solid in front of their home crowd, the Hoosiers were unable to find any consistent play in raucous environments. Of course, IU did secure a massive win over Michigan State in East Lansing in the middle of the Big Ten schedule but they were 3-9 total in true road games. The team definitely performed poorly away from home but the hope is that a more experienced roster will help in those portions of the schedule.

Even though an incoming freshman is expected to play major minutes this season, the rotation is still going to be relatively experienced. This is especially true with regards to the idea that Green, Smith, and Durham will lead the way as upperclassmen. Coach Miller will likely lean on that trio, as well as De’Ron Davis, to help carry the team in road environments. In order for Indiana to make a run at an NCAA Tournament bid this season, they will need to be vastly improved away from Assembly Hall.

Indiana will not be playing a single true road game during their non-conference slate so hopefully neutral-site contests will prepare them for crazy Big Ten crowds. Coach Miller’s team should be more prepared for road games this season and their first two attempts will be difficult as they travel to Wisconsin and Maryland.

Next. Indiana's 2020 recruiting targets. dark

Indiana basketball has an uphill climb ahead during this coming season. The Hoosiers missed the Big Dance a year ago and then lost their two most important players. There are definitely some intriguing pieces, though.

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