Busting Brackets
Fansided

Indiana Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Hoosiers

By Lukas Harkins

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 02: Devonte Green #11 of the Indiana Hoosiers during a game against the Michigan State Spartans in overtime at Breslin Center on February 2, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 02: Devonte Green #11 of the Indiana Hoosiers during a game against the Michigan State Spartans in overtime at Breslin Center on February 2, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 19: Smith of the Hoosiers shoots. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 19: Smith of the Hoosiers shoots. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Projecting Starting Frontcourt

Justin Smith | 6-foot-7 | 230 lbs | Junior

Easily one of the most athletic players in the Big Ten, Justin Smith absolutely oozes potential. The 6-foot-7 small-ball power forward looks poised for a major breakout campaign and that would be monster news for the Hoosiers. He is an exceptionally capable finisher at the rim by way of cuts, drives, and capping off transition opportunities. Although not a threat from beyond the arc (21.9% from three), Smith can be a solid scoring threat at the basket.

One of the biggest keys for him this season will be continuing to develop chemistry with Rob Phinisee. Phinisee will be the dominant ball-handler for the team this season and he will be looking to dump off inside passes to Smith throughout the campaign. If they can develop a strong two-man game, that could be a reliable offensive option for the team. On the defensive end of the floor, Smith can defend multiple positions as a result of his size and athleticism.

Trayce Jackson-Davis | 6-foot-9 | 245 lbs | Freshman

Simply one of the most talented players on the entire roster, Trayce Jackson-Davis will see his fair share of playing time this season. I know others might select De’Ron Davis or Joey Brunk for this final spot but I expect that TJD will be starting by the time Big Ten play starts for the Hoosiers. He is simply too good to come off the bench, even in a deep frontcourt. Ranked as the No. 30 prospect in the 2019 recruiting class, Jackson-Davis is a highly-regarded newcomer.

He can play either the 4/5 and projects as a major offensive threat right away. Although he is mostly confined to scoring in the paint, TJD boasts a variety of moves around the basket and excels in the pick-and-roll. He uses his athleticism well on both ends of the floor and should be a consistent contributor as a result. TJD might be the least experienced member of the frontcourt but he will likely be the statistical leader across the board. Replacing Juwan Morgan is no easy task but TJD will be hungry to answer the call.

Home/Indiana Hoosiers