Big Ten Basketball: Key player to watch on each team for 2020-21 season

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 12: Big Ten logo on the floor before the Big Ten Men's Basketball Final against the Wisconsin Badgers and Michigan Wolverines at the Verizon Center on March 12, 2017 in Washington, DC. The Wolverines won 71-56. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

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Big Ten Basketball Rob Phinisee Indiana Hoosiers(Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Indiana – JR Rob Phinisee

Rob Phinisee is crucial to Indiana’s success.

He didn’t play much in his first two seasons, only starting 16 games his sophomore year dealing with different injuries. But when he did play, he looked like a different player in his second season.

Phinisee upped his scoring totals from 6.8 points per game his freshman year to 7.3 last year, improving his scoring efficiency as well. Phinisee will start the season as Indiana’s two-guard, while Khristian Lander most likely will start at point guard.

Phinisee’s stats don’t jump off the page, but where he thrives is being a vocal leader. The Hoosiers haven’t found an identity under Archie Miller in his fourth year as head coach, but Phinisee can provide that for a team that’s looking to get back to the top of the Big Ten like years prior.

The Hoosiers have solid depth at guard, including Lander and sophomore Armaan Franklin, but Phinisee should get the biggest share of minutes. He’s a good 3 point shooter, hitting on 40% of his 3s in both of his college seasons. If he can continue to improve his scoring and facilitating abilities, Indiana could be a sleeper to win the conference.

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