NCAA Basketball: Gonzaga, Houston lead in updated way-too-early top 25 ranking
By Joey Loose
11. Indiana
The jury is still out on Mike Woodson as a collegiate head coach, but his first season was certainly a step in the right direction, leading the Hoosiers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in six years. The initial expectation is that this team could compete in the Big Ten and make some noise next season, but the return of Trayce Jackson-Davis has obviously upped that expectation.
Jackson-Davis returns for a fourth collegiate season after averaging 18.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last year in leading the Hoosiers. Indiana will also get final seasons from Xavier Johnson and Race Thompson, two double-digit scorers from last season who played certain roles on offense. Looking ahead, the Hoosiers also add two 5-star prospects who should make an impact this season, getting Jalen Hood-Schifino, a physical guard who can score, and Malik Reneau, a power forward who plays great complementary offense and should excel learning from Jackson-Davis.
Can Indiana really win the Big Ten this season? As we sit in early June, they certainly look like the favorite on paper, especially with Jackson-Davis looking like a potential All-American. The defense was great last season for the Hoosiers, but their success will depend on if a less than stellar exterior offense can pick up the slack. The Hoosiers are projected to do some impressive things next season, especially if one of their younger guards has a breakout campaign.