College Basketball Preview: 1. Indiana Hoosiers

1. Indiana Hoosiers 27-9 in 2011 (11-7 Big Ten)

Victor Oladipo

Indiana started off 2011 flaming hot. Christian Watford hit a three pointer to seal the deal against number one Kentucky and then Tom Crean's squad handled Ohio State. Then, a cold streak emerged as they often do. In the end, the Hoosiers season ended in the Sweet 16 to a Kentucky team that would win a National Championship, which seemed about right. Now, almost everyone returns for these Hoosiers including sophomore Cody Zeller, the senior Watford and speedy junior Victor Oladipo. Expectations are high for Crean, the highest in a while. They must respond and prove they are better then Louisville and Kentucky.

Backcourt: Victor Oladipo has the talent to be All-Big Ten material. Oladipo has the speed and size to dominate at the shooting guard position. He is also equipped with a nasty crossover and a nice touch. Freshman Yogi Ferrell could end up starting at the point guard position as Indiana's top incoming recruit. Ferrell has speed and great court vision. He can blow past defenders and get to the basket but can also do damage on the perimeter. Expect senior Jordan Hulls to also get major minutes. Hulls is small but he does have speed and experience. Junior Maurice Creek has good size and has potential but his career at Indiana has been filled with issues. Expect contributions from sophomore Remy Abell and IPFW transfer Jonny Marlin.

Cody Zeller

Frontcourt: Sophomore Cody Zeller had a solid freshman season but way bigger things are expected from him in his second season in Indiana. Zeller is 7 feet tall with the wingspan to be a master shot blocker. He has good moves inside and has improved his court vision. Watford has proved before he can score in bunches but he doesn't get much respect. He has the size to be a rebounder but he can also hit three pointers and long range jumpers. On most teams, Watford could be a solid number one option but could be up to the third option for the Hoosiers. The Hoosiers gained a dominat low post presence in seven-footer Peter Jurkin from South Sudan. The three-star recruit is a master rebounder and blocker but he is raw. Freshman Jeremy Hollowell was a big time recruit for Crean as he provides another all-around talent to go along with Watford. Derek Elston and junior Will Sheehey provide some much needed depth.
Big Ten Rank: 1st
Top NBA Prospect: Cody Zeller
PROJECTED LINEUP:
PG Yogi Ferrell- Freshman
SG Victor Oladipo- Junior
SF Jeremy Hollowell- Freshman
PF Christian Watford- Senior
C Cody Zeller- Sophomore
Sixth Jordan Hulls- Senior