As we sit here on April 24th, it appears Mike Woodson is building a roster that will have a number of options for how it can play this season. Here are some of my favorite combinations to think about.
It’s hard to say for me right now which lineup is most exciting I haven’t watched tape on the new guys but I do know I am trying to temper my expectations at this time of year given last year and really all 3 Woodson years. I’m excited for the potential but I need to see Woodson make quicker adjustments to his scheme when injuries and or player development doesn’t meet expectations. But a healthy squad and the experience Cupps Mgbacko and others got last year along with the talent coming gives me some hope for a better season
That seems fair. On paper, this roster is more interesting and exciting than last year's, even accounting for the optimism surrounding Xavier Johnson's return. But I'm with you on needing to see the pieces actually come together to fully buy in. Not stopping me from getting somewhat excited though. :-)
While I'm really excited about the new incoming players, along our strong core mix of returnees... what I would really love to see NEXT Season and beyond is 'true intensity and actual fire' from the BENCH... including ALL of the Coaches (MOSTLY Woody, I'm afraid... silent stares?) & ALL of the Players and even managers... whenever they are there)!! 'Home or Away' doesn't matter. Neither does the line-up, score or clock. HEART and all out ENERGY along with INTENSITY certainly Do... and it all needs to show from the top down... ALL THE TIME... Every Game... Practice, too.
The first two lineup combinations reflect probably the biggest preseason question: Are Galloway and Carlyle battling for the same lineup spot and, if so, who wins? I tend to believe that Coach Woodson will value Galloway's experience and start him but there is also a case to be made that is what makes Galloway the preferred option to finish games. As fans, we talk a lot about who starts when the reality is who finishes the games on the floor is probably more important.
Yep. With this kind of lineup flexibility, I'm much less concerned with who starts halves. And I think -- THINK -- that Woody will have more ways he can attack teams. That really hasn't been the case much the last three seasons.
I’d like to caution everyone about expecting a big jump in offensive production by Rice and Carlyle, from their Freshmen to Sophomore years, because they’ll be going into a whole new system. But it’s entirely possible they could prove be even more effective!
Those are both fun! A reader did point out that Indiana will probably end games with Rice, Carlyle, Galloway, Mgbako, and Reneau due to Ballo's poor FT shooting. I can definitely see that.
The other advantage there is that all 5 can switch on the 3 point line. Vulnerable to inside scoring, but that may not be a problem protecting a 3 or 4 point lead where they have to foul.
Wet blanket here. All of those lineups suggest that Coach Woodsen might be willing to experiment. However, other than a shift change for a second string (which did not work), Coach has been unwilling to make many changes at all, and especially change his starting lineup once he settles on it. Hope that changes.
It's interesting. I think Woody has been a little more flexible than some people give him credit for, but more inflexible than his staunchest defenders will try to make you believe. As usual, the truth is somewhere in the middle, and I do acknowledge the fact that his hands have been tied by injuries and questionable roster construction in past seasons. My mindset heading into this season is not to forget what we've learned from the first three seasons, but to be open-minded to a roster like this letting Woody more fully dive into his bag of coaching tricks based on matchups, momentum, and performance. Will be very interesting to see how it all plays out.
It’s hard to say for me right now which lineup is most exciting I haven’t watched tape on the new guys but I do know I am trying to temper my expectations at this time of year given last year and really all 3 Woodson years. I’m excited for the potential but I need to see Woodson make quicker adjustments to his scheme when injuries and or player development doesn’t meet expectations. But a healthy squad and the experience Cupps Mgbacko and others got last year along with the talent coming gives me some hope for a better season
That seems fair. On paper, this roster is more interesting and exciting than last year's, even accounting for the optimism surrounding Xavier Johnson's return. But I'm with you on needing to see the pieces actually come together to fully buy in. Not stopping me from getting somewhat excited though. :-)
While I'm really excited about the new incoming players, along our strong core mix of returnees... what I would really love to see NEXT Season and beyond is 'true intensity and actual fire' from the BENCH... including ALL of the Coaches (MOSTLY Woody, I'm afraid... silent stares?) & ALL of the Players and even managers... whenever they are there)!! 'Home or Away' doesn't matter. Neither does the line-up, score or clock. HEART and all out ENERGY along with INTENSITY certainly Do... and it all needs to show from the top down... ALL THE TIME... Every Game... Practice, too.
Wanna' win? SHOW IT!!
Fingers' crossed, with love to all, MD
The first two lineup combinations reflect probably the biggest preseason question: Are Galloway and Carlyle battling for the same lineup spot and, if so, who wins? I tend to believe that Coach Woodson will value Galloway's experience and start him but there is also a case to be made that is what makes Galloway the preferred option to finish games. As fans, we talk a lot about who starts when the reality is who finishes the games on the floor is probably more important.
Yep. With this kind of lineup flexibility, I'm much less concerned with who starts halves. And I think -- THINK -- that Woody will have more ways he can attack teams. That really hasn't been the case much the last three seasons.
I’d like to caution everyone about expecting a big jump in offensive production by Rice and Carlyle, from their Freshmen to Sophomore years, because they’ll be going into a whole new system. But it’s entirely possible they could prove be even more effective!
Looks like we're in for a very enjoyable season. A fun ride indeed!!!
Rice
Carlyle
Mgbako
Reneau
Ballo...and go from there
How about an End-of-game-with-a-narrow-lead lineup: Cupps, Rice, Carlyle, Galloway and Mgbako?
Or a Victory Cigar Lineup: Cupps, Newton, Leal, Tucker, back-up big?
Those are both fun! A reader did point out that Indiana will probably end games with Rice, Carlyle, Galloway, Mgbako, and Reneau due to Ballo's poor FT shooting. I can definitely see that.
And go defense for offense by bringing in Ballo for MM.
The other advantage there is that all 5 can switch on the 3 point line. Vulnerable to inside scoring, but that may not be a problem protecting a 3 or 4 point lead where they have to foul.
Wet blanket here. All of those lineups suggest that Coach Woodsen might be willing to experiment. However, other than a shift change for a second string (which did not work), Coach has been unwilling to make many changes at all, and especially change his starting lineup once he settles on it. Hope that changes.
It's interesting. I think Woody has been a little more flexible than some people give him credit for, but more inflexible than his staunchest defenders will try to make you believe. As usual, the truth is somewhere in the middle, and I do acknowledge the fact that his hands have been tied by injuries and questionable roster construction in past seasons. My mindset heading into this season is not to forget what we've learned from the first three seasons, but to be open-minded to a roster like this letting Woody more fully dive into his bag of coaching tricks based on matchups, momentum, and performance. Will be very interesting to see how it all plays out.
For short periods of time against the right line up, I want the shooters. It's been SOOO long.