Three Things to Look (or Listen) For

The Indiana Hoosiers tip-off the 2009-2010 basketball season on Wednesday night against Grace College. The opponent does not matter, this will be the first chance to see how much progress the Hoosiers have made in year two of the Tom Crean era. We will need to be careful about what to take from this game. I don't think it would be wise to look at the stats and make conclusions about what to expect for the season. However, it is Hoosier basketball and it's great to have them on the floor again.

3. The Guard Minutes
I think it is safe to assume that Jeremiah Rivers will be starting at the point. However, we don't really know who will start at the other two guard spots. I think it is safe to assume that Devan Dumes and Verdell Jones will occupy the other two spots for now. Don't be surprised to see Maurice Creek in for Dumes. Again, we can't say that the starting lineup against Grace College is going to be the starting lineup against Howard for the season opener. The lineup will probably change a lot during the season. I am looking forward to seeing how the minutes are distributed among the group of Rivers, Hulls, Creek, Dumes, Roth, Moore and Finkelmeier (throw in Watford because he could play the three).

2. The Tempo
Tom Crean wants his team to run. He wants to see pressure on the ball, turnovers converted to fast break points and quick outlets off of rebounds. IU did not have the personnel or personality to do that last year. Crean has said this team is going to be closer to his desired tempo but they won't reach the goal yet. Obviously, Grace should be easier to push the tempo against than a Big Ten team will be. Still, we will see if IU has made a decent amount of progress towards becoming the Hurryin' Hoosiers once again.

1. The Freshmen
This is the first time we get to see the highly-touted recruiting class against an opponent. Maurice Creek, Christian Watford, Jordan Hulls, Bawa Muniru, Derek Elston, and Bobby Capobianco are expected to contribute all season long. Wednesday night is their first game-action. Who is adjusting well? Is anyone struggling? Are they as good as we think they are? We won't get conclusive answers but the first step towards answers will be taken against Grace College.