It was the start to IU basketball media day that IU Coach Archie Miller expected.
Miller began his first media day at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall before the 2017-18 season by addressing the recent FBI investigation into bribery and corruption in college basketball.
Miller said that he, along with the IU basketball staff, have already met with IU Athletics Director Fred Glass about the investigation.
"We've talked about a lot of things and have no reason to think that Indiana is involved in anything right now," Miller said. "We're business as usual here."
The investigation has already touched several NCAA men's basketball programs, including the University of Louisville and the University of Arizona, where Miller's brother Sean is the head coach.
"I was as surprised as anyone, just like 99 percent, probably, of the basketball world," Miller said. "When it comes to Arizona, obviously very prideful there with my family. I've been able to talk to Sean only one time, very briefly, to add my support."
After addressing the investigation, Miller's news conference shifted to a discussion about his first season in charge of the Hoosiers.
Miller singled out senior guard Robert Johnson as a player who stood out during IU's preseason.
"I've never seen a guy as motivated, physically, to be where he's at right now," Miller said. "He's probably the best-conditioned player I've ever been around."
At the point guard position, Miller mentioned four specific guards, seniors Josh Newkirk and Johnson, sophomore Devonte Green and freshman Al Durham as players who would see time at that position.
The nonconference schedule in place for the upcoming season also drew praise from Miller as a good way to test his IU team before the start of Big Ten Conference play.
"Our nonconference schedule is going to provide a lot of information on what we're going to need to do over the course of the regular season to be successful," Miller said. "We're going to get, so to speak, punched a lot."
A frequent player that came up during Miller's news conference was sophomore forward De'Ron Davis. Miller said the biggest difference this season with Davis will be his ability to perform on a consistent basis.
"The effort level and the ability to do it from the start to the finish with great consistency and technique," Miller said. "Not being lazy, at times, defensively. We'll be really on top of De'Ron in terms of the technique and the effort level."
