Identity\nThe Hoosiers are beginning to establish their own style of play, which has found success in the Big Ten this season. No more run-and-gun and pray-the-ball-goes-in. Under coach Kelvin Sampson, IU has packaged together a tough, opportunistic defense and an offense based around the inside-out game between junior forward D.J. White and the guards, who have shown their 3-point shooting touch throughout the season.
Energy\nSenior guard Rod Wilmont has exemplified the team's energy throughout the season. But credit senior guard Earl Calloway and freshman guard Armon Bassett as well, who have taken advantage of slower teams by penetrating defenses and dishing off the ball. This year's IU squad is quick to dive on the floor for loose balls and sprint out in transition for fast breaks.
Shooting\nThe Hoosiers have been streaky from the 3-point line throughout the season. But when they're hot, they're hot. Wilmont, junior guard A.J. Ratliff and junior forward Lance Stemler -- along with many other Hoosiers -- have proved they can knock down the open shot, even in clutch situations. Also, D.J. White has established a near-patented turnaround jumper that has baffled defenders and been effective against double-teams and taller defenders.
Defense\nAs the old saying goes, defense wins championships. IU may be far away from getting to the big game, but they are certainly playing with more ferocity on the defensive end. D.J. White has established himself as one of the premiere shot blockers in the Big Ten, while junior forward Mike White has been able to come into games and shut down opponents in the paint. Also, the IU guards have continuously put heavy ball pressure on opponents and taken away their 3-point shots.
Coaching\nSampson has the Hoosiers playing with some swagger this season. IU acts like it belongs among the elite teams in the Big Ten and throughout the nation, and the Hoosiers' play has backed up that attitude adjustment. IU teams of the past have struggled down the stretch of games and coming out of timeouts, but Sampson just won't allow that.
