Hoosiers begin regular season against Howard

When the men’s basketball regular season tips off 8 p.m. Friday, few things will be the same as last season.

Nine players remain from last year’s 6-25 team. Seven new players will take the court – and they will be playing in the NCAA’s toughest conference.

Friday’s game against Howard at Assembly Hall will begin the 110th season for IU basketball – a year that most hope will redeem the team.

A top-10 freshman class and more veterans give Crean more chances to change lineups during the game. Despite that, Crean said only consistency will give them a deep team.

“We have bodies, and we have numbers, but we don’t have depth yet,” Crean said.

The second-year coach said he is using practice to mimic games, by taking breaks in between to imitate halftime. Many of last year’s games found the Hoosiers struggling during the second half.

“We’re trying to think more in practice so we don’t have to think as much in games,” Crean said.

Sophomore guard Verdell Jones said practice has been harder this year and is grateful for the start of the regular season.

“Now he’s really pushing us because he knows the potential this team has,” Jones said.

Jones said he and his teammates are taking practice more seriously this year. As the second leading scorer last year, Jones has competition with newly implemented guards Jordan Hulls, Maurice Creek and Jeremiah Rivers.

“This year you’re playing for playing time,” he said. “Last year you knew certain players had to play so we were a little more relaxed.”

Jones might be getting a new teammate soon. IU Athletics had tryouts Thursday, and gave 20 or so aspiring Hoosiers the chance to join the team. Crean said he was looking for size and shooting, but was not definite about finding a player.

“I don’t think we’re in a situation where we have to add anybody but we’re certainly not opposed to it,” Crean said.

Until then, Crean can only rely on his current players.

Freshman forward Christian Watford said his older teammates have told him how to prepare for the season.

“They’ve been stressing that since day one,” he said.

Jones has been one of those veterans.

“You always tell them game day is business day,” Jones said. “After we win you can go out, have fun, play around, do whatever you want.”