Incoming Hoosiers discuss team's future, acclimation to IU

Damn the past few seasons and the talk of the Hoosiers never regaining their former glory. It still means something to don the candy-striped pants.

The five banners draping from the Assembly Hall ceiling — and the 21 Indiana Mr. Basketball winners (including current guard Jordan Hulls) that have suited up for the Hoosiers since the award’s inception in 1939 — still matter.

They matter most to the players coming in and trying to make the line of the Indiana fight song “for the glory of old IU” ring true once more — and those feelings hit recruits and players immediately upon hitting campus.

“Being from Florida, we don’t really know about the Hoosier lifestyle and, you know, Big Ten Basketball, stuff like that — we’re more of a football state,” incoming freshman forward Will Sheehey said. “When I actually found out really what this place was about and how much the people care, and how much the players care, and how much basketball means more than just a game to these people — it means the same to me, so that’s how I knew this is where I wanted to be.”

Sheehey said those feelings hit him on his first official visit — and from that point on, he wanted to be a Hoosier.

Fellow incoming freshman guard Victor Oladipo echoed Sheehey’s sentiments.

“On my first official visit, I knew I was coming here,” Oladipo said.

However, as Oladipo is learning, knowing where you want to go and being ready for it are two different things.

“Becoming an Indiana basketball player is not as easy as it sounds, and I’m just trying to get used to it — it’s not like high school,” Oladipo said. “I’m just trying to have fun and get used to it.

“It’s very rigorous. It’s very competitive — weight-lifting every day, doing everything to become an Indiana basketball player, is not like high school. (During) high school I really didn’t have to do that.”

However, Oladipo said he is looking forward to fall and to the team’s improvement from last year.

But also the improvement that fans are looking for: an improvement from the 16-46 record the Hoosiers have posted during the past two seasons.

“I know we are going to do a lot better ... and we are working hard every day,” Olapido said. “We always rally around each other, and I’m just looking forward to playing with these guys. ... These guys are my family now, and they always will be.”

Both Olapido and Sheehey, as well as fellow newcomer junior college transfer Guy-Marc Michel, expect the Hoosiers to come together as a team and improve on a daily basis.

The freshman said they feel the program is turning around, and Sheehey is giving it his full confidence — a mark that should make the Hoosier faithful feel confident going into the fall.

“100 percent,” Sheehey said on the program rebounding. “When you see everyone working hard getting up extra shots you can see in people’s eyes that they want to turn this around and I think it’s true, we are.”

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IU’s incoming athletes have spent the last six to seven weeks going through individual workouts and classes and adapting to the college experience. The three players were made available to the media Friday for the first time.

Q: How are you fitting in with the current players?

Sheehey: From the start, you can tell there is a tight-knit group. Everyone has their own different cliques, but the team as whole — you can tell we are really starting to bond. It’s exciting to see each day we grow as a team.

Oladipo: I agree — we do grow every day. ... We cheer each other on during practice and during workouts — try to get used to each other. We are like one big family ... These are my brothers, and I’m going to go to war with them every night or day we play. I want to let them know I have their back in everything we do.

Michel: I think we are all different. I come from France and get along with everybody on this team, so we’re fine.

Q: What have you improved on since you’ve been (in Bloomington), and what will you continue working on?

Michel: I think I’ve gotten better with my hook shot. My foot work is getting better. I think defensively is going to be a huge part to work on.

Q: What does it mean to you guys to be able to develop in a building like Cook Hall?

Oladipo: It’s amazing, and I know that players from the past — they’d probably trade with us in a second. To have something like that is incredible. To be able to have 24-hour access to do something we love, it’s just remarkable, and I’m glad that we have it. I’m glad it came when I came. It’s going to make us a lot better, and I’m just looking forward to using it nonstop.

Q: In terms of style of play, what do you think adding you three to the mix will do for the team?

Michel: I think for me, being a presence inside, you know — block some shots, grab some rebounds and help the team defensively.

Oladipo: I just want to help the team. You know, all three of us can bring energy. I’m an energy type of player — I like to scream and get the crowd into it. I like dunking and stuff like that — so you know, I just like energy and a high-tempo game. ... When I’m high-tempo, I think my team thrives off that.

Sheehey: I agree with Vic. I mean, we pretty much all bring our own aspect to the game, but you know, in practice, we need to compete really hard and bring some leadership to the team and bond everyone together. We have good thing going right now, so we just need to keep it rolling.

Q: How imposing is Michel’s presence inside?

Oladipo: Guy is what, 7-foot? What’s your wingspan, Guy? 7’8” wingspan. I think that’s enough presence for us.

Sheehey: I mean, I don’t know if it’s true, but I think Guy can stand on the ground and put his hands straight up and he pretty much touches the rim.
If you guys can imagine that — standing underneath the basket next time you look, go look straight up and try touching the rim without jumping. ... That’s what you’ve got
with Guy.