Vonleh records fourth double-double in as many games

In all four of Noah Vonleh’s collegiate games, he has recorded a double-double.
The first question for the freshman forward Sunday night was whether he’s surprised he’s accomplished that feat to begin his college career.

“No, not really,” he said.

Vonleh tallied 18 points, his highest total in his first four games, and 15 rebounds, also a new high, in IU’s 90-74 victory against Stony Brook on Sunday night at Assembly Hall.

The last freshman to start his collegiate career with at least four consecutive double-doubles was Michael Beasley with Kansas State in 2007. Beasley recorded a double-double in his first 12 games.

The last time an IU player had four consecutive double-doubles at any time during a season was D.J. White in the 2007-2008 season.

IU Coach Tom Crean added that Vonleh also finished with 15 deflections. Crean said he viewed Vonleh’s performance as a triple-double because of that statistic.

In four games, Vonleh is averaging 13.7 points and 11.7 rebounds to go along with 1.3 blocks per game.

Despite Vonleh’s quick start to the season, he hasn’t received as much national attention as fellow classmates Jabari Parker at Duke, Andrew Wiggins at Kansas or Julius Randle at Kentucky.

But Crean said he wouldn’t want any of those guys over Vonleh, who he describes as a player who has “tremendous humility” and “really wants to be great.”

“I wouldn’t trade him for anybody in that class,” Crean said. “There’s a lot of great players and all that kind of stuff, but I’m talking about upside of what he is capable of, what he’s willing to do to get there and how much he knows he doesn’t know at this point.

“When you start putting humility into a talented person, now you’ve got a chance for
incredible upside.”

When Vonleh was asked about the lack of attention, he didn’t seem bothered by it.

“I’m just going to keep playing to the best of my abilities, just keep rebounding, scoring, and hopefully I get into that category,” he said.

One of the things Vonleh needs to improve on is verbally demanding the basketball when he gets his position on the post, Crean said.

“The bottom line is he’s demanding the ball with his body,” Crean said. “He knows if he doesn’t demand the ball, I’m going to take him out of the game because he’s too good not to do that.”

Sophomore point guard Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell said it’s easier to find Vonleh in the post because of his ability to create space.

“What’s enabled him to be so effective on offense, I’d say, is his ability to carve out space,” Ferrell said. “Once he gets the ball, it’s pretty much over I feel like.”

Despite the early success, Crean and Vonleh both said there is lots of room for improvement for the freshmen.

“He’s going to continue to expand,” Crean said. “He’s going to continue to get better. He’s going to continue to get more comfortable. He’s going to continue, certainly, to get more attention.”

Follow men's basketball reporter Robby Howard on Twitter @robbyhoward1.