After the long stretch of face-stuffing action from Thanksgiving through Christmas, most of us abruptly end the holidays with an intention to become a better version of our 2018 selves. New Year’s resolutions represent an annual January tradition of signing up for gym memberships and audio book subscriptions that get solidly utilized for a week, maybe two. Hopefully with a little motivation from the coaching staff, the men’s basketball team may have a bit more success at maintaining and following through than the average fan. We take a stab at what we think each player’s top 2019 goal would be.
Juwan Morgan
Remain on the court and incorporate NBA feedback. Morgan has been the go-to option for this team. While we have full faith in Juwan’s bench cheerleading routine, there is only so much he can help this team when he sits on the bench in the first half with two early fouls. Indiana would have had a much better time against the Razorbacks on the road, and potentially a different outcome, if Juwan Morgan could have stayed on the court. With minutes not limited due to foul situations, we hope Juwan can incorporate feedback he got from NBA scouts namely to be a more consistent mid-range and deep shooter.
Romeo Langford
Back to business behind the arc. While Romeo was never a particularly great three point shooter, it’s undeniable that his current 21% behind the arc does not represent his true shooting capability. Between visiting his high school and New Albany Mall, we anticipate Romeo to be splashing hundreds, if not thousands, of threes over the holiday break.
Rob Phinisee
Keep the pedal to the metal downhill but continue to stay under control. Phinisee has clearly exceeded expectations so far as a true freshman point guard. In fact, Phinisee seems like the clear floor general on the court already, which is fantastic for Archie Miller. In addition to his steady orchestration of the offense, a more aggressive play style involving more shots would be nice to see, especially after he hit the game winner vs Butler.
Justin Smith
Make them remember the name. Smith still seems raw as a starting power forward. He has got the pure athleticism and talent, no question, but he has yet to find an optimal way to mesh in Archie’s system. While he is overall solid in terms of his ability to run the offense, defend, and add versatility to the lineup, Justin Smith has not yet found a way to stamp his name on a game this season. Can he dominate the glass? Become the second option on the baseline offensively? Or even square up more often at the top of the key? We all know that he rains threes in practice. So why not take a few more in games? If Smith can seem even a little threatening from deep, that surely would free up more inside opportunities for Juwan Morgan.
Al Durham
Consistency, Confidence, and Close outs. Durham has ranges of 0-18 points, 11-38 minutes, and 0-5 turnovers in games this season. Even though he is only a sophomore, him along with Justin Smith are truly considered the veterans of the team. Whether it an issue with confidence or something else, Durham is still discovering where to find his consistency on a young team that needs that stability greatly. Al has been able to stay on the floor largely due to the his ability to add backcourt length to Archie’s packline. Against quicker guards on the perimeter, Al often does not gap-close quick enough, leading him to get beat on the penetration.
Devonte Green
Let the game come to him. As one of the more polarizing players on the court, Devonte Green’s skills on the floor without the ball in his hands is heavily underestimated. One improvement he has made over the summer seems to be his understanding of when to shoot and when to make the pass. His shot selection this year has been a tremendous upgrade during this same time last year. The turnovers are Green’s biggest weakness, yet if he plays the point, he is expected to make great passes. Green would be much better on the floor with Phinisee, Langford, and/or Durham. Green has also shown improvement from deep, so hopefully Archie gives him the green light more often.
Zach McRoberts
Inspire the lower classmen. A lot of fans are wanting Zach McRoberts to shoot more threes and be a presence offensively. And while that would certainly help Archie and the staff, the request is asking for a fifth-year senior to add a brand new element to his game during his last go around. Forget that. You do you, Zach, and continue to be one the most energetic and selfless players on the court. With a number of close games already this season, we can only hope that his mentality rubs off and gives the lower classmen 10% of the McRoberts-hustle.