Certain days just have a different, more exciting feel about them, and every year this is one of those days for me.
Another season of Hoosier hoops tips off tonight.
Tom Crean and his young, talented team take the Assembly Hall floor tonight against Howard. The Big Ten Network is carrying the game, which will tip off at 8:00 ET. (FYI, find out all IU basketball viewing info at our 2009-10 IU basketball TV schedule).
Indiana has rolled in two exhibitions games over Grace and St. Joseph’s (Indiana), which is exactly what they are supposed to do. Neither game was televised here in Dallas, so tonight will be my first opportunity to see IU’s much heralded group of newcomers that will be making their official debuts this evening:
- Jordan Hulls
- Bobby Capobianco
- Maurice Creek
- Derek Elson
- Bawa Muniru
- Jeremiah Rivers
And then the guy that I am the most excited to see: Christian Watford.
IU basketball game days are always the hardest days to get through. But hey, at least I now have a job where I can pass some of the time by writing about the Hoosiers.
Hoping for a solid 15-20 point victory tonight and a good confidence builder for all the new guys. Nothing spectacular, but this is a game we should control from the outset and win with the cruise control on during the last ten minutes. We may not be experienced enough yet to do that, but I think it would show a major improvement over last season if we could.
And that’s all this season is about: improvement.
I’m also interested to see what Devan Dumes’ role will be this year. He was the go-to guy on offense for much of last season until Verdell Jones stepped up late in the year, but Dumes plays wild and out of control a lot of the time. His experience, I presume, will keep him as a key cog in the rotation, but I wonder how his role with start out and then evolve as the season progresses.
Just one of the key questions heading into tonight. Can’t wait. Go IU!
About Jerod Morris
