Yardbarker
x

The Indiana basketball program is exactly one month away from the start of the season.

Preseason practice began two weeks ago and Indiana is gearing up for the unofficial start of the season at Hoosier Hysteria on October 20.

It’s a new era for Indiana as it will take the court for the first time in four years without All-American forward Trayce Jackson-Davis. Big Ten Freshman of the Year Jalen Hood-Schifino is also off to the NBA.

Now, the roster is loaded with untapped potential. Two five-stars in Kel’el Ware and Mackenzie Mgbako highlight the offseason additions. In total there are six new faces, all expected to play significant roles.

“Despite losing Trayce Jackson-Davis, I think Indiana would still put their front court situation near the top from a national standpoint,” Full Ride Network founder Ant Wright said in his Indiana basketball preview.

Related: ‘I want to win now’: Mike Woodson is done accepting mediocracy. He’s ready to take Indiana basketball to new heights.

While the front court saw a major overhaul, the backcourt is anchored by two veterans in sixth-year point guard Xavier Johnson and fourth-year off guard Trey Galloway. Both are captains for Indiana this upcoming season.

Indiana gets its season started on November 7 against Florida Gulf Coast.

“There’s always urgency on my part. I mean, I want to win now. Yeah, losing Jalen and Trayce, that’s huge. But hell, it gives other guys an opportunity to step up and play and be noticed and make a difference and help your team win basketball games, because that’s what it’s all about,” Woodson said at Indiana Media Day. “I mean, I like our players that we’ve landed. It’s on me; I’ve got to coach them up and get them ready to play basketball. That’s what it’s all about.”

Watch the full Indiana basketball season preview below:

This article first appeared on Hoosier Illustrated and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.