2013-2014 Big Ten Basketball Preview: #6 Indiana Hoosiers

Last Season: Last season was the season that Indiana fans had pinpointed as their potential national championship season. They made it to the Sweet 16, spent multiple weeks as the number one team in the nation, and they produced some of the most exciting basketball in the country. Ultimately, they fell a bit short of their National Championship goals, but the season could be looked at as a return to prominence for one of the nation's elite programs. At the same time, Tom Crean cemented himself as the most disliked coach in the Big Ten, and rightfully so. Guy is a classless jerk. Moving on.

Tom Crean

Departures: Cody Zeller, Victor Oladipo, Jordan Hulls, Christian Watford, Remy Abell (Transfer), Maurice Creek (Transfer)

Returning Players: Will Sheehey, Yogi Ferrell, Hanner Mosquera-Perea, Jeremy Hollowell

Newcomers: Noah Vonleh, Devin Davis, Luke Fischer, Collin Hartman, Stanford Robinson, Troy Williams

What to Expect: Indiana lost a first team All-American (Victor Oladipo), a second team All-American (Cody Zeller), and their 3rd and 4th leading scorers (Christian Watford and Jordan Hulls). Oladipo and Zeller went in the top 5 picks in the draft. When you only look at that, you would think that this could be a rough year for the Hoosiers. However, the team has a lot of incoming talent. The two returning players that you can pencil in as starting are Yogi Ferrell and Will Sheehey. Ferrell had a good freshman year and will be one of the better players in the conference. Sheehey will be annoying, frustrating, and effective as always. The incomers to watch are Noah Vonleh, Troy Williams, Stanford Robinson, and Luke Fischer, all of which are top 100 recruits. Eric Gordon's brother, Evan Gordon, is a transfer from Arizona State who will provide instant help, likely off the bench. Vonleh is the biggest name of all the new players, and rightfully so. You'll see him wearing an NBA jersey on soon.

Storyline to Watch: Vonleh is the best incoming freshman in the Big Ten, and he is a candidate to be a 1-and-done. Right now, DraftExpress.com does not have him leaving this year, but rather after his sophomore year, and they currently have him slotted for the 9th overall pick. He's 6'8", 240 lbs. and can play the 3 spot. For what it is worth, this kid will be bigger than pretty much everyone in Penn State's starting lineup, and that has me worried.

Final Prediction: 22-8 (11-7)
This team has boatloads of talent, and for as much as I hate Crean, he can make it gel. Another good season is coming in Bloomington, and with a lot of Freshman and Sophomores.