Five takeaways from Indiana’s exhibition win against Marian – Inside the Hall

Indiana won its first of two exhibition games comfortably on Saturday afternoon. The Hoosiers raced to an 11-0 lead and easily defeated Marian University, 78-42.

Listed below are 5 takeaways from the exhibition win in opposition to the Knights:

Race Thompson didn’t hesitate from the perimeter

Enhancing its 3-point capturing share is necessary for Indiana.

The Hoosiers have been a middling 3-point capturing staff since Tom Crean was fired in 2017. Final season, Indiana shot solely 33.3 % from distance, which ranked 2 hundredth nationally.

On Saturday, Indiana related on eight of its 21 makes an attempt from the perimeter. Three of these eight makes got here from Race Thompson, who shot solely 15-of-55 from distance final season.

If Thompson – together with Miller Kopp – might help area the ground round Trayce Jackson-Davis this season, it might reduce the variety of double groups IU’s All-American sees.

Saturday’s numbers received’t imply something as soon as the common season begins, however it was nonetheless encouraging for Thompson to knock down 3-point photographs with confidence.

Malik Reneau’s footwork and post-moves are school prepared

Freshman Malik Reneau isn’t getting the identical preseason notoriety his shut pal and teammate Jalen Hood-Schifino is receiving.

On Saturday, nevertheless, Reneau appeared like an on the spot influence contributor.

In just below 19 minutes, Reneau went seven of 10 from the sector for 14 factors. He additionally grabbed 11 rebounds and had a blocked shot.

The way in which Reneau scored is what stood out from his efficiency on Saturday. Marian doesn’t boast the athleticism or measurement Indiana will see through the common season.

However this wasn’t Reneau merely overpowering an inside opponent. When he caught the ball within the publish, he displayed superior footwork and post-moves that ought to serve him effectively in opposition to any opponent. His presence on the roster is a major improve from what Indiana had final season behind Jackson-Davis and Thompson.

Xavier Johnson struggles from the sector

It was a day to overlook offensively for Xavier Johnson.

The fifth-year level guard shot solely 2-of-11 from the sector, together with an 0-of-3 efficiency from past the 3-point line.

Johnson completed with 4 factors, 4 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two turnovers in 23 minutes.

Though he struggled along with his capturing, Johnson discovered different methods to influence the sport. His ball strain was wonderful. Mike Woodson repeatedly barked at him to select up the ball close to half-court and Johnson’s strain was relentless.

Postgame, Woodson mentioned he was pleased along with his staff’s protection. Regardless of his offensive struggles, Johnson’s work on the level of assault defensively confirmed how helpful he’s even when his photographs aren’t falling.

CJ Gunn reveals off 3-point stroke

Freshman CJ Gunn got here to Bloomington billed as a succesful perimeter shooter.

Whereas it might take a season or two earlier than Gunn performs main minutes, his ticket to enjoying time this season is defending and making open 3-pointers.

On Saturday, he confirmed off his easy 3-point stroke. Gunn’s launch is fast and environment friendly. And on two of his three makes an attempt, he discovered the underside of the web.

It’s arduous to know what Gunn’s position would possibly appear like as soon as Tamar Bates is wholesome. However for a program that hasn’t been in a position to make 3-pointers persistently for years, Gunn could also be arduous to maintain off the ground.

Protection locks up overmatched Marian

Indiana had the Large Ten’s finest protection final season in 12 months one of many Woodson period.

Woodson admitted postgame that his staff nonetheless has a protracted strategy to go, however Saturday was a pleasant begin defensively. The Hoosiers restricted the Knights to solely .65 factors per possession and an efficient discipline purpose share of 32.

Indiana recorded 5 blocked photographs to go together with 11 steals. Most of what Marian managed offensively was off one-on-one performs late within the shot clock.

“Our protection, when it comes to how we communicated (impressed me), Woodson mentioned postgame. “You already know, it’s powerful if you add your younger guys to your staff, they usually must be an enormous a part of it this season and I’m on them continually. You guys must be a sponge. You need to take in all the things that we are attempting to get carried out on each ends of the ground.

“I believed tonight they did a hell of a job when it comes to our switching. We bought beat a number of instances however for essentially the most half, they have been aggressive, and that’s all I can ask.”

Filed to: Marian University Knights