One of the criticisms fans and media had of Mike Woodson last season was his insistent use of two-deep rotations. The issue with those rotations was simple: Indiana did not have the talent depth for reliable rotations. It was no surprise Indiana’s play improved when Woodson shortened his bench.
Injuries played a big part in last season’s depth issues. Xavier Johnson, Kel’el Ware, and Malik Reneau all missed time because of injuries. Taylor Hood-Schifino’s unexpected departure to the Association did not help matters either.
Woodson Gets to Work
Woodson declined an NIT invitation to hit the recruiting trail despite the unnecessary criticism. That controversial move paid off. Indiana Basketball had the top-rated transfer portal class in the country.
In addition, the Hoosiers signed wing player Bryson Tucker, one of the best high school recruits in the country. What could some of Woodson’s rotations look like with so many new signees?
Guard: Myles Rice
Guard: Trey Galloway
Center: Oumar Ballo
Forward: Mackenzie Mgbako
Forward: Malik Reneau
There could be some competition for the shooting guard spot between Trey Galloway and Kanaan Carlyle. Galloway is a veteran who played well with a solid, consistent ball handler in the backcourt. Carlyle has significantly more upside than Galloway, but Woodson might favor the veteran if the Stanford transfer doesn’t take the job.
Defensive Rotation
Guard: Kanaan Carlyle
Guard: Anthony Leal/Jakai Newton
Center: Langdon Hatton
Forward: Anthony Leal
Forward: Luke Goode
Woodson had options here. Both Carlyle and Leal are versatile. If Carlyle starts next to Rice, he can easily move over and run the point in a second unit. Woodson does not have to replace the entire starting five. Ballo is one of the best defensive centers in the country. If Jakai Newtwon wants significant playing time, he must become a reliable defender.
Small Ball Lineup
Guard: Myles Rice
Guard: Kanaan Carlyle
Center: Malik Reneau
Forward: Bryson Tucker
Forward: Luke Goode
If Indiana decides to go small, they could use any combination of Reneau, Mgbako, Tucker, Goode, or Leal in the front court. Tucker gives you a secondary ball handler and shooter on the wing if you want to run. The Hoosiers could go with Gabe Cupps in this rotation because of his ability to pass and handle the basketball.
One thing is for sure, “Coach Woody” and the Hoosiers have options they didn’t have last season.