Indiana’s 2022-23 roster was officially released last week and the Hoosiers have 17 players who will don the candy stripes next winter.
The roster features four scholarship newcomers, a new walk-on and a new assistant coach. Several early projections for the 2022-23 season have Indiana among the favorites for the Big Ten title.
Here are four thoughts on the 2022-23 Indiana basketball roster:
Frontcourt depth is Indiana’s strength
Most of the Big Ten will be looking to replace frontcourt production next season. Among the notable departures from the league: Kofi Cockburn, John Harrar, EJ Liddell, Keegan Murray, Trevion Williams, Moussa Diabate, Marcus Bingham Jr. and possibly Pete Nance, who is in the transfer portal.
Purdue will return Zach Edey and Michigan retained Hunter Dickinson, but Indiana is the only Big Ten program that retained all of its significant frontcourt pieces.
The headliner, of course, is Trayce Jackson-Davis. But Indiana’s depth behind Jackson-Davis is impressive.
Race Thompson, who averaged 11.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last season, is back. As is Jordan Geronimo, who looks ready to breakout in his third season. Adding to the frontcourt depth is Malik Reneau, a 6-foot-9, 235 pound forward from Montverde Academy who signed with the Hoosiers after a coaching change at Florida. Indiana also has Logan Duncomb, a four-star recruit in the 2021 class, for additional depth at the center position and Georgia native Kaleb Banks arriving as a potential contributor at the three or the four.
With three proven contributors returning – including a potential all-Big Ten first team producer in Jackson-Davis – the Hoosiers have the most frontcourt depth in the Big Ten as the summer approaches.
Indiana’s shooting remains a major question mark
The Hoosiers return the most production from last season in the Big Ten. But did Mike Woodson and the coaching staff do enough to address the most pressing issue on the roster?
Indiana finished with the nation’s 95th best offense last season and its lack of perimeter shooting was a major deficiency. The Hoosiers ranked 200th nationally in 3-point shooting percentage, 233rd in free throw shooting percentage and 324th in point distribution from 3-pointers.
The best 3-point shooter on the roster in terms of makes and percentage – Parker Stewart – left via the transfer portal. Only two returnees shot better than 36 percent from distance in Xavier Johnson and Miller Kopp. Of the…