When Indiana basketball plays its season opener in November, the Hoosiers will look different from last year.
Mike Woodson’s program underwent an overhaul with six transfer portal additions and one high school signing, turning over more than half the roster. With a desire for success at a new high, Woodson constructed a team that could make or break his future.
“I’m moving forward and focused on the players that we have coming into this season,” Woodson said at IU’s media day Wednesday in Bloomington. “This summer was a lot of work we had to put in. I thought we did a pretty good job of putting the roster together.”
While the past few preseasons have consisted of chatter regarding differing playing styles and increased perimeter shooting, Woodson hasn’t found the right pieces to make it happen. This year, however, there is buzz that changes are coming. Woodson and several players referenced a new-look offense, including rotation changes, at media day.
IU’s transfer class adds flexibility and versatility. With increased threats and the most depth from a Woodson-led team, Indiana has its sights set on a Big Ten Title and postseason run.
Myles Rice is pushing the pace
The way Washington State transfer Myle Rice’s teammates talked about him, you’d think he had a secret identity as The Flash. The redshirt sophomore guard stood out in summer workouts due to his blazing speed and he’s incorporating everyone else into it.
“His speed is something that has always set him apart,” Stanford transfer Kanan Carlyle said. “Being able to get down the court at a high rate and finish at the rim.”
Carlyle faced Rice three times in Pac-12 play last season but said he has tracked Rice’s quickness since their high school days. Carlyle can play with pace in his own right and wants to accomplish this as part of a backcourt tandem.
“We’ll play at a faster pace,” Carlyle said. “On the defensive end, pick up the ball all 94 feet, then be able to push the ball on offense, get to the rim and make plays for each other and our other teammates.”
The new backcourt’s quickness won’t just be a new plus; instead, it may kickstart an entirely new offensive style for the Hoosiers. An up-tempo pace seems to be more than an expectation – it was discussed as the new normal.
“We’ve got a new offense, so just being able to be at the right spots at the right time is essential,” sophomore forward Mackenzie Mgbako said.
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