Indiana basketball is traveling south to Evansville for a neutral site exhibition game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Here is what I am watching for in this one.

Jaedan Mustaf

I have been impressed with Mustaf’s ability to defend, rebound, and get to the rim. However, he is turning down a lot of outside shots. As a career 37.2% shooter from behind the arc, it is curious why he is not shooting more often. If he is trying to be unselfish, that is one thing. However, if he has lost confidence in his shot, he is going to get exposed during the regular season. The Big Ten is the best scouted conference in college basketball: any weakness or perceived weakness in your game will be put on full display almost instantly.

On the positive side, if Mustaf can be a reliable jumpshooter, he unlocks a different dimension for this offense. A rangy, 6’9 wing who can also shoot is a matchup nightmare for defenses everywhere, and will open up the paint for his drives as well. I would like to see him take at least a couple threes in this exhibition and establish some rhythm from deep.

Different Defenses

This is an exhibition, and the final tune-up before the regular season. Indiana has not pressed or played a minute of zone in either of the first two exhibition games. I would like to see them at least press in this one. Every team needs to know how to press effectively for late game situations, and putting something on tape against an actual opponent will help down the road. DeVries will never be anything but a man to man coach, but having a changeup could be the difference between winning and losing a close matchup in February and March.

Depth

Indiana needs to continue to build depth behind their core group of players. This game is a perfect chance to do that when the stakes are low. All three freshmen should get extended chances to play in this one so they can learn from their mistakes on the fly. Included in that group is Trent Sisley. He is going to play a key role in a game for Indiana at some point this season, and he needs as many game reps as possible to be ready for that role. Indiana can leverage this game as an opportunity to develop young players and give their starters a chance to enter the regular season at 100% health.

A note on the locations of all 3 Exhibitions: I love what Indiana did with the exhibition schedule this year. Playing two games in Indianapolis and one in Evansville exposes them to more of the fanbase compared to just Bloomington. It also gives the players experience with playing in different gyms, and at neutral sites, which will be important in just two weeks when they take on Syracuse in Indianapolis. Basketball is almost here, so enjoy this one, and have your popcorn ready for Monday, Nov. 2!

Photo Courtesy of Evansville Regional Sports Commission