2006 Indiana Hoosiers Basketball Preview

2006 Indiana Hoosiers Basketball Predictions

It’s been 20 years since the Indiana Hoosiers capture the NCAA title. Kevin Sampson (456- 257 overall in 23 years) has been hired by the Hoosiers to get them back into the Final Four mix. Although he’s without the team’s three top scorers from last season, Sampson does have a good combination of experienced and new players. Just how far can they go? Much of that will depend upon some key elements coming back from an injury plagued season.

Look for point man Earl Calloway (5.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 45.5 FG%, 75.0 FT%) to have a breakthrough senior year and for freshman Armon Bassett to see quality minutes as his backup. Senior Roderick Wilmont (9.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 0.6 APG, 42.4FG%, 58.3 FT%) will get the nod at shooting guard and junior A.J. Ratliff (3.5 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.5 APG, 32.0 FG%, 75.0 FT%) is hoping to be as good as new after being injured last season.

Up front, junior college transfers Lance Stemier and Mike White have been designated as impact players. Stemier can hit from the outside, while Mike White is a fine inside man. Look for Mike White to team up with D.J. White (9.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 52.8 FG%, 57.1 FT%), who was injured last season. D.J. White is tough on the boards and a solid shooter who looks to become one of the elite players in the Big 10.

Coach Sampson likes to play a fast-paced game and move the ball inside with penetration from the guard positions. He emphasizes board banging and has brought in some junior college to help create physical play on defense.

Indiana has quite a bit of adjusting to do but they do possess a team capable of being competitive within the Big 10. Although the NIT looks like a lock, the NCAA is not out of the question. A lot will depend on D.J. White and his ability to resume his dominance at the forward position after rehab from two injuries and on the community college transfers and the punch they add to these Hoosiers.

If you want more info on the 2006 Indiana Hoosiers College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans.