Indiana Preview Capsule

Indiana Preview Capsule

By The Associated Press=

Indiana

Last season: 27-8, won Big Ten regular season title, lost to North Carolina in NCAA Tournament regional semifinals.

Nickname: Hoosiers.

Coach: Tom Crean.

Conference: Big Ten.

Who's gone: G Kevin ''Yogi'' Ferrell, F Troy Williams, F Max Bielfeldt, G Nick Zeisloft.

Who's back: C Thomas Bryant and F OG Anunoby were so impressive as freshmen some thought they should head straight to the NBA. G James Blackmon Jr. also tested the NBA waters despite missing the second half of last season after having knee surgery. G Robert Johnson may be the most crucial player on this season's team because of his leadership skills, but he had offseason ankle surgery.

Who's new: Former Pittsburgh G Josh Newkirk is expected to play a significant role after sitting out last season because of the NCAA transfer rules. F Freddie McSwain Jr., a junior college transfer, could provide another athletic interior presence after averaging a double-double last season. The two freshmen most likely to help immediately will be G Curtis Jones and 6-10 forward De'Ron Davis.

The Skinny: Indiana has plenty of athletes, lots of scoring punch and even the knowledge of what it takes to win a conference title. But Crean still must find a replacement for Ferrell and won't have a senior to lean on until F Collin Hartman returns after injuring his knee last month. Regardless, the Hoosiers should be a serious contender for the conference crown.

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Online:

AP College Basketball: http://collegebasketball.ap.org