Hoosiers Observations: Vonleh deserves more touches
By CHRIS GOFF
ISL Editor
Here are three observations gleaned from Indiana’s 71-66 loss at Michigan State:
1). Inefficient point guard play
While Yogi Ferrell’s scoring was solid, Michigan State limited his floor game to three assists with three turnovers. For the third game in a row, Ferrell had a cold start, scoring five points in the first half. But his passing was never impressive, which is troublesome because Indiana relies on Ferrell for energetic playmaking. Certainly, the Hoosiers’ aggression on offense was apparent all night, with constant penetration earning trips to the line, but Ferrell must up his distribution for Indiana’s attack to perform at a high level. The Hoosiers need scoring opportunities generated from Ferrell in the pick-and-roll. Plus, when turnovers are such an issue, Ferrell must take more control in the offense.
2.) Gordon’s lack of production
Over the last two games, Evan Gordon is not getting good touches, and he is not making plays. The Hoosiers are going to need more from him as far as taking his man off the dribble and scoring with his jump shot if they want to win road games. Gordon took no shots and made his only free throws for two points against the Spartans. When Gordon brings the ball up as a point guard, his penetration dies off and he doesn’t get deep in the paint. Quite simply, Gordon must read defenses better to get in rhythm.
3.) Find Vonleh!
Overall, the Hoosiers need to find more offensive balance than simply sending perimeter players at the basket off the dribble. That means Noah Vonleh stepping up to become more vocal about his role and wanting the game to rest on his shoulders. The Hoosiers erred egregiously Tuesday night by not getting the ball to their center down the stretch. Vonleh got only eight shots for the game, five of which came before halftime. Have you seen Vonleh play? He can score off isolations, from post-ups and out on the perimeter, with range to the 3-point arc. Not getting Vonleh touches down the stretch is inexcusable.
With 10:37 remaining, Michigan State drained two free throws to cut Indiana’s lead to 46-43. When Gary Harris made a 3 with 5:01 to go, the Spartans led by nine, completely flipping the night on its head. On Indiana’s nine trips over that span, all with Vonleh on the floor, the ball was in the hands of Ferrell, Stanford Robinson, Jeff Howard and Devin Davis. They accounted for all the shots on those trips. Keep in mind, Vonleh had been killing Michigan State in the first half. He should get more touches. They don’t have to be force-fed on a play count. But Vonleh needs to see the ball a lot more, and touches in half-court sets from their outstanding freshman are something Indiana needs in order to win.
Follow Chris Goff on Twitter: chrisgoff_ISL.
