‘Indiana can be the Big Ten’s best team.’ Indiana basketball listed as a top team in way-too-early Big Ten power rankings:

There are still moves to be made when it comes to the bench but also a few pieces to feel good about there. The Hoosiers till need depth in the frontcourt and probably a guy they feel comfortable with as a catch-and-shoot type off the bench.

But Indiana’s starting lineup could already be on the roster. If so, it’d probably look something like this.

• PG Myles Rice
• SG Kanaan Carlyle
• SF Mackenzie Mgbako
• PF Malik Reneau
• C Oumar Ballo

The only returning starters in this lineup would be Mgbako and Reneau, with Galloway assuming a bench role and Cupps returning to a reserve spot.

Let’s break it down, starting with the backcourt.

The duo of Rice and Carlyle give Indiana a level of creation it hasn’t had in years. Both had assist rates of around 20% and each can create shots for themselves off the dribble. It solves an immediate issue since last year’s roster lacked proven creators necessitating Trey Galloway to do so out of position.

This opens up a world of possibilities in the plays Indiana can run with multiple reliable passers on the floor and one (Galloway) on the bench. Not to mention any potential contributions from Gabe Cupps.