‘I’m here to win. Win at all costs’: Massive week of potential awaits IU basketball. But first, it’s all about Louisville

The first major test of the young season is here for IU basketball and it’ll hit the Hoosiers right away. It’ll be nearly a week since the last time Mike Woodson’s team took the floor and it was a taste that didn’t sit well despite the win.

Woodson called his team selfish. Said they were outworked. And noted their performance as unacceptable. So after six days to sit in all of that, Woodson is again anxious to see how his team responds.

“It’s something we can all learn from by watching film and taking practice — each time we step on the floor to make sure something like this never happens again,” Woodson said on Tuesday. “But you just never know until you get to the games.”

First up for Indiana is Louisville — a much different team than what IU faced in New York a year ago. A different coach and an entirely different roster. But, it’s a versatile and experienced group of players who like to play fast, get up the floor and shoot 3s — lots of them.

Louisville ranks 19th in adjusted tempo, per KenPom’s ratings. The Cardinals enter Wednesday’s matchup ranked 2nd in percentage of shots coming from three and 6th in 3s attempted per game. But, they’re making just 29.4 percent from the perimeter. Still, they’re making 10 3s a game — outscoring Indiana by 45 points from three on the season.

Related: ‘They’re big and they’re good’ — Louisville’s Pat Kelsey, Chucky Hepburn discuss IU basketball ahead of Wednesday matchup

One familiar face that Indiana is well aware of is former Wisconsin guard Chucky Hepburn. The now Louisville point guard is one of five players averaging 10+ points per game.

“We’re familiar with Chucky,” Woodson said. “He played extremely well (at Wisconsin). He’s kind of like the head of the snake for Louisville. We have to pay close attention to him, along with the surrounding parts. He’s got good pieces around him.”

Those other pieces include three wings between 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-9 and 6-foot-2 guard Reyne Smith — the leading scorer for the Cardinals and a career 37.3 percent three-point shooter on 2.9 made 3s a game — up to 4.0 made 3s this year.

“Talented team, well coached. Guys that can make the long ball, bigs that are active … this will be a big test for our ball club to see where we are as a team,” Woodson said. “I’m just kinda anxious to get to the game and see where we are.”

While it’s still extremely early in the season — the one common opponent for both teams is Tennessee. It was a 66-62 win for IU basketball in its charity exhibition, while Louisville lost by 22 at home to the Vols.

But, it’s now a much different setting for both teams. And, this first test for Indiana is critical in order to set itself up for a successful week.

A win would put them in place to likely face No. 3 Gonzaga — in what could be a statement early season game and measuring stick. Regardless, the Cardinals are step one of three in what are going to be three extremely important games for the Hoosiers.

“These kind of events are great for any teams,” IU center Oumar Ballo said. “… three games in three days is hard … we have to take it game by game and see where it leads us.”

And Mike Woodson has one goal.

“I’m here to win,” he said.  “Win at all costs.”

SEE ALSO: 3 things to watch for IU basketball ahead of Battle 4 Atlantis

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