Indiana basketball flipped the script from years past with its perimeter play on Saturday. How? By having ‘three different guards that can do everything’

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana basketball transformed its backcourt and perimeter play this offseason and it was a main point of emphasis for Mike Woodson throughout the summer to get this team to play through the guards.

After a few years of inconsistent guard play and the lack of depth on the perimeter, that group will be what raises Indiana’s ceiling this season. And on Saturday it was on full display from start to finish.

From Myles Rice to Kanaan Carlyle to Trey Galloway — that trio of guards showcased just how different this Indiana team will be this year.

“It’s important. I’ve learned a valuable lesson from last season,” Woodson said following IU’s 87-71 win over South Carolina. “You know, that was the whole emphasis on this summer and once we entered the portal was trying to get perimeter guys that can come in here and play and get enough guys in case someone got hurt.”

That trio of backcourt players for Indiana combined to score 46 points on 14-of-23 from the field — with all three players in double figures. Myles Rice led all scorers in the game with 23 points and put his stamp on the game from the tip. He scored 17 points in the first half and his playmaking ability was on full display. From his decision-making to his ability to play under control and take what the defense gave him — Indiana’s offense went as he went.

Then it was Carlyle who chipped in with 12 points and showcased his athleticism around the basket, as well as hitting a few 15+ footers — a welcomed sign for Indiana.

Finally, Trey Galloway continued his terrific play this season, finishing with 11 points in 22 minutes off of the bench.

In total, there were five Hoosiers in double figures, but it was that trio that remained unstoppable all afternoon.

“This team is not predicated on one guy now,” Woodson said. “We have enough guys that can put the ball in the hole if they play the right way and play unselfish.”

In years past, it was Indiana’s inability to create easy scoring opportunities from its perimeter play that plagued them throughout games. While Indiana only had 12 assists on Saturday, that shows just how dynamic IU’s guard play is — the ability to win their 1-on-1 matchup off of the dribble at any given point in the game.

“That’s the beauty about our team. You kind of have three different guards that can do everything,” Rice said after the win. “Trey is the Swiss Army knife. Kanaan is more of a combo guard. I can be a combo as well. I think we all feed off each other really well.

“That’s a credit to not only us, but our teammates we have. They understand how to play with us and we understand how to play with them … Game by game we’re getting better at it. Just as the season goes on we’ll just be better at it.”

Add in Mackenzie Mgbako, who scored 17 points and continues to produce at a high level this season, and IU’s four wing players combined for 63 of the 87 points.

“Varies from game to game. If it’s my night it’s my might. If it’s somebody else’s night, it’s somebody else’s night,” Rice said. “Thank God it was my night tonight. Went out and executed and capitalized on the opportunities that I had.”

Whether it’s game to game, or possession to possession, someone new can score, create and take over a game. Saturday was the first glimpse into that potential this season for Indiana basketball.

“We have enough perimeter players this season, and I feel good about everybody in case someone goes down,” Woodson said. “I feel good that next guy can step in and make basketball plays for us.”

SEE ALSO: Key takeaways from the Indiana basketball 87-71 win against South Carolina

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