Indiana basketball needed someone to step up and Langdon Hatton answered the call and provided ‘big lift when we needed it’

The best asset a player can bring to a team is his readiness to perform when his name is called. Whether that’s every night out, or few and far between — the ability to stay mentally prepared its a critical part of being a terrific teammate and earning the trust of any head coach. That’s no different for Indiana basketball head coach Mike Woodson and his growing confidence and trust in reserve big man Langdon Hatton following Sunday’s 77-68 win over Winthrop.

Indiana found out early on Sunday that it would be without starting center Oumar Ballo. Not only has Ballo been a consistent force on the floor, he’s been valuable in numerous areas on both ends. So, someone needed to step up and perform at a higher level than usual to help lift Indiana to a win — that was Hatton.

“So we knew (Oumar) Ballo would be questionable this morning. The coaches kind of let me know,” Hatton said following the win. “Just treating practice every day as serious as you can just lets you be ready when your number is called.”

Trending: Mike Woodson ‘not going to address that’ about Oumar Ballo’s absence in Sunday’s win for Indiana basketball

Hatton transferred to Indiana this offseason after two seasons with Bellarmine and one season at William & Mary. After seeing no less than 13 minutes a game in his first three years — and 27.8 minutes a game last season — Hatton’s role had been defined in the early parts of this season as a spot minute rotation member. He had played just 40 minutes combined in nine appearances this season before Sunday.

Against Winthrop, however, it was 26 minutes of action and finishing with seven points, 11 rebounds and three blocks.

Without Ballo and Malik Reneau in foul trouble most of the afternoon, Hatton stepped into a large role — and a critically important one. While a lot of his play were box score worthy, he had numerous hustle plays and small effort possessions that aren’t necessarily charted in a box score.

Whether it was impacting shots in addition to his blocks, or the six offensive rebounds giving IU additional possessions, or diving on the floor for loose balls to generate some energy for his teammates. All the little things Hatton did on Sunday is something that will be extremely beneficial for everyone on Indiana moving forward.

“Thank God for Langdon,” Woodson said. “I thought he played his butt off. Gave him the game ball. Here is a guy who never complains. He works in practice. He came and gave us a big lift when we needed it. That’s all about team. That goes a long way with me.”

Hatton led Indiana basketball in efficiency and offensive rating, and was third in total box +/-.

With Ballo’s absence notable and Malik Reneau’s growing foul trouble — four fouls in each of the last three games — Hatton’s play and emergence on Sunday is significant.

For the 6-foot-10 big man, he’s going to stay prepared no matter how consistent — or inconsistent — his minutes are because being able to play at Indiana and for this program is what he’s always wanted. So, no moment will be taken for granted and he certainly won’t settle for Sunday being the only impact he makes moving forward.

“Being from Indiana, it’s just a dream to even be on the team. So when your number gets called and you get a play, it’s like a dream come true. So it’s pretty awesome,” Hatton said. “Just excited to be able to help the team out.”

SEE ALSO: ‘Eventually, they are going to make them’: Indiana basketball voices hope after shooting just five percent from three in 77-68 victory over Winthrop

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated, part of the Full Ride Network, on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.

Looking for a place to get more Indiana content? Hoosier Illustrated has partnered with Tom Brady’s company ‘Autograph’ to streamline our coverage, so you can continue to do what you do best – follow IU sports. Use the CODE: Indianafr to get started today. For more info, you can start here.