National Analyst says there is ‘so much to like’ about this IU basketball roster

IU basketball is heading in to its most important season under head coach Mike Woodson. After having two really strong seasons in the Woodson era, the Hoosiers failed to make the NCAA Tournament last season after a very lackluster 19-14 record, all while also finishing 5th in the Big Ten.

It was pretty clear the season officially ended that Mike Woodson and his IU basketball staff needed to improve in multiple areas this offseason. Finding better guards, adding shooting, and supplying more depth in the frontcourt were just some of the key areas that Indiana needed to focus on.

By all accounts, Indiana checked off all the boxes this offseason by adding dynamic guards Myles Rice and Kaanan Carlyle, adding shooter Luke Goode, and finding a big time replacement for Kel’el Ware in senior center Oumar Ballo. You also add in the fact the IU basketball retained key players from last season’s squad in Malik Reneau, Mackenzie Mgabko, Trey Galloway, Gabe Cupps, and others.

With the roster that has been put together, it is a near perfect, balanced squad that on paper complements one-another extremely well. It is no question the most talented squad you have seen in the Mike Woodson era of IU basketball.

“There’s so much to like about Indiana basketball’s roster,” said National Analyst John Fanta on Twitter. “Strong transfer adds, welcome back a couple of studs in Malik Reneau and Mackenzie Mgbako and bolstered their frontcourt greatly with Oumar Ballo. Assembly Hall is going to be hosting plenty of marquee games — awesome for CBB.”

Related: Indiana Basketball Newcomer Focus: Sophomore guard Myles Rice

It has been an extremely long time since IU basketball has been a legit powerhouse in the sport of college basketball. Yes they have had success here and there in it’s recent history but the consistency as a top program has just not what fans and media have expected from Indiana. So like John Fanta said, when Indiana is good it is indeed awesome for college basketball.

You can almost guarantee that nobody is more hungry for IU basketball to be back to a true powerhouse than Mike Woodson. That is why he threw the gloves down and went out and got the absolute best roster put together this offseason that he could absolutely get.

Woodson had two goals when he took the IU basketball job nearly four years ago. Win the Big Ten and win a National Championship. The roster he put together can do that.

“It is. There’s no doubt it’s the best talent and best roster we’ve had,” Said Woodson on the ‘College Hoops Today’ podcast with Jon Rothstein. “And that’s not taking anything away from the last three previous seasons. But we’re deeper than we have been in the past and that’s important. I think when you go through a grueling season, especially the Big Ten, I feel good now if somebody happens to trip a little bit and can’t play, there’s someone there to back him up and give him some support until he’s able to get back.”

More: Purdue and Indiana basketball matchups set for 2024-25 season

The pieces for IU basketball have major success this season are in place. Now, it is all about keeping those pieces sealed in throughout the year.

The pressure is on for Mike Woodson and IU basketball this season.

SEE ALSO: ‘You want a shot at it’: Mike Woodson facing high expectations head on with IU basketball — He also has his best roster yet to achieve them.

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