SB Nation Indiana Editor's Pick
Game on the line - who gets the ball?
This is an issue/question that's been bothering a lot of us all season. This team seems, at times, to be unable to put games away. When we want them to go into "boot on the throat" mode, they seem to shy away. But tourney time is coming and we're going to need a sure-fire play for tight circumstances. So who gets the rock??
I think we're all agreed, if Robbie was in, it would be him. No slight to anyone else, but Robbie has shown a knack for making things happen and I think we would all feel content, win or lose, if he was the one taking the final shot. But Robbie is saving himself for the repeat championship in 2011-12, so who is gonna get it done now?
Options:
1. JJ "The Foundation" - If he is double-teamed within 5 feet of the basket, he will make the shot. Game over, carve it in stone, he gets it done. Regardless of how the player-of-the-year votes turn out, the indelible image of this season in my mind is seeing JuJuan do his little turn around jumper over a double team, every single game. It is amazing. I love the Thunderdunks, but his consistent threat near the basket is deadly to opponents and is a huge reason we've won 20+ every year he's been around. CONS: The outside shot. JJ's improved this year with his perimeter shooting, but it also takes him out of his element, which is dominating anyone in the paint. We've seen him knock down amazing threes, but we've also witnessed him come up short on a few (Wisconsin). Game on the line, we want him doing his thing down low.
2. Smooge "The Assassin" - We watched him put the nail in Illinois' coffin Sunday with a cold-blooded shot from the floor. If JJ is drawing a double under the basket, this is the next best option. He's a guy who can take the game on his shoulders and will the team to a win. CONS: He's been hot/cold lately. He's made huge threes when we needed them. We've seen him miss some short J's and layups. No word on his wrist injury. A few more games like Illinois and I will feel a whole lot better.
3. LewJack "Sneaky-Smart Money" - I love Lew and this is an entirely scenario-based ranking. JJ will draw the two biggest underneath, Smooge will draw the remaining best defender. That leaves Lewis "Take a picture, it will last longer" Jackson drawing the #4 defender and feasting upon his bones. A hearty laugh ensues. Seriously, his quickness will beat any #4 in the league. He's been finishing really well on his drives this season, and the thought of his undersized frame flying through the air against 2-3 men 6-8 inches taller than him would make even Jim Burr blow their whistle. He plays with absolutely no fear and a ton of heart. CONS: Of course, his size, and if he gets trapped in a double-team, he's in serious trouble. He still doesn't have a shot from the perimeter.
4. Ryne "One sleeve for my homies" Smith - Just like the weather in Indiana, this guy can fuck up your day in a serious way. When he is en fuego, there is no shelter. When he isn't, he's the white guy in the arm sleeve earning some good defensive minutes. For my money, he is the most confounding player on the team - flashes of brilliance, stretches of less-than-brilliance. CONS: Will the real Ryne Smith please stand up?
5. Robbie Hummel on one leg - It would still be pretty damned good.
6. The Field - Each has done an admirable job contributing in different areas - GDB with his defense/dunks, Byrd hitting outside shots when we need them, Bade getting tough rebounds, TJ getting good minutes and improving each game. But the game is on the line - it isn't gonna be these guys, not yet.
What do you think?
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JJ
He got the last shot against Penn State and made it. He is also a very good free throw shooter. But if he isn’t open, I’d rather not force it into him.
Pick and roll
w/Smooge & JJ on the right side. Done and done.
Option 1 or Option 2...
either way I feel pretty good about my chances. We’ve seen what happens when Byrd and Smith take game winning shots and what happens when JJ takes game winning shots…enough said.
It's obviously JJ at this point.
He’s the best player hands down, and he’s done it this year. E’Twaun hasn’t.
Up to the FF, I'm going with JJ.
In the finals for the national championship, I’m going to go with Hummel on one leg. Just to see a fucking Karate Kid style shot go in. He gets one play to win it all, winning it all would totally be worth not playing the whole season.
if only that could happen...
Hummel’s eligibility that is.
To your call once more we rally...
by H Dot Jones on Feb 15, 2011 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
JJ, cuz he forces the bad guys to defend so many different things
- strong to the hole (I’ve been waiting all year for that lane drive TD @UI – deliciously NASTY!)
- baby hook
- fade away
- perimeter shot (please make sure someone is underneath to clean it up)
- most importantly, from the FT line when he gets mugged
- kickout if all the above fail
I haven’t given up on these guys improving their ability to close out an opponent. IU and UI never got close near the end, but it felt like they were only a couple of tre’s away. Something to build on against tougher comp in the next few games.
Boots on Throats BABY! My ticker can’t take too many JJ walk-off game winners.
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
No question Smooge
Situations like that require some creativity and one-on-one skill. Defenses can take JJ away for one shot and make it near impossible to get him the ball. Smooge can create space and is less like ly to draw a double team (because of JJ). However, I do like the P/R option with JJ taking the shot if they switch.
by Hummel's figurines on Feb 15, 2011 4:16 PM EST reply actions
Remember Penn State
That final play was drawn up for either JJ or E’Twaun. JJ happened to be open to take the shot.
I’d trust either of those guys with the final shot.
JJ. Next question
especially if we are in-bounding under the basket
Hoosier by birth, Boilermaker by the grace of God

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