It's October, and that means Hoosier Hysteria and the start of the IU men's basketball team's season is right around the corner. Let's take a look at the Hoosiers' 2010 roster and what to expect from its top players.
Overview: Michel is a 7-0, 270-pound center transferring from Northern Idaho College, where he started 63 consecutive games. He averaged 7.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game as a sophomore last year, and he topped the Scenic West Athletic Conference - 16th nationally - with 3.1 blocks per game. He averaged 8.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game as a freshman.
Best case: Michel gives the Hoosiers the center they have needed for years, becoming a dominant rebounder and shot blocker. Even when he isn't swatting shots, he alters them and makes opposing guards think twice before driving down the lane. He develops a repertoire of post moves and a baseline jumper to give IU a legitimate fifth scoring option. He helps an already scrappy offensive rebounding team to create second chance opportunities and becomes a fixture in the middle.
Worst case: It's Tijan Jobe and Bawa Muniru all over again for the Hoosiers, as Michel doesn't develop into a usable big man. He is tentative on the glass as Big Ten season begins and gets pushed around by smaller forwards. He doesn't find an offensive game, and his defensive game is nothing to get excited about, either. His shot blocking ability goes to the wayside, and he commits needless fouls more than he prevents scores.
Outlook: There are a lot of kind words about Michel coming out of the Cook Hall practice courts, but his true worth can't be measured until the games start. He has all the physical tools - height, long wingspan, bulk - to be a very serviceable center, but how will that transfer against much better opponents on a much larger scale? He didn't set the world on fire at Northern Idaho College, and Michel might have growing pains beginning New Year's Eve against Ohio State. He will need to score the occasional easy basket, but his defense is why he's at IU. He probably won't block three shots per game again, but if he can significantly alter attempts and clean the defensive glass, coach Tom Crean will be happy.
