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: Sheehey is a 6-6, 195-pound forward out of Sagemont High School in Stuart, Fla. As a senior, he averaged 14 points and seven rebounds per game to rank as the No. 141 player in the 2010 class by Rivals.com. As a junior at South Fork High School in Florida, Sheehey averaged 24.6 points and 10 rebounds per game. His uncle, Tom Sheehey, was drafted by the Boston Celtcis in the 1980's and played professionally in Spain.
Best case: Sheehey works his way onto the floor as a key sub to Christian Watford at the small forward position and makes the most of hit. He uses his sweet stroke to knock down jumpers and finds a way to create his own shot. He shows a shade of fellow freshman Victor Oladipo's athletic ability as well, particularly in the rebounding and shot blocking department. He becomes a key cog off the bench and finds a niche as a swing player.
Worst case: Sheehey's game simply doesn't translate to success on the college state. He struggles mightily in any early playing time he gets, and he becomes as common on the sidelines as the chair he sits on. He falls behind the rest of the forwards on the depth chart and picks up only garbage time minutes.
Outlook: If Oladipo will get limited playing time, Sheehey should expect less his freshman year. His size necessitates he plays the three, and he won't be taking any minutes from Christian Watford. He could play shooting guard, but there are simply too many names in front of him there. If coach Tom Crean doesn't feel Sheehey is ready for the college game yet, there is no reason to throw him in there. If he does, he'll be getting an athletic wingman who can get the occasional big basket.
