Even when mired in a five-game losing streak, the IU men's basketball team's confidence doesn't wane.
Following practice Saturday in preparation for their battle with Northwestern at 7 p.m. on Sunday, the Hoosiers met with members of the media, and senior guard Jeremiah Rivers didn't leave any doubt that the team has the right mindset.
"I think, most definitely, this is a game we're going in to win," he said. "I know they've lost a few in a row, and Indiana is supposed to be their one on Sunday. And it's good for them to think that, but it's obviously not anywhere remotely where we're going to go in there and lay down and be like, 'Go ahead.' We're definitely going in to get this. We're ready. We're definitely ready."
Thoughts from IU coach Tom Crean, sophomore guard Jordan Hulls and freshman guard Will Sheehey follow the jump.
Tom Crean
On preparing for Northwestern:
"First off, you've got to throw out the game on Thursday night. That's not them. Illinois played outstanding; didn't miss shots. Northwestern missed shots they usually make. So we're not going to spend a lot of time on that game. We know we're going to get a great game from them. We know they're going to be very hungry at home, and they're going to want to come out and redeem themselves, as do we."
On having to defend the Wildcats' Princeton offense:
"I don't know if you can ever just guard those guys one way, because no matter what you think you know, they know it so much more. They've got an answer for everything, and it's not only the system, it's the personnel that's inside of the system. So we've got to be really, really locked in to what their strengths are. They have their team strengths, and they all have their individual strengths, and you've got to know both equally well.
On being more disciplined defensively:
"We have to have discipline, but you can't have paralysis by analysis during the game, either, because that will get you. They are a quick moving team, and they cut. The teams that have been a part of that system for so long - and I think Bill [Carmody]'s group does this as good as any in the country - they never stop cutting hard - ever. And they never stop reading their cuts. They're really not a multiple offense team. They run those things, they're going to put a couple variations into it, and you have to deal with it."
On what to take from Minnesota loss:
"We can't build a hole for ourselves, because we're not as good at getting out of that hole yet. Eventually, we're going to learn to get through that. But we're not to that point yet. We need a break through. And hopefully it comes on Sunday."
Jordan Hulls
On Northwestern's offense:
"They're going to make you pay if you make a mistake. They're a veteran team, and they're good at their offense. It's not hard to understand, but you just have to go out there and execute. And they cut hard, so you have to be ready at all times."
On the mindset of the team:
"We're definitely not discouraged. We're definitely excited. We're getting better everyday, coming in here and practicing hard, getting better at the things we need to get better at: defense, one-on-one drives, transition defense, all those kind of things."
Will Sheehey
On his role:
"My role has always really been the same. I just come in and try to provide a spark off the bench, a little energy, rebounding, maybe even scoring. Just helping the team win."
On if Crean has told him to expect to see the floor more:
"He hasn't told me exactly more minutes, less minutes or anything like that. So whenever he calls my number, I'm just going to be ready to play"
