Here is a look at the development from IU's returnees heading into the off-season.
Junior forward Derek Elston
2010-2011 Stats: 4.9 PPG and 3.7 RPG
2011-2012 Stats: 4.2 PPG and 2.4 RPG
-Elston averaged 12 minutes this year which was just below his 15 minute average heading into the season. After shooting 17 percent from three-point land in 2010-2011, Elston shot 55 percent from there in 2011-2012. His rebounding totals and scoring did fall a bit this year. He started four games in February as IU went with a bigger lineup during a 3-1 stretch.
Junior guard Jordan Hulls
2010-2011 Stats: 11.0 PPG and 2.9 APG
2011-2012 Stats: 11.7 PPG and 3.3 APG
-As if Hulls wasn't an impressive three-pointer shooter enough, he improved his three-point field goal percentage from 41 to 49 this year. After scoring just seven points in 80 minutes of action during a three-game stretch (Northwestern, @Iowa, North Carolina Central) in February, Hulls was in double figures in eight of the final nine games of the season. He has started 77 straight games in an IU uniform and even with Kevin 'Yogi' Ferrell heading to Bloomington next seasons it's hard to imagine a lineup without Hulls.
Sophomore forward Victor Oladipo
2010-2011 Stats: 7.4 PPG and 3.7 RPG
2011-2012 Stats: 10.8 PPG and 5.3 RPG
-Oladipo started all but two games this season and even spent some time handling point guard duties this season. When Oladipo had his best offensive games this season the secret was attacking the rim and getting to the foul line. His three-point percentage dropped from 30.8 to 20.8 percent this year. If he can find a consistent outside shot and stay under control in driving to the rim, Oladipo should be primed for a breakout season in 2012-2013.
Sophomore forward Will Sheehey
2010-2011 Stats: 4.8 PPG and 2.1 RPG
2011-2012 Stats: 8.6 PPG and 3.1 RPG
-Sheehey saw the most consistent jump across all categories this season among his teammates. He got off to a torrid start to the season winning MVP at the Hoosier Invitational. After battling a leg injury late in December, Sheehey bounced back to start the final nine games of the season. The sophomore forward almost doubled his scoring average to 8.6 a game and improved his three-point shooting to 38 percent.
Junior forward Christian Watford
2010-2011 Stats: 16 PPG and 5.4 RPG
2011-2012 Stats: 12.6 PPG and 5.8 RPG
-IU fans have had their battles with Christian Watford over his three years in Bloomington. He is by far one of the most talented players on the IU roster and seems to play his best against tougher competition. Watford was terrific down the stretch and now the question becomes: does that late play make him think about forgoing his senior season? He became a more complete defender this season but another year in college would benefit him needing to become more consistent and explosive to play at the next level.
