IU basketball played three exhibitions this month against Division I competition, including two high-major opponents.
The Hoosiers beat Butler 96-68 at Hinkle Fieldhouse, North Carolina 76-58 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Western Kentucky 79-74 at the Ford Center.
We’ve compiled statistical averages from the three exhibitions below along with observations of each player:
Bryce Lindsay
Exhibition stats – 17.3 points, three rebounds, 2.7 assists, 50.0% FG, 43.5% 3PFG, 83.3% FT in 24.5 minutes per game.
What stood out: Lindsay was Indiana’s most reliable scorer in exhibition play despite coming off the bench in all three contests. He made 10 3-pointers, leading the Hoosiers, and he also led the team in made free throws and attempts.
Sam Alexis
Exhibition stats – 11.3 points, four rebounds, 2.3 blocked shots, 65.0% FG, 80.0% FT in 18.0 minutes per game.
What stood out: Alexis looked like the productive player he was down the stretch last season. He finished efficiently at the rim and used his length to deter or block shots. He should be one of the Big Ten’s top backup bigs.
Markus Burton
Exhibition stats – 10 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 steals, 33.3% FG, 44.4% 3PFG, 60.0% FT in 18.1 minutes per game.
What stood out: Burton never fully got on track in exhibition play. Fouls limited his minutes in the first two games and he dislocated a finger early in the Western Kentucky contest. The Hoosiers need more from their point guard as the regular season begins.
Jaeden Mustaf
Exhibition stats – 8.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, one assist, 34.8% FG, 33.3% 3PFG, 90.0% FT in 23.2 minutes per game.
What stood out: Mustaf looks ready to guard the opponent’s best guard or wing, a task he welcomed in exhibition play. He was also excellent on the glass. Don’t expect a high volume of 3-point attempts from Mustaf, as his offensive game is built around attacking the rim off the dribble.
Darren Harris
Exhibition stats – 8.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, one steal, 28.0% FG, 28.6% 3PFG, 83.3% FT in 20.9 minutes per game.
What stood out: Harris didn’t shoot it well in exhibition play. The Duke transfer shot 6-for-21 on 3-pointers. Darian DeVries said Harris is shooting well in practice. Long term, the Hoosiers need him to provide reliable perimeter shooting to space the floor.
Aiden Sherrell
Exhibition stats – 6.7 points, eight rebounds, two assists, 38.1% FG, 30.0% 3PFG, 50.0% FT in 23.4 minutes per game.
What stood out: Sherrell dominated the boards at times. He blocked only two shots in three exhibition games but altered shots regularly. He also stepped out and knocked down three 3-pointers. Getting to the line more regularly and avoiding spending too much time on the perimeter should be areas of focus as the season begins.
Samet Yigitoglu
Exhibition stats – 5.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, two assists, 1.7 steals, 1.3 blocked shots, 50.0% FG, 36.4% FT in 19.4 minutes per game.
What stood out: Yigitoglu also did well on the glass in exhibition play and used his size to impact shots at the rim. DeVries said IU has to look for him more in the post. That’s true, but Yigitoglu also has to be stronger with the ball and more decisive with his post moves when he catches the ball deep in the paint. One underrated aspect of Yigitoglu’s game is his passing. He had six assists in exhibition play and looked prepared to handle double teams.
Trevor Manhertz
Exhibition stats – 4.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 25.0% FG, 30.8% 3PFG, 28.6% FT in 19.3 minutes per game.
What stood out: The coaching staff clearly has confidence in Manhertz’s shooting. He doesn’t hesitate when he catches the ball with space on the perimeter. He didn’t shoot a great percentage in the three exhibitions, but he rebounded well and, given his size and length at his position, should grow into a solid defender over time.
Trent Sisley
Exhibition stats – 4.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 60.0% FG, 66.7% 3PFG, 71.4% FT in 12.2 minutes per game.
What stood out: Sisley brings energy when he enters the game. He had a few defensive lapses in exhibition play but he plays hard, made a couple of perimeter shots and looks capable of providing solid backup minutes at the four when needed.
Prince-Alexander Moody
Exhibition stats – Three points, 37.5% FG, 28.6% 3PFG, 50.0% FT in 8.9 minutes per game.
What stood out: Moody didn’t play much in the exhibitions but hit a couple of key 3-pointers down the stretch against Western Kentucky. Long term, there’s plenty to like about his potential. He’ll have to be patient this season, with a solid guard depth chart in front of him. There will also be moments this season when he comes in and makes a key play.
Vaughn Karvala
Exhibition stats – Two points, two rebounds, 50.0% FG, 100.0% FT in 7.5 minutes per game.
What stood out: Like Moody, Karvala didn’t play much in the exhibitions. He sat out against Butler for precautionary reasons and only got an extended run against Western Kentucky. The offensive rebound and putback against the Hilltoppers was a key play in IU’s comeback win. Karvala looks like a fringe rotation guy to begin the season.
