The Indiana Hoosiers' 2024 - 25 nonconference schedule is designed in a unique way, with the Battle 4 Atlantis potentially presenting a feast or famine scenario. They are set to play three high major opponents in The Bahamas and definitely at least two. Now is the time to build a resume that will translate to March. The only other high major opponent during the 11 - game nonconference was South Carolina, which the Hoosiers handled at home with a 87 - 71 victory. This shows that IU will perform well when the ball tips at the Imperial Ballroom inside The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island at noon ET (ESPN).

Promising Signs

Enhanced Free Throw Shooting

The Hoosiers have started the season with an impressive 80.8% free throw shooting percentage, ranking 16th best in the nation. This is a significant improvement from last year when they made just 66.4% and finished 333rd nationally. Five players - Mackenzie Mgbako, Myles Rice, Malik Reneau, Trey Galloway, and Bryson Tucker - are shooting 80% or better. Mgbako is averaging a team - high 18.8 points while shooting 58.7% overall and grabbing 6.5 rebounds. His consistent performance at the free throw line has been a key factor in the team's success.

Improved 3 - Point Shooting

Although the team is not shooting a high volume of 3 - pointers as a percentage of total shots (344th highest volume), their 3 - point shooting has improved from 32.4% last year to 35.7% this season. This improvement has ranked them 102nd in the nation. Mgbako and Rice have been the main contributors, shooting 53.3% and 46.2% respectively. Their ability to make 3 - pointers has opened up the offense and given the team more scoring opportunities.

Favorable Overall Defensive Efficiency

Indiana ranks 26th in overall defensive efficiency and has allowed an effective field goal percentage of 41.1%, which is 11th best. Opposing teams are shooting just 41.5% from two - point range and 27.1% from three - point range. These numbers indicate that the team is doing a good job of defending and will likely win a lot of games with such defensive performance. However, there is a risk in the 3 - point volume they have seen against IU so far.

Positive Performances from Key Players

Mgbako, Rice, and Tucker have all been positive so far. Mgbako is averaging 18.8 points, shooting 58.7% overall, and grabbing 6.5 rebounds. Rice is averaging 14.8 points, shooting 58.8%, and handing out 4.5 assists. They both played well in the Tennessee exhibition as well. Tucker has shown that he can contribute as a freshman, scoring 8 points per game on 50% shooting and adding 3.5 rebounds. Their consistent performances have added stability to the team.

Causes for Concern

Performance of Carlyle and Goode

Kanaan Carlyle came to IU with a reputation as a scorer, and Luke Goode as a shooter. But so far, neither has had a great deal of success. Carlyle has made just 8 - of - 27 shots from the field and has not been to the free throw line at all. Goode has made just 3 - of - 12 from three. Better shooting from both players is crucial for the team to reach its full potential.

Too Many Offensive Rebounds Allowed

Indiana has allowed opponents to rebound 30.3% of their misses, ranking 200th in the nation. And they have only played one high major team so far. The issue is part of a larger concern that the team has not played with consistent effort. There is a real risk of losing games against better teams due to second chance points unless major improvements occur.

Defensive 3 - Point Volume

We noted that teams are not shooting threes well against IU, but they are shooting a lot from behind - the - arc against the Hoosiers. 42.1% of opposing shots have come from three, a rate higher than 261 teams in college basketball. Some of the high volume against IU is due to game planning against their defense, some is due to defensive breakdowns, and some is due to offensive rebounds. Indiana hasn't played elite shooting teams yet, but it seems like they could face a barrage of makes at some point if they don't improve.

High Turnover Rate

Indiana currently ranks 221st in offensive turnover rate at 18.6%. Myles Rice's 26.7% rate is more than eight percentage points higher than last season at Washington State. Oumar Ballo's 22.4% is nearly six percentage points higher than any of his last three seasons. And Trey Galloway's 29.5% is nearly 11 percentage points higher than 2023 - 24. Reducing the turnover rate will be important for the team's offensive efficiency.