The Indiana men's basketball team traveled down to Knoxville on Sunday to take on the Tennessee Volunteers in a charity exhibition matchup benefitting the John McLendon Foundation. While these preseason games are primarily for coaches to experiment with lineups and players to get some game experience before the regular season, there were several notable takeaways from the Hoosiers' performance that have fans eager for the upcoming campaign.

A Glimpse of Indiana's Promising Future

Myles Rice Showcases His Playmaking Prowess

One of the key offseason additions for Indiana was the transfer of Myles Rice, the former Pac-12 Freshman of the Year from Washington State. Rice has been widely praised throughout the offseason, and he demonstrated why in the exhibition clash. The new Hoosier point guard pushed the pace, attacked the rim with his combination of speed and skill, and finished with an impressive stat line of 20 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists. His ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates has Indiana fans excited about the potential of their revamped backcourt.

Malik Reneau's Breakout Performance

Malik Reneau, Indiana's returning power forward, also had a standout game against Tennessee, leading the Hoosiers with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. Reneau's rebounding prowess was particularly noteworthy, as the Hoosiers struggled on the boards as a team last season. If Reneau can consistently contribute double-digit rebounds, it will be a significant boost for Indiana's frontcourt. Additionally, Reneau showcased his versatility by hitting a pick-and-pop 3-pointer, demonstrating his ability to stretch the floor and complement the team's inside presence.

Oumar Ballo's Multifaceted Contributions

Oumar Ballo, the Hoosiers' imposing center, made his presence felt on the glass, grabbing 11 rebounds in 32 minutes of play. However, what stood out was Ballo's expanded role, as he spent a significant amount of time near the top of the key, reading the floor and showcasing his passing abilities. This suggests that head coach Mike Woodson is challenging his big men to expand their game and become more well-rounded contributors. Ballo's ability to impact the game in various ways, beyond just scoring and rebounding, could be a valuable asset for the Hoosiers this season.

Depth and Versatility on Display

Despite missing a few key rotation players, including Trey Galloway and Bryson Tucker, Indiana showcased its depth and versatility. Woodson was not afraid to go small, shifting Reneau to the center position and bringing in Luke Goode to provide a more modern look at the four spot. This flexibility in lineups speaks to the Hoosiers' roster depth and the ability to adapt to different game situations.

Shooting Woes and Rebounding Concerns Linger

While there were many positives to take away from the exhibition, Indiana's 3-point shooting and rebounding struggles from last season were still evident. The Hoosiers made just 4 of their 19 attempts from beyond the arc, while Tennessee attempted a staggering 35 3-pointers, making 8. Additionally, Indiana narrowly lost the rebounding battle, 39-38, despite Ballo's dominant performance on the glass. These areas will likely remain a focus for the coaching staff as the Hoosiers look to address their weaknesses from the previous campaign.Overall, the exhibition matchup against Tennessee provided a glimpse into the potential of this Indiana team. With the addition of talented transfers, the continued development of returning players, and a versatile roster, the Hoosiers have the pieces in place to make a significant leap this season. As the regular season approaches, fans will eagerly await to see how this team comes together and builds upon the promising signs showcased in the charity exhibition.