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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Indiana Hoosiers: 3 Bold Predictions for the Hoosiers in 2012-13 - Bleacher Report

The Indiana Hoosiers made a surprising run from the brink of extinction this past season.  From an abysmal 6-25 record in 2009 to a 27-9 season and a run to the Sweet 16 in 2012, saying that Indiana has been rebuilt is an understatement. 

Coach Tom Crean and his group of seniors have resurrected the program after an epic collapse under former coach Kelvin Sampson in 2008.  

With one of the best recruiting classes coming in to Bloomington this fall, as well as the return of top scorers Christian Watford and Cody Zeller, sports analysts have given Indiana their blessing as the No. 1 preseason team for 2013.  

It certainly feels like the sky’s the limit for Indiana next season.  

If the Hoosiers continue to progress this offseason and keep their composure next season, these predictions may not be so bold.  

Cody Zeller: 2013 Big Ten Player of the Year and Naismith Trophy Contender

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Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Not only will Cody Zeller become the front-runner for Big Ten Player of the Year, it is more than likely Zeller will be discussed as a contender for the Naismith Trophy.  

As a freshman, Zeller averaged 15.5 points per game, a .626 field-goal percentage, six rebounds per game and served a pivotal role in Indiana’s turnaround in 2012.  

Zeller’s numbers will only go up after hitting the weight room and gaining some size this offseason, making him the player to beat in 2013. 

Zeller’s game will also improve with the addition of incoming freshman PG Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell. 

Ferrell was a McDonald’s All-American and was rated 24th in ESPN's top 100 prospects in the 2012 recruiting class and the No. 3 overall point guard. 

Ferrell, who had a team-high eight assists during the All-American game, will give Zeller more looks and opportunities to score in 2013.

Indiana Will Be 2013 Big Ten Champions

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Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The Big Ten will undoubtedly be a tough conference again in 2012-13, with Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Ohio State all returning key players to their rosters. 

While the Indiana Hoosiers will lose Verdell Jones, Matt Roth and the rest of their senior class, all five starters will return next season with the addition of the highly anticipated 2012 class. 

With this strong starting five and a deep bench, Indiana will undeniably become the team to beat in the 2012-13 season.

Indiana Will Reach the 2013 Final Four

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Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Across the board, sports analysts are ranking Indiana as one of the top teams to beat next season. 

If Indiana lives up to these expectations, the Hoosiers should easily be making the trip back to Atlanta in 2013 for the Final Four.  

However, while Indiana boasts depth and talent, it will need to find a way to win road games in order to keep up these preseason expectations.  During 2011-12 season, Indiana was 5-6 on the road, losing “should win” games against Iowa and Nebraska, as well as all contests versus ranked Big Ten opponents.  

But regardless of its road record, Indiana possesses a critical element to its game that many teams lack: mental toughness. 

Throughout last season, in games versus Kentucky, VCU, N.C. State and Ohio State, Indiana was able to pull off come-from behind victories. 

With a strong senior class to lead the way in 2013, the Hoosiers should be able to forge ahead in the road to the Final Four.  

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