2010 Preview: Indiana

Year one under Tom Crean was about as everyone expected. With virtually nobody returning from the Kelvin Sampson era, Crean was left with a bare cupboard and won just six games in his first year. What's to expect in his second year?

Key Returnees: F Tom Pritchard, G Devan Dumes, G Verdell Jones III

Key Departures: None

Recruits: F Christian Watford (Birmingham, AL), F Bobby Capobianco (Loveland, OH), G Maurice Creek (Chatham, VA), F Derek Elston (Tipton, IN), G Jordan Hulls (Bloomington, IN), C Bawa Muniru (Durham, NC)

Biggest Need: Balance, depth, athleticism

2010 Outlook: Next year's prognosis might not be that much better, though Hoosier fans can certainly anticipate more than six wins at the end of the season. The team will still be very young, but with an athletic, star-studded recruiting class coming in, Crean will finally have some pieces to work with.

How the six incoming freshmen play is going to be a major storyline for Indiana. Bloomington native Jordan Hulls (#107 on Rivals.Com's 2009 Top 150) was named Indiana's Mr. Basketball this past season and is a smart point guard that can run a team. Crean also has two great wing players coming in, with 6'8" small forward Christian Watford (#41) and 6'5" shooting guard Maurice Creek (#56). With their offensive ability and athleticism, Watford and Creek should be Crean's go-to-guys for the next four years. Forwards Derek Elston (#103) and Bobby Capobianco provide good depth in the front court, while Bawa Muniru (#112) is a physically-imposing center that is still developing.

Aside from those coming in, Indiana has some decent pieces returning. Devan Dumes, a senior next year, will likely return to his spot in the starting lineup. Verdell Jones III is a strong, tall point guard who can do a little bit of everything and Matt Roth, the sharpshooting guard who can fill it up from beyond the arc. Don't forget guard Jeremiah Rivers, who sat out last year after transferring from Georgetown. Expect him to get some minutes, but don't be surprised to see him start.

It won't take Indiana long to return to the top of the conference. While Indiana might not make the NCAA Tournament, a trip to the NIT wouldn't be impossible. They're going to have more depth next year, which should pay them immediate dividends. Those players returning who were coached by Crean last year know what is expected of them, and when that is combined with the influx of youth coming in, Indiana could be a scary team that nobody in the Big Ten wants to face.

Next Up: Penn State

UPDATE: Well, you can scratch Nick Williams off the Hoosiers' roster next year. The freshman has decided to transfer at the end of the semester, according to the Big Ten Network.