Column: Morgan and McRoberts Named Captains - Was There EVer Any Doubt?

Written By: Ben Malcomson 10/1/2018

Credited quotes and stats from IUHoosiers.com

Juwan Morgan and Zach McRoberts were officially announced as the team captains of the 2018-19 IU Men’s Basketball program Monday morning.

In all seriousness, was there ever any doubt?

Voted in by their fellow teammates, Morgan and McRoberts embody what IU basketball is all about.  Summed up well by Archie Miller himself:

"Juwan and Zach have shown the qualities that you would expect from experienced players in the program," said Miller.  "They lead by example on the floor every day with their work ethic and in the locker room by not being afraid to hold their teammates accountable in representing the standards we expect when you wear Indiana across your chest. They are two of the most selfless individuals you will ever meet and clearly have earned the respect of their teammates and coaching staff."

You can view the rest of this article off of IUhoosiers.com by clicking here: Morgan, McRoberts Named Captains for the 2018-19 Hoosiers

Hard-nosed, all-effort, and selfless individuals is what Indiana fans crave to represent their program. If a fans and the media both voted separately, I would have no doubt in my mind that you would see the same result?  Why?  Because the fans and the media both know who the clear-cut leaders are just by watching them on the court and how they speak and act off of it.

Morgan is coming into his senior campaign off a career year where we seen him average 16.5 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. He was the obvious catalyst of the team. When he was not out there, the impact was felt tremendously.

Zach McRoberts went from walk-on out of Vermont and the brothers of the other McRoberts, to well… Zach McRoberts. Hoosier fans know his name stands alone now in their eyes as his determination, drive, and hard work earned him significant playing time over the past couple of seasons. Most notably, in the first season of the Archie Miller Era.

Think about it, how impressive is that for a non-scholarship player to earn playing time under the direction of a new head coach who did not recruit him? Archie Miller saw the same thing IU fans saw, only on a day in and day out basis.  That effort earned him an important role on the team and an important place in the hearts of Hoosier fans everywhere.

This team will only goes as far as Morgan and McRoberts lead them. From what I can tell from early observations, the sky is the limit. Hoosier fans have plenty to be excited about heading into the 2018-19 season. The talent is there. These two will help keep this team balanced. These two will is determined to show IU fans this is team basketball.

Juwan and Zach will also represent Indiana at Big Ten Media Day on October 11th. Is there any doubt that they will say anything less than what IU is striving for?  Selfishness and sacrifice is team basketball. Team basketball equals greatness.