The Great Debate

I have now named Indiana’s recruiting of the point guard position, The Great Debate. This is in large part due to it’s constant presence on the message board circuit. Presently the Hoosiers have one true point guard on the roster in sophomore, Robert Phinisee. I think Phinisee more than showed his worth last year, even as a true freshman. Although there were a rash of injuries I don’t think IU’s mid-season downward spiral coinciding with Phinisee suffering a concussion was a coincidence. He was, in my opinion, not only showing great leadership for a freshman, he was improving each game. As were the Hoosiers.

Moving forward is where the debate begins. By all accounts Indiana has put themselves in a very good position for 2021 in-state point guard, Khristian Lander. Lander is not only a 5-Star recruit, he is also the top ranked point guard in the country by most recruiting services. Unless Lander reclassifies to 2020, which is possible but not likely, then as of right now Phinisee will be the only true point guard on the roster until 2021. There is some belief that Al Durham and possibly Armaan Franklin this year, and add in Trey Galloway next year, could handle some point guard duties to spell Phinisee at times, but none are true point guards.

So…..are you on the side of the debate that says you do not add a point guard to back up Phinisee? Do you think adding one would muddy the waters in regards to Lander? Are you asking yourself, “will a serviceable point guard even consider playing behind Phinisee knowing full well that the Hoosiers are going all in on Lander?” Seriously, make no doubt about it, Lander is someone you do go all in for. He is that good. But when there is no guarantee that Lander is going to be a Hoosier, and there isn’t, what do you do if your Archie Miller? Miller has continued to recruit point guards, which I think is what any good coach would do.

Like most top talent kids Lander will not be deterred by another point guard being on the roster. Almost all recruitable kids pay attention to current rosters, and what other players the schools recruiting them are recruiting. Even with that having been said, I think there’s a point guard out there that would not only relish the roll of being a back up to either Phinisee, or Lander, but also benefit from it. But none Miller has extended an offer to have jumped at the opportunity…..yet.

If Indiana lands a point guard in the next two classes and then Lander doesn’t choose the Hoosiers, all will be good. If they don’t land one and Lander chooses the Hoosiers, all will be great. If they land another point guard and Lander does choose the Hoosiers all will be amazing in “Hoosierland.” Welcome to the wonderful world of high major college basketball recruiting. Yes, wins and losses are what a coach are ultimately judged on, but on the recruiting trail is where they earn a lot of their money. In cases like this, it may be a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” type scenario.

I admit it, I personally don’t know for sure what the correct answer is, but I 100% trust in whatever Coach Miller ultimately decides. Because of recent history I know for a fact that he won’t hand out a scholarship just so there is another point on the roster. If another point guard is added he will be a serviceable one. If one is not, Indiana will survive. Two things I do know for sure are this; This debate will live on until Khristian Lander announces where he will play college basketball. Basketball season is sixteen days away, and that is sixteen days too long!

GO HOOSIERS