BLOOMINGTON – IU basketball delivered the straightforward exhibition performance Mike Woodson will have hoped for in the Hoosiers’ preseason finale.
Here’s how the Hoosiers graded out from a 106-64 win:
STARTERS
∎ Myles Rice: 7/10
Once again managed the pace of the game well. A quieter night offensively, with just six points, but five assists and three rebounds speak to his instincts as a point guard to affect the game in other ways. Only needed to play 19 minutes, on a night when Mike Woodson didn’t overload anyone.
∎ Trey Galloway: 7/10
Energetic in his return after sitting out the Tennessee game. Hit a corner 3 that will do his offensive confidence some good. Made a handful of excellent transition and touch passes. Like Rice, clearly has a comfortable feel for how to play fast in Woodson’s structure.
IU best-, worst-case scenarios: Jell into a contender or potential decision time
∎ Mackenzie Mgbako: 7/10
Scored 10 points, hit two more 3s. Looked better defensively, albeit against smaller covers than he saw in Knoxville. Generally more assertive and involved offensively, a good sign long term.
∎ Malik Reneau: 8/10
Not sure anyone can earn more than an eight given the gap in competitive level. But Reneau once again looked very good, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists in just 18 minutes. Reneau’s back-to-the-basket bonafides are established but he looks more comfortable away from the rim at both ends of the floor this season. His game is stretching out.
∎ Oumar Ballo: 7/10
Dominated a team not remotely equipped to manage his size, with 16 points and seven rebounds. Woodson, who prioritizes big-man development and passing, will be particularly pleased by Ballo’s four assists. He even ran the break once or twice.
BENCH
∎ Bryson Tucker: 8/10
A tantalizing Assembly Hall debut from the McDonald’s All American freshman, who also sat out the Tennessee game. Tucker finished with 19 points and three assists, flashing both the wealth of athletic tools and the dangerous midrange-and-in game that made him such a prominent prep prospect. Even against better competition, he should command a real role with this team.
∎ Gabe Cupps: 7/10
More in control defensively than in the Tennessee game, and got some tough looks to fall. Cupps’ 3-point shooting impact shouldn’t be underestimated this year, as he figures to see slightly more volume.
∎ Luke Goode: 6/10
Was clearly shooting through the early slump that saw him miss his first 10 3s across these two exhibitions. Knocked down two from range in the second half to get the crowd going. Also made a few slick passes.
∎ Langdon Hatton: 7/10
Good finishing inside, and good value for his 10 points and four rebounds. IU asked him to spend a fair amount of time on the floor at the five and as a lone big man, and he didn’t look out of place.
∎ Jakai Newton: 6/10
Woodson probably didn’t smile wider in game Friday than when Newton hit a tough layup through a foul in the first half, a nod to Newton’s long road back from injury issues. Looked aggressive and unafraid to get involved. Shot will come back with time.
∎ Jordan Rayford: 6/10
Logged four points and three rebounds in mop-up duty. Another player Indiana’s bench was thrilled to see involved after a long injury layoff.
∎ Dallas James: 5/10
Kept things balanced and moving when it was his turn in the post. Another Assembly Hall debutant.
∎ Shaan Burke: n/a
∎ Jackson Creel: n/a
∎ Jaden Bobbett: n/a
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IU basketball vs Marian player ratings: Malik Reneau, Bryson Tucker shine
