Basketball fans in Indiana have a year to look forward to as we draw near the first official games of the college basketball season. Four Indiana teams are ranked in the coaches and AP preseason polls. In the AP poll, Indiana is ranked at #15, Notre Dame at #19, Purdue at #23, and Butler at #24. The quality of basketball will cause the in-state rivalries to be even more exciting and promises better games.

Indiana (Ranked #15)

The Hoosiers will rely heavily on guard play this year even though they landed a McDonald’s All-American big man in Thomas Bryant. Yogi Ferrell, who was the point guard on the All-Big Ten first team last year, will carry the load on the offensive end. Nick Zeisloft, a sharpshooter, Troy Williams, an unbelievable athlete, and James Blackmon Jr., a shooter and ball handler, will supplement Yogi’s offense. The Hoosiers have depth at every position including the center, in which they had absolutely no depth at last season. The one thing the Hoosiers need to improve coming into this season is team defense. The Hoosiers were 299th in points allowed last season. IU must improve that number if they want to make a run in the tournament. In Indiana’s exhibition win against Ottawa, James Blackmon Jr. recorded 15 points, and Thomas Bryant added 12 points and 11 rebounds, achieving a double double. On paper, Indiana is loaded. The Hoosiers have the talent to make it to Houston for the final four. Will the talent mesh, allowing the Hoosiers to play good team defense and perform at the team’s highest potential? That is the question IU fans are asking themselves.

Purdue (Ranked #23)

The Boilermakers’ strength is primarily in the front court this year because of their incredible size, talent, and depth at the power forward and center positions. Returning four starters and all valuable bench players, the Boilers should have the best chemistry in the Big Ten. They all know what Coach Painter wants of them and are ready to deliver a Big Ten championship. Among the returning Boilermakers are the big ten defensive player of the year, Raphael Davis, and the runner up for defensive player of the year, AJ Hammons. Purdue has not only retained their talent but added to it with four strong freshmen. Ryan Cline, a sharpshooter out of Carmel High School, and Caleb Swanigan, a McDonald’s All-American, highlight the freshmen class. Caleb Swanigan, who won a state championship with Homestead High School last year, also won the Mr. Basketball award in Indiana. In the Boilermaker’s exhibition game, which they won 92-43, Swanigan recorded a double double including 12 points and 11 rebounds. Other standout performances were from sophomores Isaac Haas (18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 assists) and Vince Edwards (18 points).

Butler (Ranked #24)

The Bulldogs are coming off a great season even though it ended in the sweet sixteen by losing to in-state rival Notre Dame. Butler will attempt to start the season as strong as they did last year with a win over #5 North Carolina. They managed to continue to compete with the nation’s best teams when they fell just short to #6 Villanova in the latter half of last season. The Bulldogs picked up a transfer from NC State, Tyler Lewis, and still have Kellen Dunham, Roosevelt Jones, and Austin Etherington. If the Dawgs make a run this season, it will be because of fantastic guard play and a vast amount of scoring from their back court players.

Notre Dame (Ranked #19)

The Irish are coming off one of the best seasons in Irish basketball history. Getting all the way to the elite eight and winning the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament were the major accomplishments of last season for the Irish. They only lost to undefeated Kentucky by two points and were actually leading most of the second half, adding to the incredible run in 2014-2015 for Notre Dame. Even though the Irish lost Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton to the NBA, they still have plenty of talent, including Demetrius Jackson, Zach Auguste, and Steve Vasturia. Playing in the toughest conference in America will challenge Notre Dame and prepare them for the NCAA tournament next March. The Irish will continue to build off last year and maintain their style of play: shooting the three efficiently.