Big Ten Basketball Preseason Power Rankings: 1-7

3. Indiana 

Dec 31, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Yogi Ferrell (11) dribbles against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

2014-15 Record: 20-14 (9-9)

Key Players:

G Yogi Ferrell, Jr

G James Blackmon Jr., So

F Troy Williams, Jr

C Thomas Bryant, Fr

Outlook:

This year is a monumental one for the Indiana basketball program. It could be the year they re-establish themselves as a major player in the college basketball landscape.

The Hoosiers are led by one of, if not, the most potent backcourt in the country. Ferrell and Blackmon can go toe-to-toe with the best of them and as long as they’re in the lineup, Indiana will always have a chance.

The success of this team will ultimately depend on the play of the supporting cast. Williams must take the next step in his development. He is a gifted player, but he needs to be much more consistent. Bryant, a consensus top-25 prospect in the Class of 2015, could give Indiana what they so desperately need in the middle.

If everything goes according to plan, the Hoosiers should finish in the Top 3 in the Big Ten and advance somewhere around the Sweet 16 or even Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament.

Projected Record: 24-5 (14-4)