'Nothing's permanent' but change to starting lineup brought different look to Indiana

Size and front court depth were two concerns for Indiana heading into the season and throughout the first month of the year it still remains true. But, a recent tweak to the starting lineup could be the jumpstart that group needed moving into conference play.

After starting the first nine games of the season, Reed Bailey was moved to the second unit in Tuesday’s 113-72 win over Penn State, leading the way for Sam Alexis to make his first start of the season.

It was the first tweak Darian DeVries made with his group after a two-game losing streak.

“Like I told Reed and Sam, it wasn’t anything more than we just wanted to try to create a spark,” DeVries said after the win on Tuesday. “Wasn’t anything negative towards either one of them. We wanted to take a look at it.”

The switch had mixed results — much like it had throughout the first nine games of the year. Alexis played 16 minutes and was held scoreless without a shot attempt, adding three assists and two rebounds. Bailey was a perfect 6-of-6 with 18 points and five rebounds. His six field goals were the most since the season opener (7) and his 18 points were the second-most of the season (21 twice).

DeVries outlined the plan and decision and why a change was needed.

“I thought Reed responded great, like I knew he would. It freed him up a little bit. Coming off the bench, maybe just a chance to process as the game’s going,” DeVries said. “It allows us, with Sam, a little more physicality to start the game, then Reed comes in and utilizes some of his speed and things. He handled it great. I thought he did a nice job coming off the bench for us. Very aggressive.”

Through 10 games, both Bailey and Alexis are similar across the board with their season averages. Bailey is averaging 11.1 points on 60.4 percent shooting and 4.3 rebounds in 20.2 minutes per game. Alexis is at 9.0 points on 67.3 percent shooting and 5.4 rebounds in 19.0 minutes a game.

“I thought Reed played very well. You know, whether it was not starting that contributed to it, nobody knows for sure. But I did think he played pretty loose and free and aggressive, very confident,” DeVries said on Thursday. “So that was good to see from that standpoint. Like I told Sam and Reed, it was more just, ‘hey, we’re going to try and shake it up a little bit, see if — what that looks like for us’. And like everything, nothing’s permanent ever. But if it’s working, we’ll continue to stay with it.”

The contrast with both players is noticeable. Alexis is more of a physical, back to the basket forward who is terrific on the glass. Bailey is a versatile forward who is best on the perimeter and high post, utilizing his passing, touch and quickness to attack off the dribble.

Until Tuesday, that type of skillset for Bailey was not showcased in the Indiana offense. But, subtle tweaks from DeVries made sure to get Bailey involved in ways where he was comfortable, and in turn helping the Indiana offense become more free flowing and open up in multiple ways.

Bailey, not a true 5, has yet to see significant minutes alongside Alexis this season. With limited bodies in the front court, it’s been difficult to play both together. Although something DeVries would like to see happen for Indiana, like whoever starts, it’s going to be a game-by-game process with likely no true consistent trend.

“We’ve done it some in the summer and the fall. We’ve done it a little bit in some of the preseason games. The biggest challenge for us is just depth,” DeVries said. “You know, we don’t have a third big right now that we can put in there if there’s foul trouble. So it’s hard for us to give them many minutes together. It’s something we would love to be able to explore and do a little bit more of. But right now it’s just the lack of bodies to be able to sub and keep them fresh and productive, and then the foul trouble piece as well.”

Through the first month of the season, Indiana ranks 219th in total rebounds and 336th in offensive rebounds. Opponents are getting 41.3 percent of their points in the paint and 15.5 percent of their points from second change opportunities — 221st in the country.

Indiana has three more non-conference games, highlighted by Kentucky at Rupp Arena on Saturday. Then Big Ten play resumes on January 4th.

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