The Big Ten conference hosted its annual Big Ten Basketball media day Thursday, Oct. 11 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Rosemont, IL. We heard from Indiana head coach Archie Miller and senior captains Juwan Morgan and Zach McRoberts talk about a variety of topics heading into the 2018-2019 season. Here are some of the best moments from Indiana from media day.
Archie Miller
Last week, Miller named Morgan and McRoberts captains for Indiana this season after being voted on by their teammates. Miller addressed the toughness of McRoberts on the court and the respect he’s earned from his teammates, in addition to the team being very competitive in practice. At the media roundtable, Miller addressed more specific topics such as a recovery update on De’Ron Davis’ achilles, and his high expectations for sophomore’s Al Durham and Justin Smith entering the season.
"I think he's admired for what he does and the guy never complains."
Archie Miller speaks about Zach McRoberts being named a captain for Indiana basketball this season. #iubb pic.twitter.com/LWM9srovza
— The Hoosier Network (@TheHoosierNet) October 11, 2018
"We've really set the bar high for our guys just in terms of competition, they're going to have to earn it every day."
With seven new players on the roster this season, Archie Miller has been pleased with the competition so far in practice. #iubb pic.twitter.com/bco51z1csF
— The Hoosier Network (@TheHoosierNet) October 11, 2018
"The goal for him isn't when are you coming back, the goal is where are you going to be in 20 days."
Archie Miller talks about the rehab of @DDavis2016's torn achilles. #iubb pic.twitter.com/k3G9YmXTAI
— The Hoosier Network (@TheHoosierNet) October 11, 2018
"If you ask me who's a guy who could turn the corner and be a different type of a weapon than he maybe was last year, it would be Justin."
Archie Miller likes what he's seen from @justinsmith3_ this offseason and believes he's poised for a breakout sophomore season #iubb pic.twitter.com/9xxix1NbM2
— The Hoosier Network (@TheHoosierNet) October 11, 2018
"I really like Al. I think Al's doing a great job. He's talking, he's communicating."
If the Hoosiers had to play a game right now, Archie Miller likes what he's seen from @aldurham01. #iubb pic.twitter.com/m9lZ6uhka8
— The Hoosier Network (@TheHoosierNet) October 11, 2018
Juwan Morgan
Morgan earned the “gold jersey” during the first week of official practice. He addressed how the prize intensifies practice and creates friendly competitiveness among the group. Morgan also talked about the point guard battle at practice between junior Devonte Green and freshman Rob Phinisee.
"Once I handed out that jersey, it's been a little different this week. There's some guys that want to take that thing off him."
Archie Miller and @juwanmorgan discussed the gold jersey and what that has done to increase the competition in practice #iubb pic.twitter.com/PNUPWVl3MD
— The Hoosier Network (@TheHoosierNet) October 11, 2018
"I think they're both taking things from the other to add to their games."@juwanmorgan talks about the battle between @ChefBoyArGreen and @robphinisee1 at practice every day #iubb pic.twitter.com/Wg3NBNvGy8
— The Hoosier Network (@TheHoosierNet) October 11, 2018
Zach McRoberts
The one-time walk-on McRoberts was named co-captain last week by his teammates. The Hoosier Network sat down with him as the Carmel native talked about his process going from Vermont to being just a regular student and now nicknamed the hardest working-man in college basketball.
Zach McRoberts has gone from a walk-on after taking a year off basketball to now a senior captain this season.@ZainPyarali sat down with the hardest-working man in college basketball as he reflects on his time at Indiana and what is still to come. #iubb pic.twitter.com/bdUd1YgKu4
— The Hoosier Network (@TheHoosierNet) October 11, 2018