1987 step aside

After watching the Hoosiers first two games of the season, as well as witnessing some of the other powerhouses around college basketball, I have come to the conclusion that Indiana should be ranked in the top 5, if not the top 3. The Hoosiers have so many elements that were missing last year. Most importantly, our big man, DJ White is rarely going to be double teamed this year. Everybody is involved in this Eric Gordon hoopla, and obviously the guy is as good as the hype. However, the key to the Hoosiers winning their first national championship since 1987 will be a lot more than Eric Gordon. Gordon adds that dimension that IU desperately lacked the last couple seasons, a go to guy that can finish at all times. The beauty of it is, the Hoosiers biggest focus is not the highlight reels. Kelvin Sampson has implemented a defense first attitude in every player. The way that Indiana is going back to the national championship this year is through their defense. Defense wins championships, and that is by far the biggest element in this year's success. Luckily, 2007-2008 is a season with a weak big 10 conference. The only tough competition for winning the conference title will be Michigan State. However, I think the Spartans are getting way too much credit than they deserve just because of who they have at the helm, Tom Izzo. Izzo is a coach who loves pushing the full court press on teams, and running and gunning with opponents to tire them out by midway through the second half. Sorry coach, but Bloomington has a much more talented version of what you are putting on the floor this year. Eric Gordon, Jordan Crawford, Jamarcus Ellis, DeAndre Thomas, Brandon McGee, and Eli Holman are all new faces who will definitely make immediate contributions. We cant forget about DJ White, and Armon Bassett. This is a team that has a very good chance at cutting down the nets in San Antonio. Name four other teams that have this much talent on both sides of the ball, and such depth and I will shut up. Hoosiers are going to the final four, and thats a promise. We have seen freshman success lead to national championships before. A perfect example is the 2003 Syracuse Orangemen who, led by freshman Carmelo Anthony won the national championship.