The Hoosiers need the sophomore to show progress in his second
After appearing in 24 games the previous season, Kaleb Banks hopes to improve as a sophomore.
Even though Banks had a patchy performance the previous season, he filled in for Jordan Geronimo when he was injured against Iowa and Michigan. In those two games, he logged 14 and 10 minutes of play.
His best performance came against Ohio State at home in late January. In the victory, Banks finished with five points and seven rebounds. His resurgent energy contributed to the Hoosiers’ triumph. Banks was ready when Woodson called his number, even though he had only played seven minutes in the previous eight games.
Banks’ efficiency jumps out and indicates a production leap is in the future. He was 14-24 (58.3 percent) from inside the arc and made two of five threes. The next step is for him to get comfortable in the system and at the foul line. Banks only made 53.6 percent of his 28 free throws.
Freshmen are often overthinking and trying to figure out when and where they need to be. Banks had his share of that. Although he played for a big-time AAU program (Atlanta Celtics), Banks played at 4A Fayette County in Georgia. There are seven classes in Georgia. From 4A in Georgia to the Big Ten is a massive step.
After appearing in 24 games the previous season, Kaleb Banks hopes to improve as a sophomore.
Even though Banks had a patchy performance the previous season, he filled in for Jordan Geronimo when he was injured against Iowa and Michigan. In those two games, he logged 14 and 10 minutes of play.
His best performance came against Ohio State at home in late January. In the victory, Banks finished with five points and seven rebounds. His resurgent energy contributed to the Hoosiers’ triumph. Banks was ready when Woodson called his number, even though he had only played seven minutes in the previous eight games.
As a sophomore, Banks will be more comfortable with Mike Woodson’s system and the atmosphere of major college basketball. That should help Banks settle into a role and look more confident on the floor. Like everything in life, confidence is a significant key to success.
He missed the University of Indianapolis exhibition game with a groin injury, and Banks shook off rust in his early minutes against Marian. He finished with 12 points on two of four three-point shooting and four of five from the foul line. His percentage from each location is encouraging for his season-long development and, eventually, production.
Banks has the attributes to be the combo forward that Woodson likes — size, athleticism, shooting potential, rebounds, and defense. Can he earn a steady role this season? I believe he can and will, but it will be a continuous growing process. Indiana needs him to be a consistent performer by the end of the season to accomplish many of its goals.
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