All of the sudden, Sam Alexis can’t miss.
Over his last five games, which includes four Indiana wins, the 6-foot-9 forward has made a staggering 24 of 25 shots from the field
What changed?
Darian DeVries was probably covering for his big man a little bit when asked that question Monday night following Indiana’s 92-74 win over Oregon.
“He’s given us these last two games some low presence that maybe we haven’t utilized enough to be honest with you,” DeVries said. “Sometimes as coaches you got admit your mistakes.”
Indiana has struggled at times this season when teams have switched screens. Against Wisconsin last Saturday the Badgers switched smaller players to Alexis, and he was able to take advantage in a major way, making 9 of 10 shots.
But against Oregon Monday, Alexis was primarily matched up against 7-foot center Nate Bittle. And he made 8 of 8 from the field. So it probably isn’t anything unique about how opponents handle screens. Alexis is a skilled big man. He’s got an array of post moves, has some quickness, and can finish with either hand. He’ll dominate a smaller player, but left in one-on-ones in the paint against another big man — he can win those matchups too.
The key is probably the fact that Alexis is getting those one-on-one matchups. And he’s getting them because opposing defenses have little choice. With Lamar Wilkerson, Tucker DeVries and Nick Dorn all dangerous threats from three, who is going to leave their man to double Alexis? Who is going to leave even to show a double or attempt to dig when Alexis dribbles?
Not only has Alexis been efficient as a scorer, his decision-making once the ball is in his hands has also been very good lately. Alexis looks comfortable in Indiana’s offense and what he’s being asked to do. He’s rarely sped up. He has seven assists and just one turnover in the last three games.
So with elite efficiency, and good awareness, it only stands to reason Indiana is going to keeping looing for Alexis in its halfcourt offense.
“That’s something that we’re going to continue to try to utilize,” DeVries said. “Getting some more paint touches, whether it’s off dribble penetration, cutting, or post-ups certainly helps our offense and frees up our shooters maybe even a little bit more.”
But there’s been something more with Alexis. Lately, it seems like he’s everywhere.
Over the last eight games he has averaged 4.9 rebounds (8.2 per 40 minutes). Over his last six games he’s averaged 2.5 blocks (4.2 per 40).
It’s no secret, Alexis is in a head-to-head competition with Reed Bailey for playing time. DeVries has said he doesn’t intend to play the duo together, and he hasn’t. So the lion’s share of the minutes at the five are going to who is playing the best, and that has fluctuated throughout the season.
Alexis’ effort has been a differentiator over the last couple weeks.
“It starts with his approach every day. He kind of is our motor and enthusiasm every day,” senior forward Tucker DeVries said. “I think that leads to the success he’s had as of late, too. He’s so versatile at that position. It’s a tough matchup for guys.”
Indiana’s offense is intent on shooting threes. The Hoosiers are No. 8 nationally in 3-point attempt rate (3FGA/FGA). But in part because of that, they are also No. 12 in 2-point field goal percentage, at 60%.
The space is there for a skilled big man to be a major contributor.
And whether it’s that competition with Bailey, better stamina, better effort, better spacing, more comfort with the offense, and maybe even a few more looks from the coaches — Alexis is proving to be a player who can raise the ceiling of this Indiana team.
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