3 things worth watching as Indiana basketball faces North Carolina in exhibition

Indiana basketball faces North Carolina in an exhibition game, marking the second of three preseason games for the Hoosiers. Coach Darian DeVries aims for this match to be another step forward for his remade roster. Here are three key aspects to watch during the contest against the Tar Heels:

1. Markus Burton's continued growth: Burton played 15 minutes in Indiana's 96-68 win over Butler, scoring 13 points, all of which came in quick succession. He registered three 3-pointers, finishing as the joint-best performer among Hoosiers alongside Darren Harris and Samet Yigitoglu. As Indiana's starting point guard, Burton must balance his own scoring opportunities with facilitating for his teammates. His development in choosing when to score and when to create for others is crucial.

2. The third guard battle: The competition for playing time among the guards is heating up, with Harris, Bryce Lindsay, and Jaeden Mustaf all vying for spots. Harris and Mustaf started against Butler, while Lindsay logged the most minutes off the bench with 22 minutes in the game. Analysts suggest that Lindsay may have the edge in terms of playmaking, particularly if he continues to show improvement in shooting three-pointers, similar to his performance in a recent intrasquad scrimmage.

3. Freshman Trevor Manhertz's potential: Manhertz, who played 20 bench minutes in Indiana's win over Butler, hit two 3-pointers and scored seven points. He also added eight rebounds. Manhertz's versatility and potential as a two-way wing make him a promising candidate for the starting lineup against a more athletic opponent like North Carolina. However, the question remains whether he can step into a larger role compared to other first-year players on Indiana's bench.