IU brings star power to UNT

NT80 · December 29, 2003

High-profile Hoosiers also feature ex-area standout Bracey Wright

09:09 PM CST on Sunday, December 28, 2003

By BRETT VITO / Denton Record-Chronicle

DENTON – North Texas men's basketball coach Johnny Jones will reach one of his goals for the Mean Green on Monday and bring home one of the area's top former high school stars in the process.

Jones has always wanted to bring a high-profile team to Denton to face the Mean Green in the Super Pit. Indiana, led by former The Colony standout Bracey Wright, will bring Jones' dream to fruition when the Hoosiers face the Mean Green in a 7 p.m. game.

UNT lost to Indiana, 84-58, in last season.

"This game will give us the opportunity to play someone who is respected nationally because of the titles they have won and because they were in the Final Four two years ago," Jones said. "Plus we will get a chance to play them at home in front of our crowd."

The Mean Green is hoping to take advantage of its appearance in the national spotlight by challenging the Hoosiers. UNT players say they are more prepared this year than last season.

UNT struggled through its toughest campaign under Jones last season, going 7-21. UNT has shown signs of improving this season, posting a 4-5 record.

UNT won three of four games in one stretch before falling to St. Bonaventure and Southeast Missouri State on the road.

UNT's players say they are starting to come together as a team. Senior Shawnson Johnson became eligible at the semester break after transferring from LSU and has become a force.

The 6-9 forward is averaging 14.8 points and 8.8 rebounds to lead UNT in both categories. Johnson is the only UNT player averaging double figures in scoring.

"We are getting better in some aspect of our game each time out," sophomore forward Ty Thomas said. "We still need to work on some things. We don't feel like we have hit our stride yet."

Finding its rhythm could be a challenge against Indiana. The Hoosiers (5-4) may not have an impressive record, but they have lost tough games to ranked teams, including Kentucky, Missouri and Wake Forest.

Wright has been one of the bright spots for Indiana.

The sophomore leads the team with an average of 21.1 points and 5.3 rebounds.

"Bracey is a complete, NBA-type player," Jones said. "He can shoot it, put it on the floor and defend."

This could be the highest profile game of the year for UNT.

"You always imagine what it might be like to play against a team like Indiana," Thomas said. "We fell short last year, but we get another chance. I feel like we are better prepared this year. We are ready to go out and compete against one of the best teams in the nation."

Indiana (5-4) at North Texas (4-5): 7 p.m. Monday, Super Pit, Denton (KWRD-FM 100.7, KNTU-FM 88.1)

Edited December 29, 2003 by NT80