Top 10 Underrated Indiana Hoosiers of all-time

Indiana Basketball has always been about more than just stars. Under Branch McCracken and Bob Knight especially, the Hoosiers built championships on discipline, defense, execution, and players willing to sacrifice personal glory for banners. This list honors ten Hoosiers who may not always headline conversations but were absolutely essential to Indiana’s championship culture.

10) Steve Risley

Steve Risley represents everything Bob Knight valued in a role player: toughness, intelligence, and complete buy-in to the system. A member of Indiana’s 1979 NIT champions, the 1980 Big Ten champions, and the 1981 NCAA championship team, Risley carved out an important defensive and rotation role on some elite squads.

In the 1981 NCAA Championship game against North Carolina, Risley scored five points and provided critical minutes guarding future NBA stars James Worthy and Sam Perkins. That assignment alone tells you how much Knight trusted him. Indiana won that title 63-50, and defense was the defining factor. Players like Risley made that possible.

Though never a statistical star, Risley’s willingness to defend, rebound, and execute the motion offense made him invaluable. Under Knight, Indiana thrived because players embraced roles. Risley could have chased numbers elsewhere but chose to stay home and be part of something bigger — and that sacrifice helped deliver a national championship.

Special Guest:Former Indiana Hoosier Steve Risley

9) Joe Hillman

Joe Hillman’s career at Indiana was defined by patience and preparation. As a freshman (1984-85), he averaged limited minutes behind veteran guards. Bob Knight then made the strategic decision to redshirt him during the 1985-86 season — a move that paid off in 1987.

During the 1986-87 championship season, Hillman served as Indiana’s third guard behind Steve Alford and Keith Smart. He averaged 4.3 points per game in 13.6 minutes per contest and provided steady ball-handling and defensive pressure. In the 1987 NCAA Championship game against Syracuse, Hillman tied for the team lead with six assists — a crucial contribution in Indiana’s 74-73 victory.

Hillman understood spacing, tempo, and decision-making within Knight’s motion offense. He rarely forced shots and instead facilitated for Alford and Smart. That ability to run the offense without disrupting rhythm made him invaluable.

He wasn’t flashy, but championship teams need composure. Hillman delivered it on college basketball’s biggest stage.

19nine Podcast – Joe Hillman talks Indiana Basketball

8) Stew Robinson

Stew Robinson was the definition of a floor general during his Indiana career from 1982-86. A three-year starter at point guard, Robinson helped guide Indiana to three NCAA Tournament appearances and was a key contributor to the 1982-83 Big Ten Championship team.

Robinson finished his career with 630 points and 391 assists. While those scoring totals may not leap off the page, his true value was tempo control, defensive intensity, and leadership. In Knight’s system, the point guard was an extension of the coach — and Robinson embraced that responsibility.

He was a two-time team assist leader and often drew the toughest defensive assignments on opposing guards. His ability to run the offense efficiently helped stabilize Indiana during a transitional period following the Isiah Thomas era.

Robinson’s contributions weren’t built on highlight plays but on discipline. He exemplified Knight’s philosophy that winning came from execution and defensive pressure. That reliability made him one of the more underappreciated guards of the 1980s.

Indiana vs. UNC (1984 Sweet 16): Michael Jordan’s final college game

7) Jimmy Thomas

Jimmy Thomas played from 1979-83 and was a crucial contributor to the 1981 national championship team. Often overshadowed by Isiah Thomas and Ray Tolbert, Jimmy Thomas provided rebounding, defensive toughness, and interior presence off the bench.

In the 1981 NCAA Championship game against North Carolina, Thomas stepped up when starter Ted Kitchel was limited by foul trouble. Thomas grabbed nine rebounds in the title game and earned Final Four All-Tournament Team honors for his efforts. That performance alone cements his place in IU lore.

Thomas also played a key role in Indiana’s semifinal win over LSU, helping control the glass against a physical Tigers squad.

He averaged 5.3 points and 4.2 rebounds during the 1980-81 championship season, numbers that don’t scream dominance but reflect his role within a balanced attack. Thomas understood positioning and interior defense, allowing Indiana’s perimeter players to flourish.

Championship teams require players who can step into high-pressure moments without hesitation. Jimmy Thomas did exactly that.

1981 NCAA Mens Basketball Final Four Highlights “Indiana Celebration”

6) John Ritter

John Ritter played at Indiana from 1970-73 and was a key contributor during the early 1970s resurgence under Bob Knight. His scoring steadily increased each season, culminating in a 14.7 points per game average during his senior year (1972-73).

Indiana rebounded from an NIT loss in 1972 to win the Big Ten in 1973 and advance to the Final Four. The Hoosiers ultimately fell to UCLA — part of John Wooden’s historic dynasty — but Ritter was instrumental in getting them there.

Ritter was a versatile forward who could score inside and step out for mid-range shots. His physical style of play fit perfectly into Knight’s disciplined system.

Though overshadowed by later championship teams, Ritter helped lay the foundation for Indiana’s mid-70s dominance. His consistent scoring and toughness during a rebuilding era were critical in reestablishing IU as a national power.

50 Years of Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall Celebration: Game #8 – March 10, 1973

5) Greg Graham

Greg Graham (1989-93) was one of the most complete guards of the early 1990s. He averaged 16.5 points per game for his career and was known as much for his defense as his scoring.

Graham finished with 151 career steals and was a two-time All-Big Ten selection. During the 1992-93 season, he averaged 16.9 points per game on a team that reached the Elite Eight before falling to Kansas.

What separated Graham was his two-way ability. He defended the opponent’s best perimeter scorer nightly while still carrying major offensive responsibilities. His mid-range game and ability to finish in traffic made him difficult to contain.

Graham was selected in the first round (17th overall) of the 1993 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Though his NBA career didn’t mirror his college dominance, his impact at Indiana was substantial.

He embodied the physical, defensive-minded identity that defined IU basketball.

1992-93 Indiana University Basketball

4) Marv Huffman

Marv Huffman was one of the leaders of Indiana’s 1940 national championship team — the program’s first NCAA title under Branch McCracken.

A senior guard, Huffman was a consensus All-American and the leading scorer on the 1939-40 squad. In the NCAA Championship game against Kansas, he scored 12 points in a 60-42 victory and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

Huffman’s backcourt play complemented Bill Menke’s interior scoring and McCracken’s up-tempo “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” style. His ball-handling and outside shooting were essential components of IU’s first national championship.

After college, Huffman briefly played in the National Basketball League (a precursor to the NBA). Though professional opportunities were limited in that era, his legacy at Indiana remains secure.

He helped establish IU’s championship tradition decades before the Bob Knight era.

Indiana vs Kansas – 3/30/1940 – Men’s Basketball Title Game

3) Dean Garrett

Dean Garrett (1986-88) transferred to Indiana from junior college and immediately became one of the most dominant defensive centers in program history.

As a senior in 1987-88, Garrett averaged 16.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and a school-record 3.4 blocks per game. His rim protection anchored Indiana’s defense during his two seasons in Bloomington.

Garrett finished with 192 career blocks in just two years — an extraordinary total. His presence altered countless shots and allowed Indiana’s perimeter defenders to pressure more aggressively.

Despite being selected in the second round of the 1996 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, Garrett began his professional career overseas. He eventually returned to the NBA at age 30 and played five seasons, including time with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.

Garrett’s defensive dominance and efficient scoring made him one of the most impactful short-tenure players in IU history.

House of Hoosier: National Champ Dean Garrett stops by!

2) Jon McGlocklin

Jon McGlocklin (1962-65) was a steady and reliable swingman during Indiana’s early 1960s resurgence. He finished his IU career with 827 points and was known for his shooting touch and composure.

As a senior, McGlocklin shot nearly 90 percent from the free-throw line — an elite mark in that era. While overshadowed somewhat by Tom and Dick Van Arsdale, McGlocklin provided critical scoring and spacing.

His professional career elevated his profile even more. McGlocklin became a key contributor for the Milwaukee Bucks and averaged 19.6 points per game during his NBA career. He won an NBA championship with the Bucks in 1971 alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson.

Though his NBA success is widely remembered, his Indiana foundation deserves equal recognition. McGlocklin was a disciplined scorer who thrived in structured systems and carried that mentality into a championship professional career.

Forgotten stories from Jon McGlocklin on 50th anniversary of Bucks lone title in 1971

1) Bobby Wilkerson

Bobby Wilkerson was a defensive cornerstone of Indiana’s legendary 1975 and 1976 teams, including the undefeated 1976 national champions — the last unbeaten champion in NCAA men’s basketball.

A 6’6” forward, Wilkerson was tasked nightly with guarding the opponent’s best scorer. His length and anticipation disrupted offenses and helped fuel IU’s suffocating defense.

In 1975-76, Wilkerson averaged 8.8 points and 5.4 rebounds while adding 171 assists — an impressive total that highlighted his versatility. Though Quinn Buckner often drew more national attention, Wilkerson’s defensive presence was equally vital.

He was selected in the first round of the 1976 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics and went on to average 10.1 points per game over seven NBA seasons. Known as a defensive specialist, he averaged 1.3 steals per game during his pro career.

Wilkerson’s willingness to guard stars and sacrifice scoring made him indispensable to one of the greatest teams in college basketball history.

Dennis Eckersley – Baseball Hall of Fame Biographies