Belief in a path to something better under Mike Woodson than what Indiana has become — he will finish 41-39 in the Big Ten in the regular season, finishing higher than sixth only once — is difficult to muster. And particularly in this modern era, defined by roster management and player movement, that belief must be rock-solid.

Player performances have certainly improved in that seven-game stretch, but Woodson’s impact also can’t be understated. He’s consistently relied upon his three Indiana natives — senior forward Luke Goode and fifth-year guards Trey Galloway and Anthony Leal.