As Nick Zeisloft ‘11 stepped onto the court in Montreal, Canada, on August 13, 2014, wearing the ever so famous Indiana crimson and cream uniform, he knew that he made the right decision. Zeisloft has recently transferred from the Missouri Valley Conference’s Illinois State (ISU) to Indiana University (IU) and will look to be a key leader for the Hoosiers this year as a red-shirt junior.

“I’ve been around the game for three years now at the college level,” Zeisloft said. “I’m just trying to bring my leadership and experience to this team.”

The former LT star averaged 8.8 points with a 55 percent three-point average this summer for the Hoosiers during their exhibition games in Canada. Zeisloft has clicked with IU’s scheme and has meshed well with his new teammates along the way.

“I love all my teammates,” Zeisloft said. “We’ve been in the gym a lot together. Its been a wonderful start and we’re going to keep moving forward.”

All roads lead to Zeisloft being IU’s new sharp shooter from behind the arc. During his time at LT, Zeisloft captured the record for most career three-pointers (108) and helped lead the Lions to back-to-back conference and regional titles. Zeisloft’s skill is rooted in his competitiveness and athleticism but furthermore in his unmatched work ethic.

“He really made it a goal of his to be the best basketball player he could be,” LT Head Basketball Coach Tom Sloan said. “Some people just have that internal drive.”

Indiana Head Coach Tom Crean was able to see Zeisloft’s work ethic first hand when he arrived to find Zeisloft working out at 6:45 a.m., by choice, before the team bus departed for Canada at 8 a.m. Sloan spoke to the impact Zeisloft will have at IU .

“He’s the type of person that when he’s in your program, your program is instantly better,” Sloan said. “Indiana is getting a great kid.”

Although the Hoosiers lost some players, they still pose a threat to many teams in the Big 10. With a tough schedule for the beginning of the season, IU will need to beat teams like Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State, who have been on top of the conference in recent years. With the help of Zeisloft, IU looks to reclaim their Big 10 title and capture a post-season berth in route to the Final Four. As a result of their depth chart, the Hoosiers are excited to compete for a championship.

“Those are the games you dream of growing up,” Zeisloft said. “Playing in those games, winning those games. There would be no better feeling in the world. That is the pinnacle of college basketball, to win it all.”