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BB RECRUITING

Indiana Basketball Mailbag: Transfer portal, class of 2024 & more

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Indiana Head Coach Mike Woodson watches during the first half of the Indiana versus Wisconsin men's basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. (Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times-USA TODAY NETWORK)

The Indiana basketball program is in the midst of a new era and this offseason is one that has a lot of question marks. Indiana moves on from consensus First-Team All-American Trayce Jackson-Davis and the main question now is — what style of play will Indiana have?

“Trayce Jackson-Davis is the first center that I’ve ever coached in my career where I had to utilize my center as a post-up player,” Woodson said. ” … it’s the first time in my coaching career that I’ve had to coach a young man starting out on the block and expanding his game. I don’t know where we’re going to be next season in terms of how our style of play will be. But we’ve got to get better. I do know that.”

Mike Woodson and the Indiana basketball staff are already involved with numerous transfer targets trying to fill the void of three open scholarships at the moment. That doesn’t include any additional transfers and the looming decision of Big Ten Freshman of the Year Jalen Hood-Schifino.

Here are some key questions answered in the first installment of HoosierIllustrated.com’s Indiana basketball mailbag.

Q: There’s a lot, but what are the key positions IU needs in the portal? (@Hoosiernation2)

There are a lot of spots that Indiana needs to address but most importantly it starts in the front court. Indiana will not return Trayce Jackson-Davis, Race Thompson and Logan Duncomb, so minutes will be available right away. You aren’t going to go out and find a replacement for Jackson-Davis in one portal target, so this is going to be by committee. Look for Indiana to add a few transfer bigs.

Second is perimeter shooters. This is a must and almost as a high of a priority as the front court. Indiana loses Miller Kopp — its top three-point shooter from this past year — and doesn’t bring back any true knock down and high volume shooters. The Hoosiers ranked 352nd in the country in attempted 3s and 334th in made 3s per game last season. That needs to change. Look for a few shooters — both spot up and off of the dribble — to be added.

In total you’re probably looking at one starting big, one reserve big, and then two to three perimeter players.

Q: Who are the realistic transfer additions right now (@bball992)

Indiana has been extremely active in the transfer portal thus far. Mike Woodson has already conducted in-home visits with Towson transfer guard Nick Timberlake — a career 37.9 percent three-point shooter — and Harvard transfer wing/hybrid forward Chris Ledlum. Indiana is making a strong push to get both on campus. Sources indicate to HoosierIllustrated that there is definitely a high amount of mutual interest between Timberlake and Indiana. He has had in-home visits with North Carolina, Ohio State and Butler thus far. He has a campus visit set with UNC this week.

St. John’s is involved with both prospects.

Minnesota 6-foot-7 transfer wing Jamison Battle is high on Indiana’s list as well. He fits the needs of a bigger wing who can create his shot off of the dribble or in catch and shoot opportunities. Look for that interest to continue.

Ball State 6-foot-9 center transfer Payton Sparks visited Indiana on Monday. Indiana is very strong in this portal recruitment. He was the former MAC Freshman of the Year. He averaged 13.3 points and 8.7 rebounds this season.

An intriguing prospect who emerged in the portal yesterday was Virginia 6-foot-11 center Kadin Shedrick. Indiana was involved in his recruitment out of high school and assistant coach Kenya Hunter was the lead recruiter for Nebraska when he was on staff. Nebraska was Shedrick’s first college offer.

Shedrick averaged 6.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in 17.5 minutes a game.

That is a good look at the main group of prospects at the moment. There will be more, obviously. Right now, as Indiana you have to like where it stands for Sparks. Outside of him, things continue to progress with Battle and Shedrick is someone to keep a close eye on. With on-campus visits starting for Timberlake, Indiana needs to secure one quickly in order to keep the momentum it has with that recruitment.

Q: What are your thoughts on Payton Sparks and how he would fit IU’s current needs? (@C_Scher21)

Sparks is a 6-foot-9 and 240-pound center who was very productive at Ball State in his two seasons. He’s not going to come in and play starter minutes for Indiana but he is a very good depth piece with a good frame and skill.

He is almost entirely an inside-the-paint player, so he would need to be surrounded by some shooters. But, his high motor and extremely effective rebound ability is something Indiana needs at the position.

He has started all 62 games in his career and has 22 career double-doubles. He ranked second in the MAC in offensive rebound rate (12.9) and fourth in the league in total rebound rate (17.3) this season.

There is a reason high-major programs are after him right now. He would address depth and size for the Hoosiers and be a solid pickup if the were to commit to Indiana.

Q: Any 24 recruits able to reclassify to 23? (@trvlngwlbry)

The two main 2024 targets that Indiana is after with that option are 6-foot-11 forward from Overtime Elite (Ga.) Somto Cyril and 6-foot-10 forward from Montverde (Fla.) Derik Queen.

Right now, Cyril is the ‘more likely’ of the two. Queen, originally from outside of the Baltimore area, is looking more and more like a player Maryland will land, according to sources.

So for Cyril, he was impressed with Indiana on his official visit in November. He’s one of the more physically imposing big men in the country and showed that this summer on the AAU circuit. Right now, he’s a terrific rebounder, rim protector and defender with his offensive game continuing to develop. It’s likely a rim-rocking dunk at this point.

There is still a ways to go, including the potential for the professional route, for Cyril. Indiana and Cincinnati are the two programs he has visited up to this point.

Q: Who out this past freshman class will possibly see a bump up in minutes (@acedagooch76)

You’d like to see all of them but Kaleb Banks is the guy who I think carves out a nice role next year for Indiana. We already saw what he could do this season in very limited minutes. But, his motor, energy and IQ shined on multiple occasions.

He averaged just 2.0 points and 0.9 rebounds in 24 games this season. If you spread that out to a per 40 minute production he would be at 14.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. He’s a 6-foot-7 wing who has really nice versatility and has shown the ability to play both inside the paint and on the perimeter.

Q; Is Malik Reneau going to be able to help spread the floor by hitting shots from FT line and 3 point line? (@realDocBob)

I would like to say yes, but not sure that will happen. We saw Trayce Jackson-Davis play for Mike Woodson for two seasons and neither year did he improve on any type of jump shot.

Reneau has much more of a perimeter and 15-foot game than Jackson-Davis ever did, but it’s not likely that becomes a large part of his game-to-game skillset. Reneau will see most of his touches in the paint which he should. He’s shown the ability to use his athleticism and footwork to beat defenders on the block.

I think you could see some additional looks from 15 feet but anything more and of high-volume is wishful thinking and something that I don’t think happens.

Follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. 

BB RECRUITING

Indiana Basketball: Mike Woodson spends Tuesday at OTE Pro day as one recruiting target stands out

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Tyler Jackson, Indiana basketball
2025 Indiana basketball target Tyler Jackson was among the standouts at the OTE Pro Day on Tuesday as Mike Woodson watched on.

With the open recruiting calendar, the Indiana basketball staff has been on the road for the majority of the last week. That continued on Tuesday as Mike Woodson and his staff were at a signifiant recruiting event, according to reports.

Overtime Elite hosted its Pro Day on Tuesday, containing scouts from nearly every NBA team as well as a handful of high-major college coaches. 27 players were part of the event and took place in drills and scrimmages.

Among the Indiana basketball targets who play for Overtime Elite are 2025 five-star prospects Tyler Jackson, Mikel Brown Jr and Bryson Tiller.

Jackson and Brown are entering their first season with OTE.

Among the standouts by numerous recruiting analysts was Jackson. The five-star guard has emerged as one of the best playmakers in the 2025 class over the last few months.

Jackson played for Team Thrill in the 16U division and helped lead the program to a title on the Under Armor Circuit. He was terrific down the stretch, scoring 39, 36 and 31 points in that order en route to the championship. He averaged 24.0 points per game in the final session (seven games) and shot 42 percent from the floor. He played one event up with the 17U level, playing alongside current 2024 Indiana basketball target, five-star Derik Queen.

In his one session on the Nike EYBL circuit, Jackson averaged 30.0 points per game and shot 50.6 percent from the field and 50 percent (17-of-34) from three. He scored 30+ points in three of his four games, having scoring totals of 30, 36 and 39 points.

Jackson received an offer from the Indiana basketball program last week. He is ranked the No. 16 overall prospect in the 2025 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Jackson continued that playmaking and scoring ability on Tuesday as numerous national scouts came away impressed with his performance.

Here’s what a few of them had to say:

ESPN National Recruiting Analyst Paul Biancardi: “Best playmaker. Pushes the pace. Knows how to create and find others. Passes well in open floor or tight spaces.”

On3.com National Analyst Jamie Shaw: “There is a flair that comes with Jackson’s game. He plays with a lot of confidence, able to get to any spot on the floor and rise up for a jumper. When he is at his best, he can be a true three-level scorer.”

The Athletic Analyst Tobias Bass: “Very poised and can get anywhere on the floor when he wants. He was the most consistent player in the gym.”

SEE ALSO: Down to Indiana basketball & Kansas, five-star Liam McNeeley goes into decision mode

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.

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Down to Indiana & Kansas, five-star Liam McNeeley goes into decision mode

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Liam McNeeley, Indiana basketball
2024 five-star and top Indiana basketball target Liam McNeeley is into decision mode as he will pick between IU and Kansas. (Liam McNeeley / Twitter)

The Indiana basketball program is one step closer to potential landing its first commitment in the 2024 class — and it would be a big one.

Montverde Academy (Fla.) five-star wing Liam McNeeley is now in decision-making mode after cancelling his Texas official visit on Monday. His visit to Texas was set for this weekend, now he’s focused on just two programs; Indiana and Kansas.

“No more visits,” McNeeley told HoosierIllustrated.com “I will make a decision before the early signing period. (It’s between) Kansas and Indiana.”

The early signing period takes place from November 8 – November 15.

McNeeley has taken official visits to both programs in September. His visit to Indiana was his second — taking both a junior and senior year official visit. He had a key reason for his second visit with Indiana basketball, something that he came away able to check off.

“I wanted to interact with the players and see the coaches in a more private setting,” McNeeley said. “Just continuing to build relationships with the coaches and player is what I was looking for.”

Mike Woodson and the rest of the Indiana basketball staff have prioritized McNeeley for the entirety of his recruitment. He has been the top target for Indiana for over the last 12 months.

Their need for him was shown even more on Monday when Indiana went four-deep, sending its entire staff to Montverde to see McNeeley, along with teammates five-star Derik Queen and four-star guard Curtis Givens — all coming off of official visits two weekends ago.

“Their consistency has never wavered for the time that they have been recruiting me,” McNeeley said. “I have formed good relationships with all of (the coaches).”

McNeeley, originally from Texas, transferred to Montverde last season and emerged as one of the top prospects in the country. This past season he averaged 13.7 points and was second in the NIBC averaging 2.2 made 3s per game.

Playing for Florida Rebels on the Nike EYBL Circuit this summer, McNeeley averaged 16.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game across 17 games. He shot 37 percent from three (30-of-81).

McNeeley proved even more this summer his ability to play both on or off of the ball. He is a tremendous and proven shooter who is highly efficient on the floor. His best tool may be his playmaking ability, however. At 6-foot-7, he can play on the ball and orchestrate the offense. He has good court vision and great feel for the game and the speed of each possession.

Related: 2024 Indiana basketball target Liam McNeeley has proved himself as ‘one of the ten best players in high school basketball’

The consistent message that the Indiana staff has sent him has been come in and make winning plays right away — all while fitting the mold of the longer, athletic and versatile wing that Woodson has prioritized since he joined the program.

“They emphasized me being a bigger guard and being versatile. Coming off ball screens or posting up smaller defenders and moving the ball in transition,” McNeeley previously told HoosierIllustrated. ” … I see myself coming in and making winning plays to help the team in as many ways as possible.

“I try and take things from Luka’s game. He is a big guard and my favorite player.”

With McNeeley in decision-making mode, he could be just the first of multiple five-star players to join Indiana’s 2024 class. While the Hoosiers are heavily involved with numerous other top prospects around the country, one player that is immediately impacted by a potential McNeeley commitment is his teammate Derik Queen.

Sources have indicated to HoosierIllustrated that it could ultimately play somewhat of a role in Queen’s recruitment. While it will be a basketball decision at the end of the day, the friendship between the two holds a lot of weight. The programs that are recruiting both Queen and McNeeley are Indiana and Kansas. They took back-to-back visits to Kansas and Indiana the first two weekends of September.

“We have a great relationship. We’re brothers,” McNeeley said of his relationship with Queen.

As for McNeeley’s visit to Kansas, it went very well as well.

“They have had many wing players that have been successful at Kansas such as Gradey Dick, Jalen Wilson, and Christian Braun,” McNeeley added. “I had a great time on the Kansas visit. Getting to meet and spend time with the players was a lot of fun.”

Liam McNeeley is ranked the No. 13 overall prospect in the 2024 247Sports composite rankings.

SEE ALSO: Indiana basketball going ‘head-to-head’ with Kentucky for five-star guard

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.

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Top Indiana basketball target and top-15 prospect Liam McNeeley cancels Texas visit

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Liam McNeeley, Indiana basketball
There is a key update in the recruitment of five-star Liam McNeeley, the top target for the Indiana basketball program. (Liam McNeeley / Twitter)

The Indiana basketball program could be closing in on its first commitment of the 2024 class.

Sources confirmed to HoosierIllustrated.com that top-15 prospect and Montverde Academy (Fla.) wing Liam McNeeley has cancelled his official visit to Texas that was scheduled for the weekend of September 22-24. McNeeley also later confirmed the news to HoosierIllustrated.

National recruiting analyst Andrew Slater was the first to indicate the news, followed by 247Sports.

As of this point, there are no other visits scheduled. It appears that the Indiana basketball program received the final visit in McNeeley’s recruitment. He took one other visit in September to Kansas.

McNeeley has been the top target for Indiana for much of the past 12 months, receiving both a junior and senior year official visit. The entire Indiana basketball staff also visited Montverde Academy on Monday.

“Indiana is obviously a historic basketball state, and the fans in Indiana almost worship basketball,” McNeeley previously told HoosierIllustrated.com. “Love from the fans make me feel wanted.”

Indiana, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Michigan and Alabama have been the key programs involved with McNeeley. It looks to be down between Kansas and Indiana going forward.

McNeeley, originally from Texas, transferred to Montverde Academy (Fla.) last season and emerged as one of the top prospects in the country. This past season he averaged 13.7 points and was second in the NIBC averaging 2.2 made 3s per game.

Playing for Florida Rebels on the Nike EYBL Circuit this summer, McNeeley averaged 16.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game across 17 games. He shot 37 percent from three (30-of-81).

“I think he’s proven himself to be one of the ten best players in high school basketball today…” 247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein recently said. “There also aren’t ten other players that I would rather have as freshman in college basketball next year.”

If McNeeley pulls the trigger for Indiana that is a critical step in another target’s recruitment as well. Fellow five-star and Montverde teammate Derik Queen is good friends with McNeeley and sources have indicated to HoosierIllustrated.comthat it could ultimately play somewhat of a role in his recruitment. The programs that are recruiting both Queen and McNeeley are Indiana and Kansas. They took back-to-back visits to Kansas and Indiana the first two weekends of September.

McNeeley is ranked the No. 13 overall prospect in the 2024 247Sports composite rankings.

SEE ALSO: Indiana basketball going ‘head-to-head’ with Kentucky for five-star guard

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.

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