Indiana Basketball Newcomer Focus: Junior center Payton Sparks

Indiana basketball came into this offseason with many, many spots to fill with players like Trayce Jackson-Davis, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Race Thompson, and others departing from the program. With only two signees in the 2023 class, it was well-known that Mike Woodson and the Hoosiers were going to have to hit the transfer portal aggressively, especially when it came to rounding out the frontcourt.

Heading into the summer portion of the offseason and only one scholarship remaining, the Hoosiers did an outstanding job of filling the spots on the floor they needed with a total of three incoming freshman and three players out of the transfer portal all coming in.

The Indiana Hoosiers brought in many new faces into the men’s basketball program for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Today, we take a look at junior center Payton Sparks and discuss what he brings to Indiana, what his role will be, and more.

Other Players in this series: Mackenzie Mgbako, Kel’el Ware, Gabe Cupps

Where He Comes From

Sparks, a Winchester, Indiana native, committed to Ball State out of high school as part of the 2021 recruiting class but was not highly ranked in most national rankings.

Sparks spent two seasons at Ball State and was coached by former Indiana guard Michael Lewis in his final year playing for the Cardinals. He averaged 13.4 points and 8.6 rebounds in 62 career games.

As a freshman, Sparks was named the MAC Freshman of the Year and scored the third most points as a freshman in Ball State program history. He averaged 13.5 points and 8.5 rebounds a game in his freshman season.

After his freshman season, Sparks entered the transfer portal but opted to return to Ball State once the hire of Michael Lewis as head coach came.

This past season he averaged 13.3 points and 8.7 rebounds. He ranked second in the MAC in offensive rebound rate (12.9) and fourth in the league in total rebound rate (17.3). He shot 58.8 percent from the field overall, with the majority of his looks coming in the paint.

With two years of eligibility remaining, Sparks opted to enter the transfer portal once again in search of better competition at the high major level.

What He Brings

After a visit in late March, two days later Sparks officially committed to Indiana. He was the first player to commit to Indiana out of the transfer portal this offseason.

Not only does Sparks help round out the depth of the Indiana frontcourt, he also brings legit post playmaking and elite rebounding ability.

Sparks is more of a true post player that is likely going to play with his back to the basket more often than not. It is where he seems to be the most comfortable on the offensive end.

At 6-foot-9, Sparks has some of the quicker feet you will see out of a true big. He is extremely explosive around the basket and is just an overall workhorse down low.

Rebounding is arguably the best asset that Sparks will bring to this Indiana squad. While the Hoosiers struggled at times to rebound, Sparks will be heavily relied on to grab boards on both ends when he is on the floor. He should be able to give Indiana many second-chance point opportunities this upcoming season.

He is also absolutely fantastic about drawing contact and getting to the free throw line. With Indiana needing to improve on scoring at the line, Sparks could be a player to really help in that area.

He gives Indiana an inside scoring threat while also rebounding and defending at a high level.

What His Role Will Be

The role that Sparks will play for the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2023-24 season will likely be similar to fellow transfer forward Anthony Walker.

He will go from being a starter at Ball State to being one of the first frontcourt players off the bench with players like Malik Reneau, Kel’el Ware, and Mackenzie Mgbako expected to get the majority of the starting minutes in the frontcourt for the Hoosiers.

Sparks will be viewed as a player that can come in and give productive spot minutes here and there. If Indiana’s frontcourt is struggling to score inside, rebounding, or in foul trouble, Sparks can be a solid relief for Reneau or Ware.

He also brings in experience with this being his third season at the college level.

There is a slight concern with him making the jump from the MAC to the Big Ten, but with him very likely coming off the bench as a backup big, there should not be too much pressure on him. As a bench player, he can be brought in a lot slower.

As long as his motor and work ethic remain as high as they are currently, Indiana could see great production from Sparks this upcoming season. Sparks could very well be a ‘hidden gem’ for this Indiana team.

Notable Quote

“I really like the addition of Payton to our program for several reasons,” Indiana head coach Mike Woodson said. “He is an experienced player with a great work ethic, who had tremendous success individually while at Ball State. He gives us an inside scoring threat who can defend and rebound. I really like his ability to fight on the offensive glass and his ability to draw fouls on the opposition, which was one of the best nationally, is a tremendous asset. He is an Indiana kid who has a strong desire to be a Hoosier and we’re excited to welcome he and his family to Bloomington.”

SEE ALSO: Indiana Basketball: Five thoughts on transfer portal activity following portal deadline

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