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BB RECRUITING

Indiana Basketball: Recruiting target takeaways from Run N Slam

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Hoosier Illustrated Headshot: 2024 Guard Travis Perry from IndyBall Shootout - Noblesville, IN (Kyler Staley, 4/16)

The 2023 Bill Hensley Memorial Run N Slam weekend has come and gone and while it was not an official live period weekend, this was a good chance to see most of the local Indiana targets in action in or around the state.

The Bill Hensley Memorial Run N Slam is one of the top in-state events of the AAU season with local teams from EYBL, 3SSB, UAA, and many more all participating and make for matchups we don’t normally see throughout the spring/summer.

While most of the local Indiana targets were in attendance, one big omission from this past weekend was 2025 guard Jalen Haralson, who was not able to play this weekend due to his brother’s gradation.

There was a ton of great action over the weekend, which you can read more about from our Run N Slam Live Blog from Saturday.

HoosierIllustrated.com’s Kyler Staley was in Fort Wayne, IN all of Saturday checking out the Indiana targets Flory Bidunga (2024), Travis Perry (2024), Jonathan Powell (2024), and Trent Sisley (2025).

Below are the takeaways and notes of how each Indiana target did over the weekend.

Flory Bidunga (Indiana Elite 2024)

The 6-foot-9, five-star center Flory Bidugna was doing Flory Bidunga things that we have come to know he does on Saturday. Like it is every game he plays in, his motor was mostly always at 100% and he was running hard down the floor to get in position on both offense and defense.

His true rim protecting and shot blocking skills are going to be near the top of what makes him so impressive and he had a few huge blocks that came out of nowhere that you tell really amazed people. For his size, he is so light on his feet and just has nearly perfect timing on when to go up and contest the shot.

Offensively, he continued to show his improvements putting the ball on the floor and making moves face up towards the basket. Other than that, it was your typical score after score around the rim.

In the two games on Saturday, Bidunga finished with a total of 44 points and was as impressive as always doing so.

Travis Perry (Indiana Elite 2024)

The 6-foot-2, four-star guard out of Eddyville, Kentucky is another major part of what makes this Indiana Elite 2024 team so great. With Perry paired with Bidunga, the duo makes for one of the best 1-2 punches not only this past weekend, but on the entire Adidas 3SSB circuit.

What makes Perry such a special player, is his ability to score in so many ways. He is one of the better high school prospects out there at creating his own look and scoring at a high level both on and off the ball.

What stood out mostly to me on the offensive end was not only his ability to create, but how great he did off the dribble and finishing through multiple defenders as well finding an open spot to get an easy shot off. He also was extremely tough on both ends of the floor throughout the day.

In two games, Perry had a total of 30 points.

Jonathan Powell (Midwest Basketball Club 2024)

This was the first time that we had been able to see four-star guard Jonathan Powell since he included Indiana as part of his final six, which also includes Ohio State, Xavier, Michigan State, Clemson, and Virginia Tech.

Out of all the Indiana prospects that I saw over the weekend, I can easily say that Powell was the smoothest. He came off the bench for Midwest Basketball Club, who is coached by 2023 Indiana signee Gabe Cupps’ dad, and you can tell he really excels in that role. He was so good about getting to his spot in transition which was often in the left corner.

He did most of his scoring from the outside but there were times he would get real aggressive and attack the rim and finish with a two handed slam. With as cool and calm he is on the floor, you sometimes forget how athletic he can be and that was the case here.

Defensively, his length and athletic build make him very sharp on that end and can cause some problems for the offense.

He overall had a really good showing on Saturday and finished with an unofficial total of 25 points. Only time will tell to see if Indiana can seal the deal and land this talented guard.

Trent Sisley (Indy Heat 17U)

In my opinion, this was the best that the 6-foot-7, four star forward out of Heritage Hills (IN) has looked since the start of the of the AAU season. He was very energetic the whole time and was aggressive about taking over when he needed to.

With both 2024 Purdue signee Kanon Catchings and 2025 Indiana target Jalen Haralson not playing this weekend, Sisley was able to do much more on offense and open up his game. His versatility on the offensive end was on full display as he was attacking on the drive very hard and was also knocking down a ton of open looks from the wing.

While Indy Heat 17U has really struggled on the EYBL circuit thus far, this was the best display of basketball that I have seen from Sisley and squad and it looked as through their passing and overall chemistry was much more improved.

Sisley has recently seen a surge in offers since the last two live period have taken place with schools such as Wisconsin, West Virginia, UCF, and others getting in the mix with the talent forward. HoosierIllustrated.com was able to confirm that Sisley will be taking an unofficial visit to Notre Dame in early June.

In both games on Saturday, Sisley had a total of 33 points.

SEE ALSO: Indiana basketball offers 2024 four-star big man Patrick Ngongba

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

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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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