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BB RECRUITING

Indiana Basketball: Top 2025 Targets to Watch for this AAU Season

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Fishers Tigers guard Jalen Haralson (10) shoots a free throw Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, at Fishers High School. High School Basketball Hs Basketball Fishers Vs Hamilton Southeastern Hamilton Southeastern Royals At Fishers Tigers (© Armond Feffer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Indiana Basketball has officially moved deep into the offseason which means recruiting is going to ramp up with AAU right around the corner. Mike Woodson and staff have their eyes set on some of the top 2025 prospects including Jalen Haralson, Trent Sisley, and others have positioned themselves to make a huge splash with this recruiting class.

The spring AAU season officially kicks off in a few weeks with circuits such as EYBL, 3SSB, UAA, and many others having their first events. The first two live evaluation periods start at the end of the month beginning April 21-23 and ending April 28-30 so the entire Indiana Basketball staff will be on the road watching their targets in action.

With that said, here is a look at some of the top 2025 targets to watch for this AAU season

Jalen Haralson: (6-7; Point Guard)

Team: Indy Heat 17U

Circuit: EYBL

High School: Fishers High School (IN)

Scouting Notes: When it comes to the 2025 class and who Indiana is targeting, arguably the number one prospect on that list is 6-7 point guard Jalen Haralson out of Fishers, Indiana. Haralson is one of the more special players to come out of the state of Indiana in a long time. He is terrific with the ball in his hands and and his ability to finish at the rim is fantastic. He has the elite combination of quickness, strength, and athleticism that makes him extremely difficult to defend at any position. Haralson, along with Trent Sisley, has been a priority target for Mike Woodson ever since he came into high school. Haralson is one of the top players nationally in the 2025 class.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, Purdue, Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, Iowa, Florida State, Auburn, Missouri, Maryland, and others

Trent Sisley: (6-7; Power Forward)

Team: Indy Heat 17U

Circuit: EYBL

High School: Heritage Hills (IN)

Scouting Notes: Speaking of Trent Sisley, this is another prospect that is high on the target list for Mike Woodson and this Indiana staff. At 6’7, Sisley is an extremely versatile power forward that can play both the wing and post very consistently. He is very good about knocking down the outside jumper while also having the ability to take his defender off the dribble and score through contact. This past high school season, Sisley proved to be one of the top scorers in the state which should translate into this AAU season. With Mike Woodson looking to bring in more versatile power forwards who can stretch the floor and provide multiple options in the post as well, Sisley is someone that can fill that roll.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, Purdue, Iowa, Michigan State, Ohio State, and others 

Malachi Moreno: (6-11; Power Forward)

Team: Indiana Elite 2025

Circuit: 3SSB

High School: Great Crossing (KY)

Scouting Notes: When looking at true, athletic bigs that have great length, Moreno fits that description. While his frame and weight aren’t the strongest points of his game, his athletic ability and footwork make him excellent around the basket. He is not someone that can go out and stretch the floor consistently right now, but he is a great pick-and-roll big that loves to finish above the rim. There is still a good amount of areas in his game that need to hit that next level and improve on, but when Mike Woodson starts looking at adding size from the 2025 class, Moreno is an intriguing option.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, Xavier, Iowa, Ohio State, Cincinnati, Purdue, Missouri, and others

EJ Walker: (6-7; Small Forward)

Team: Brad Beal Elite 16U

Circuit: EYBL

High School: Lloyd Memorial (KY)

Scouting Notes: Walker is already one of the more sought after 2025s in the nation currently. At 6’7, Walker has the ability to play both the wing and post at a high level due to his skill and overall long size. His ballhandling skills are also really impressive when you look at his long arms as he can play more of a “point-forward” role if the offense calls for it. His versatility to play face up or his back to the basket is also one of the area that makes him standout. While there are still questions on what position is he is comfortable guarding, there is a ton of potential of what Walker could become at the next level.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, Louisville, Purdue, Ohio State, Xavier, Missouri, Virginia,  Minnesota, and others

Kellen Pickett: (6-8; Power Forward)

Team: Indy Heat 16U

Circuit: EYBL

High School: Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian (IN)

Scouting Notes: Kellen Pickett has slowly became one of the bigger stock-risers in the state of Indiana when it comes to the 2025 class. He is coming into this AAU season after helping lead Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian to the Class 2A State Championship, who is also coached by former Indiana guard Matt Roth. At 6-8, Pickett is a very versatile power forward that has one of the highest motors out of the players listed here. He attacks the rim very aggressively whether that be to score or rebound. Defensively, he has the length and quickness to guard both post and perimeter. While he does not have any offers yet, Pickett is a player destined to explode this spring/summer.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana and others

Azavier Robinson: (6-1; Point Guard)

Team: George Hill All Indy 17U

Circuit: NY2LA

High School: Lawrence North

Scouting Notes: Azavier Robinson is a player that has been on Indiana’s radar for awhile now but has not gotten an official offer yet by Mike Woodson and staff. Robinson is a lightening quick guard that can score at all three levels of the floor. When it comes to getting past the defender and getting to the basket, Robinson’s speed and on-ball skills are a major advantage of his. He is a  highly athletic player and is so explosive off the dribble and just overall has elite playmaking ability right now. He comes from the same high school as Indiana guard CJ Gunn and has been to Indiana a few times so there is for sure interest from the coaching staff. As of right now, there is no offer yet but he is still firmly on Indiana’s radar.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, St. Johns, Indiana State, and others

Meleek Thomas: (6-3; Shooting Guard)

Team: New York Lightening 17U

Circuit: EYBL

High School: Lincoln Park (PA)

Scouting Notes: According to a lot of rankings, 6-3 shooting guard Meleek Thomas might be the highest rated player when it comes to the 2025 target list for Indiana. Thomas is a long guard that gets to his spots so well on the floor while also being an extremely talented scorer. Both on and off the ball, he is a true playmaker whether that be for himself or for his teammates. He typically has played the role as the guy you go to when you need a bucket. He is easily at his best when he has the chance to make a play at the rim. He is the type of playmaking guard that would excel in Mike Woodson’s system.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, Xavier, Villanova, Pittsburgh, Kansas State, Michigan, and others

Caleb Wilson: (6-7; Power Forward)

Team: Georgia Stars 17U

Circuit: EYBL

High School: Holy Innocents (GA)

Scouting Notes: Wilson is a long, lanky power forward with a solid amount of smoothness and athletic ability. At this stage right now in his playing career, he is a hybrid between and post forward/wing that relies on his athleticism to score at the rim. He is a player that is very active 15ft and in whether that be scoring around the basket, pulling up for a mid-range jumper, or attacking the glass for the boards. Needs to improve in adding weight and find more consistency in his outside jumper, but the potential in this guy is through the roof. Next step for Mike Woodson and staff would be to get this guy on campus for a visit.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, Stanford, Alabama, Cincinnati, Georgia, Missouri, Xavier, and others

Jasper Johnson: (6-4; Point Guard)

Team: Team Thad 17U

Circuit: EYBL

High School: Woodford County (KY)

Scouting Notes: As far as stock-risers in the 2025 class, Jasper Johnson is quickly becoming one of them. Johnson is an incredibly long, crafty lead guard that can really get hot from deep range if given the opportunity to do so. When he is on the ball, he is really crafty through the lane using a host of different moves to get past a defender and finishing at the rim. On the defensive end, his long length help him be a force on that end. While there is not an official offer from the Hoosiers yet, he is player on their radar as they continue to look for long, playmaking guards that can be stoppers on the defensive end.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, Louisville, West Virginia, Alabama, Ohio State, Xavier, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Memphis, Xavier, Cincinnati, and others

Koa Pete: (6-8; Small Forward)

Team: Compton Magic 17U

Circuit: 3SSB

High School: Perry High School (AZ)

Scouting Notes: Out of all the players on this list, Koa Pete is arguably the highest rated player on here. At 6-8 and a near 215 pounds, Pete is a well-built wing that can score at all three levels and is just an incredible finisher around the rim. He is more of a true combo-forward that can play both on and off the ball at a high level and is one of the best passing wings in the 2025 class. Overall, he is one of the more polished players in the 2025 class that has the body and skill to compete at a high level already. Would be an incredible get for Mike Woodson and Indiana.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, Arizona, Tennessee, Washington State, LSU, Baylor, Michigan, Nebraska, Memphis, Illinois, Kansas State, Stanford, and others

Braylon Mullins: (6-4; Shooting Guard)

Team: Indiana Elite 2025

Circuit: 3SSB

High School: Greenfield-Central High School (IN)

Scouting Notes: While players such as Jalen Haralson and Trent Sisley get the majority of the attention when it comes to the in-state 2025 class, Mullins is starting to make a real name for himself. Mullins is a very balanced player that scores the ball at a high level are all three offensive areas and provides a ton of length on the wing as well. A pretty versatile player overall that can be placed at nearly any spot right now and can produce. He is an incredibly smooth player that knows how to score which is why Indiana has taken an interest in him. He is a player that could breakout this spring/summer.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, Purdue, Butler, Indiana State, and IUPUI 

Darryn Peterson: (6-5; Shooting Guard)

Team: All-Ohio I7U

Circuit: EYBL

High School: Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (OH)

Scouting Notes: Peterson is another player in the 2025 class that can make a case as the best overall prospect. At 6-5, Peterson is a real physical guard that can play both on and off the ball at an extremely high level. When on the ball, he has proven to be real explosive and and crafty when in the lane or when he is creating a jumper for himself. Along with his incredible feel for the game already, he is such an advanced shot creator, which is what makes him such a high prospect. Could become a big priority of Mike Woodson and Indiana as AAU season goes this year.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, Arizona State, Akron, Illinois, Alabama, Cincinnati, Kentucky, Baylor, Ohio State, Missouri, TCU, Texas, and others

Bryson Tiller: (6-8; Small Forward)

Team: Atlanta Xpress 17U

Circuit: UAA

High School: Overtime Elite (Pro League)

Scouting Notes: Tiller is a highly athletic wing that has great size and length at his position. He is one of the best in the class at getting to his spots and finishing at all three levels of the floor. The 6-8 wing is great about taking his defender off the dribble and scoring off the catch. While he can play off the ball, he has proven to be his best on the ball when he can create his own look. As a defender, his athletic ability and length make him lockdown at times. Tiller would be a perfect fit for Mike Woodson as he looks for more athletic, long wings that can create their own shot.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, Auburn, Houston, Xavier, Stanford, Georgia, and others

Mikel Brown Jr.: (6-1; Point Guard)

Team: Austin Rivers SE Elite

Circuit: 3SSB

High School: Sunrise Christian Academy (KS)

Scouting Notes: While Brown Jr. is a shorter lead guard, he is a quick player on the ball and plays like a true floor general. He is a “past first” type of guard but does such a good job at creating for his teammates and has the handles to really make something happen with the ball. His floor vision is high and his jumper is about as smooth and consistent as you can get for guy that is as unselfish as he is. We know how high Mike Woodson is on his point guard and Brown Jr. has the skill to provide what the Indiana head coach would need in the next couple of years.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, Seton Hall, Florida, Baylor, Kansas, Texas Tech, Tennessee, Maryland, Auburn, and others

Trey McKenney: (6-5; Shooting Guard)

Team: Meanstreets 2024

Circuit: EYBL

High School: St. Mary’s High School (MI)

Scouting Notes: McKenney is a 6’5 shooting guard that is so physical and is not afraid to play through contact to get a chance to finish in the paint. While he is not the quickest player on the floor, he loves to use his strong, big frame to get past his defender and be such a load to handle once he is out in transition. He is real aggressive on the defensive end and is a very good on-ball defender. Jumper still needs some work as far as consistency, but as far as physicality, McKenney is one of the more advanced in this class. He has already been on Indiana’s campus so he will likely still be a high target for Mike Woodson and staff.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, LSU, Miami (FL), Stanford, Oregon, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas State, Missouri, Alabama, and others 

Dezmon Briscoe: (6-8; Center)

Team: Indiana Elite 2025

Circuit: 3SSB

High School: Crispus Attucks (IN)

Scouting Notes: Dezmon Briscoe is proving to be the best in-state 2025 center we have Indiana with the amount of skill he has proved he has at his position. As a truer post player, Briscoe has fantastic footwork and takes up a ton space around the block. His ability to make a quick move out of the post-up is extremely impressive along with his court vision and IQ for his position. He finishes well and is a guy that loves to rebound. Still needs some fine-tuning overall, but this could be a guy that finds a firm spot on Indiana’s radar especially if learns how to stretch the floor. A player to keep an eye on this AAU season.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, Iowa, Kent State, IUPUI, and others 

Bryce Heard: (6-5; Shooting Guard)

Team: Florida Rebels 16u

Circuit: EYBL

High School: Montverde Academy (FL)

Scouting Notes: Bryce Heard is another guard that comes from the prestigious Montverde Academy, who Indiana is known to recruit out of extremely well. Heard is a 6’5 athletic guard who is great in the open space and has the ability to finish at the rim very well. Can score from 15ft and out well but is at his best either getting to the rim or finding room to get a mid-range shot off. His size and quickness make him such a tough guard to contain once he finds his rhythm. It will be interesting if Indiana recruits him as hard as they have with the other Montverde Academy.

Main Programs Involved: Indiana, Illinois, St John’s, California, LSU, and others

SEE ALSO: Indiana Basketball: Top 2024 Targets to Watch for this AAU Season

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: Payton Sparks named among ‘hidden gem’ transfer additions this offseason

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Ball State transfer Payton Sparks was named an underrated transfer this offseason as he makes the move to the Indiana basketball program. (Jordan Kartholl / The Star Press-USA TODAY NETWORK)

The Indiana basketball transfer class this offseason was an important one to keep any momentum from the first two years of the Mike Woodson era. After back-to-back years of making the NCAA Tournament, ushering in a new era of Indiana basketball was here.

With Trayce Jackson-Davis and Jalen Hood-Schifino two of seven total departures, the Hoosiers had large shoes to fill.

It did so by landing the No. 12 overall transfer class this offseason. While it was headlined by former five-star center Kel’el Ware, Ball State forward Payton Sparks and Miami (Fla.) forward Anthony Walker bring versatile skillsets to the floor as well.

And for Sparks, he was labeled as one of the ‘hidden gems’ from the transfer portal.

“Indiana’s frontcourt is filled with big-name additions from Power 6 programs, so it’d be easy for Payton Sparks to slip through the cracks. But the Ball State transfer will have a real shot at an enormous role,” 247Sports national writer Isaac Trotter wrote. “He’s averaged at least 13 points and eight rebounds in each of the last two seasons. He has to answer some questions about defending Big Ten big men, but Sparks is a warrior on the glass and a high-effort player at all times. Sparks will help Indiana a ton.”

Sparks was ranked as just the No. 167 overall transfer in the portal this offseason but his addition to Indiana can’t be understated.

In two seasons for the Cardinals, Sparks averaged 13.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. He started all 62 games he appeared in. Last year, Sparks 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).

Sparks brings a tremendous motor and ability to score in the paint. His toughness is also valuable. He ranked third in the NCAA in free throw rate (87.1) and 16th in fouls drawn per 40 minutes (6.8).

“I really like the addition of Payton to our program for several reasons,” Woodson said of Sparks. “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.”

The expectation is that Sparks will be a valuable role player to start, but that role could become increasingly important as the season progresses.

His value is also measured with his two remaining years of eligibility left.

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

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

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BB RECRUITING

2024 four-star guard Curtis Givens includes Indiana basketball in top 7 schools

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024 point guard Curtis Givens (3) stood out over the first live period and landed an offer from Indiana. (@RYZEHoops / Twitter)

As first reported by National Recruiting Expert for On3 Joe Tipton, class of 2024 four-star guard Curtis Givens named his top 7 schools on Tuesday, which included the Indiana basketball program. The Hoosiers were joined by Georgia Tech, LSU, Memphis, Texas, UConn, and Villanova.

Givens is ranked No. 87 in the 247Sports class of 2024 Composite Rankings, No. 99 in the 2024 Rivals150, and No. 60 in the On3 2024 Top Basketball Recruits.

Givens plays for MoKan Elite AAU program on the Nike EYBL circuit and has looked very well in the first three sessions. He has easily been one of the bigger stock-risers on the EYBL circuit.

In 12 games on the EYBL circuit, Givens has averaged 17.8 points, 2.8 assists and shot 41.4% percent from the field.

Givens, a Memphis, Tennessee native, transferred to Montverde Academy (Fla.) last season. In his first year at Montverde Academy, Givens played more of reserve role and averaged 4.0 points and 2.2 assists per game in 14.7 minutes a game. He also shot 36% from three.

Givens continues the trend of Indiana having ties with Montverde Academy due their success of bringing in Jalen Hood-Schifino and Malik Reneau as well as their continued recruitment of 2024’s Liam McNeeley and Asa Newell from the prestigious high school program.

Givens spoke with HooiserIllustrated when he received the Indiana offer last month:

“The conversation I had with Coach Ya (Yasir Rosemond) was a very good conversation,” Givens told HoosierIllustrated. “He was telling me how much he loves my game and I remind him of Jalen Hood-Schifino. And he was also saying they have a good history of good guards and how they let their guards run the show. It’s really ideal for a point guard to be in that system with being given the keys to run the offense.”

HoosierIllustrared has seen Givens multiple times this summer and was able to compile scouting notes on his game: 

“Givens has good size at the lead guard spot at 6-foot-3. He’s not going to blow you away with his athleticism but his pace and understanding of an offense is what separates him. Givens has the ability to play both on and off of the ball, but he’s best making plays for himself and his teammates with the ball in his hands. He is very effective shooting off of the catch and the dribble and that really opens up the rest of his game. He has also shown a really good ability to utilize ball screens to get into the paint.”

SEE ALSO: Indiana basketball will not play in 2023 Gavitt Games

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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BB RECRUITING

IU women’s basketball lands transfer, OVC Freshman of the Year Sharnecce Currie-Jelks

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The IU women's basketball program landed OVC Freshman of the Year Sharnecce Currie-Jelks from the transfer portal on Monday. (DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS-USA TODAY NETWORK)

The IU women’s basketball program secured a key transfer portal commitment this week. On Monday afternoon, it landed a pledge from Sharnecce Currie-Jelks.

Sharnecce Currie-Jelks is a transfer from UT-Martin where she was named the 2023 OVC Freshman of the Year. She was also named to the All-OVC First Team. Currie-Jelks averaged 15.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.0 block in 29.4 minutes per game. Shot also 53.9 percent from the field.

The 6-foot-2 forward was a nine-time OVC Freshman of the Week and two-time OVC Player of the Week.

Sharnecce Currie-Jelks ranked in the top five in the OVC in scoring (third), field goal percentage (third), blocked shots (third), offensive rebounds (third), rebounding (fifth) and defensive rebounds (t-fifth) last season.

Sharnecce Currie-Jelks and returning All-American Mackenzie Holmes look to be one of the most dominant front courts in the country in 2023-24.

Currie-Jelks has three seasons of eligibility remaining for the IU women’s basketball program.

She joins the program looking to replace some of the production lost by the departure of Grace Berger as well as the depth of role player Alyssa Geary in the front court.

The IU women’s basketball program holds the No. 20 overall class in the country, per ESPN.

The Hoosiers already had a talented returning core in Holmes, Sydney Parris (12.0 ppg), Yarden Garzon (11.1 ppg), Chloe Moore-McNeil (9.5 ppg, 4.8 apg) and Sara Scalia (9.5 ppg) and Currie-Jelks will add to that.

SEE ALSO: Five thoughts on transfer portal activity from the Indiana basketball program following portal deadline

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

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