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BB RECRUITING

‘The program is only going up from here’: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Trayce Jackson-Davis excited about path of Indiana basketball

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Mike Woodson and his Indiana basketball staff continue to add talent to the roster, with no intention of stopping anytime soon. (Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times-USA TODAY NETWORK)

The Indiana basketball program couldn’t land the ‘big ones’ for much of the last few years. Then, Mike Woodson ended that streak … and has done so ever since.

From the 2016 class until the 2021 class, Indiana landed two five-star players and one other top-30 player. In Woodson’s tenure, he has landed three five-star prospects, in at least one recruiting service, and one other top-30 player. He also landed another former five-star prospect from the transfer portal this offseason.

Before Woodson, the question was always if the team had enough talent. That’s not the case with the program that he has now built.

Indiana had Big Ten Freshman of the Year this past season with Jalen Hood-Schifino — now a projected late lottery to late first round selection in the upcoming NBA Draft. The development of Trayce Jackson-Davis from this staff has now put him in position to be a potential first round pick.

And once again for the 2023-24 season, there will be no question about the natural talent on the roster.

2023 five-star signee Mackenzie Mgbako and Oregon transfer Kel’el Ware, a 2022 five-star, are both McDonald’s All-Americans on the Indiana basketball roster. This is the first time since the 2016-17 season that IU will have multiple McDonald’s All-Americans on the roster.

Mgbako was the finishing touches on the 2023 recruiting class, committing to the Hoosiers in early May over Kansas.

“Everything they (Indiana) have been able to do over the last 30-45 days has now set themselves up for — now expectations going into next year, of something where you don’t drop off as much as it could’ve been going into next year,” HoosierIllustrated owner Alec Lasley said following the Mgbako commitment. “It was massive in what you’re trying to build in what is a bridge year and a gap year from the Trayce Jackson-Davis era to the 2024 and 2025 classes.”

“He’s a necessary addition for Indiana to continue cresting in the right direction,” CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander said of Mgbako. “… he’s going to step into Jackson-Davis’ role. He’s a better shooter and a more reliable shooter from the mid to deep range than Jackson-Davis was. Getting him was a big one.”

“I knew it. I mean, he didn’t tell me or anything. I just assumed it was Indiana because Mike Woodson is going to put him in the best position to succeed and to get to the next level,” 2024 five-star Indiana target Dylan Harper told Rivals.com.

This week at the NBA Combine, both Jalen Hood-Schifino and Trayce Jackson-Davis made it known that their excitement for the Indiana basketball program is at an all-time high.

“I congratulate the coaches every time they win a recruit,” Jackson-Davis said to 247Sports writer Isaac Trotter. “ … I knew it was going to be good. Knew Coach Woodson would pull that one in. I’m really proud of them that they got another squad. That was my main focus that when I left everything was still going in the right direction.”

“I’m actually down training with one of the guys, Kel’el Ware. I knew him a little bit. They added him, the kid from Miami, then Mackenzie Mgbako, a top-10 recruit. That was huge. Got to talk to him a little bit,” Hood-Schifino added. “I knew Coach Woodson and the rest of the coaching staff would get it going down there. The program is only going up from here. Really happy for us. Can’t wait to see how it goes next season.”

After six years without an NCAA Tournament berth, the Hoosiers have gone to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments in Mike Woodson’s first two years. It was also the first time since the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons in which Indiana had back-to-back 20+ win seasons.

Indiana finished the 2022-23 season 23-12 and secured a 4-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Its 12 Big Ten wins were the highest since the 2015-16 season and the second highest since 2012-13.

Despite the trajectory that the Indiana basketball program is on, it hasn’t reached an Elite Eight since 2002 when the Hoosiers were national runner-ups.

Mike Woodson’s goal(s) at Indiana are simple, and it looks like he’s not stopping until he gets the program back to national prominence. So far, he’s doing the little things that help build up a program to reach those milestones.

“I came back here to win Big Ten titles and a national title. That’s all I want,” Woodson said ahead of this past season. “I’m not going to push the team in any other direction. If they’re scared of that challenge, then they shouldn’t be here.”

SEE ALSO: Indiana Basketball Mailbag: Mackenzie Mgbako, final scholarship spot, IU back court & more

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. 

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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