Nick Baumgart
@Nick_Baumgart
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IHSAA boys basketball prospects & recruiting, commentary/analysis on IU, Purdue, in-state hoops, Xroads League fan
Joined February 2014
My evaluation process ⬇️. Ask:. 1 prospect have physical tools for level/league?.2 emotional IQ for level/league?.3 make college shots at level/league?.4 does player comp exist at level/league?.5 shoot+defend in level/league?.6 productive+efficient?.7 what do they do great?. 1/5.
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The 1990 Indiana state championship between Bedford North Lawrence & Concord changed my basketball life as a 9 year old watching at home. 41K in attendance. Most legendary high school player (still) from any state. Down 58-52, Damon Bailey put the Stars on his back, scoring 11
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A college basketball program who hasn't sniffed the NCAA Tournament in 5 years has driven the college basketball news cycle nationally the last 10 days, in the middle of March Madness. But this IU program is irrelevant, people say.
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Purdue 6'0 PG Braden Smith has been very good running the show this fall. According to sources at practice this week, he is team leader in points, rebounds AND assists from the scrimmages. Month out from the season opener, feels like Smith's job to lose. "He's been killing it.".
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I would expect IU and Kadin Shedrick to announce a deal soon. Sounds done. Jalen Hood-Schinio is one of the last big pieces to break. The prevailing thought by a lot of fans is he's gone. IU's preference for his replacement is rumored to be Caleb Love. But he's looking for fair.
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IU-commit Khristian Lander says if he stays on track, he could be done with his high school requirements by the end of May, and there's a possibility he could be a June arrival. Expect him in 2020. Will play AAU this spring and if Indy Heat advances to Peach Jam. #iubb.
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Allowing Braylon Mullins to leave the state is something I don't even think Archie could have kicked. Young man wanted to go to IU. Even after the team melted down mid Jan-end of Feb last year, the family still gave IU a chance. 100% the young man's call. All IU had to do was
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Homestead 30 Carmel 20.Half. Fletcher Loyer has 24 of his team's 30 in the first half. No answer for the Purdue commit, and Matt Painter walks out of the gym all smiles.
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That time of the year when I mention (yet again) old Evansville North gym is (still) sitting in the dark vacant. Being used to store clothes racks. What a shame.
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I was initially skeptical, and I'm here to own it. Mike Woodson is knocking it out of the park to start his Indiana coaching career.
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Boilers could be pretty good if Nijel Pack picks Purdue. Already ft 2 of the B1G best by position in Mason Gillis & Zach Edey. Pack would make it 3-of-5 spots. Hard 2 think many could beat it. Then add in other talent on-hand. Smith & Loyer will play early. Pack wld help both.
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Indiana accounts for roughly 2% of the US population, but 30% of the current KenPom Player of the Year top 10: Westfield's Braden Smith, South Bend's Javon Small, and Sellersburg's Trey Kaufman-Renn.
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Purdue measured Braden Smith's wingspan at 6-5 when he got to campus this summer. PG's with plus-4 length aren't common. Great shooter, elite court vision, high level competitor. Shifty floor general with tight handles, sneaky hops. And now, he's got Go-Go Gadget arms apparently.
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Not a COVID denier. Not even a little. Granny is 89 in nursing home. Parents are ~70. Its real for them. As a licensed educator & classroom teacher with experience in juvenile detention, IMO, our children are more vulnerable to mental illness from the pandemic than any virus. .
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'20 IU signee Trey Galloway's toughness plays in B1G now. Playing with essentially a broken wrist on shooting hand that wont heal. Killed his stats (19% 3s after 37% soph yr) Mr. Basketball chances hurt. Still he soldiers on. No excuses. No whining. #iubb fans are gonna like 32.
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IU freshman Trey Galloway is on campus and tells me his "wrist is doing great!" Originally injured 2 yrs ago, he reinjured it early last season. He'd never use it as an excuse, but it bothered him more than he'd lead on. No plans to redshirt. I expect an impact freshman season.
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In 121 seasons of IU basketball, Archie Miller has somehow managed to face the No. 1, No. 14, and No. 16 hardest schedules all-time at IU. Crean's 3 hardest seasons were No. 23, No. 28, No. 32, according to College Basketball Reference.
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Lawrence North 6'6" shooting guard CJ Gunn (2022) had a Zoom call this afternoon with Archie Miller and the Indiana staff, according to his father.
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Some in the IU fan base have forgotten Khristian Lander is still on roster after over-selling him a year ago. Now, a year later and in a much better place mentally, watch for a comfortable KL to produce like the old KL again; perhaps no one benefits more from Woodson than Lander.
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Indiana 62, Notre Dame 60.0:15.7 2H. Franklin gets the lead back for IU.
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UK has landed 25 one-and-done players since Cal. Villanova has zero over the same period. UK with 1 title. Villanova has 2. General rule, OADs arent worth the "hassle" involved. Instead "get old, stay old." Paramount in a conference like B1G where most players aren't OAD.
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I don't know who needs to hear this, but make sure you enjoy your last few weeks of high school basketball season. Forget the anxiety, no pressure--just go play. Your college situation will work itself out. Don't forget to stop and smell the roses along the way.
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Mike Woodson completed his heavy lifting in just 23 days. •Xavier Johnson.•Parker Stewart.•Tamar Bates.•Race Thompson.•Trayce Jackson-Davis.•Jerome Hunter.•Miller Kopp.•Rob Phinisee .•Khristian Lander .•Trey Galloway .•Anthony Leal .•Jordan Geronimo.•Logan Duncomb.
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Some personal news. Blessed for the opportunity to cover IU basketball and IU basketball recruiting full-time for @IndianaRivals. I start Tuesday.
Welcome to the staff, @Nick_Baumgart! Nick is our new basketball recruiting reporter and will also contribute on the basketball beat as well. #iubb
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The easy thing would have been to ignore the behavior. Mike Woodson had everything to gain short term by turning an eye. I see this decision more as a sacrifice. An incredibly unselfish move. IU has its work cut out now. But everyone knows where Woodson stands.
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If Matt Painter took the governors off Braden Smith, this is what you'd find. .
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After much deliberating, Ive decided it's Michael Lewis' time. Given his experiences over the years, he'll figure it out quickly. No one could sell the place like Lewis. He's good offensively. Relatable, popular, down-to-earth. Add a former head coach, Kenya Hunter and TBD and 👀.
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Here's an exercise that will hurt your brain. Divide 200 minutes among these TWELVE players. 1. Phinisee.2. Durham.3. Franklin.4. Lander.5. Leal.6. Galloway.7. Hunter.8. Geronimo.9. Smith.10. TJD.11. Race.12. Brunk.
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IU fans are gonna love Myles Rice. The Washington State transfer is a BIG reason why I'm so bullish on Indiana in 2025. Ranked ~ top 250 nationally in 2021 by 247Sports (14th best GA prep prospect). Redshirted 1st year. Hasnt slowed down since. Big season loading.
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Former Carmel sharpshooter Brian Waddell had always planned to redshirt his 1st yr at Purdue .but never thought he'd be rehabbing from an ACL tear, too. Injury last fall. Rehab now. Before all that, he had NBA scouts coming thru to see Ivey & Edey asking "who is that?" about him.
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One of the better 2:33 I've seen so far, courtesy of Brownstown Central junior Jack Benter at the BCDC Classic before Christmas. After Peyton Bledsoe puts Loogootee up 4 late in first half, the Purdue-commit went to work.
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Top 38 high school players in Indiana for 2021 by region, who you got?
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6 traits the next IU coach needs to possess:.1. Big personality who embraces fan base, social media.2. Smart Tactician (X's & O's).3. Understands B10 style.4. Salesman who can bring in the takent he needs.5. Track record of building culture (not only wins).6. good offensive coach.
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How'd that happen?! CBB's talking heads said you can't recruit anyone to Bloomington these days. Gary Parrish suggested firing Miller was $10M wasted. Bilas chastised IU fans for being unrealistic, out-of-touch. Wilbon wouldn't have fired the last guy. Feels like the 80's again.
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According to @JohnRHarrell, Lawrence Central head coach Al Gooden sits at 492 career wins and should hit 500 next season. Gooden would become the first black high school coach in IHSAA history to reach the 500 win plateau.
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An IU beat writer called me "the social media hype machine" last October for suggesting Joey Hart was a H-M prospect who IU should be friendly with. 6 months later, his dad told BaumHoops that in the last week, he's heard from Xavier, Iowa, Northwestern, Penn St, and IU.
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Leaving the stage, someone points at a teenager and yells:."Hey coach, his best friend is Khristian Lander!" . Archie didn't miss a beat: ."And he's my bestfriend, too.".
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I think this stretch to start 23-24 only solidifies Trayce Jackson-Davis' place as one of the most consistently dominant forces in IU history. Not saying he's the best, but he masked A LOT of warts on the floor. He made it look too easy. Rim runs every time like a TE, rolls and.
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Juwan Morgan is back in the house tonight for this one.
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17 days until the Sectional draw. 23 days until the regular season ends. 26 days until the Sectional starts. 30 days until the nets start to fall. Enjoy every minute. Appreciate your situation.
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For the record, one of the last times I saw Damezi Anderson in Candystripes was after the Wisconsin loss. He ran thru the media room with a huge smile, hi-fiving the seasonal retirees who work on #iubb gamedays. They love Damezi. He loved IU. Hope he gets back to old Damezi soon.
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Armaan Franklin profiles as a #B1G breakout candidate to me. Made 70% of his attempts at the rim last year -- just 26% everywhere else. Shooting woes coupled with turnover issues tanked his offensive efficiency. 39% 3pt shooter as HS senior. No chance he's that bad shooting again.
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Pick anywhere in the state to play the state championship, I'm taking 7200 at the Hatchet House in Washington over anything. What about you? . Photos: The Washington Herald
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IU's loyalty to Adidas is a headscratcher. Indiana needs Nike more than it needs $7M a year from Adidas. The ultimate recruiting tool would be a Jordan Brand sponsorship, but Isiah would probably throw a fit. Dolson would probably listen.
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Just 10 weeks until boy's basketball practice starts in Indiana. 86 days until the first full slate of action on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
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Nope, not a soul, Mark.
@Nick_Baumgart There isn't a soul outside of Indiana that gives a damn who Indiana hires. It'll make a 20 second segment on sports center. Everyone will laugh at whoever they hire at this point and move on.
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Barr-Reeve head coach Josh Thompson tells BaumHoops Vikings senior PG Brycen Graber has committed to Grace College. The current IHSAA leader in assists (8.0 apg) this year sits in 2nd place all-time w/ 756 career assists--just 21 shy of Mickey Hosier w/ 3 reg. season games left.
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When one door closes. I wasnt sure what direction things would go after my job went south in late March. Ive decided to pursue my own spot on the interwebs full time with "BaumHoops," which should launch this week. Free daily IU & prep hoops content promoting bball in Indiana.
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Archie Miller over his last 23 B1G games is 9-14. Chris Holtmann over his his last 24 B1G games is 9-15. If IU wins tonight, CAM wld be 10-14 vs 9-15. Neither are too impressive, but in case u run in circles where Holtmann is already a deity, you may need this to get out alive.
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Approx 4,848 names on varsity rosters last season in IHSAA boys basketball. According to MaxPreps, only 28 (that I am aware of) made at least 40 3-pointers at a rate of 44% or higher.
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As u watch Loyola and Illinois, dont forget that Loyola's Tate Hall started at UIndy. Greenfield-Central product won GLVC Freshman of Year, selected All-GLVC as soph, transferred to Loyola. 3rd team all-MVC in his 1st year in Chicago. Find a fit and a place u can see the court.
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Observation: too many high school players stand up away from the ball on defense. You can never relax on defense. If you want to play at the next level do yourself a favor now and get in the habit of staying in an athletic stance everywhere. It will make you a better player, too.
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185 days a year kids aren't in school. How is TODAY not one of those? "Sectional Tuesday" in Indiana should be a holiday. Shut down the town. No work. Tailgates & bonfires @ ~11am. Games tip @ 2pm. Back to the grind on Wed. Instead, we cram 175 games in a 2 hour window.
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I will have an updated 2021 list later this evening, but here's my current top 40 remaining after Mantis comes off the board.
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Khristian has some classes to complete to graduate early. Expect Indiana to push strong for 2020.
@TaylorRLehman Do you expect a reclass?.
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Biggest game of the Archie Miller era. Given the circumstances, biggest game for the program since?? Win and you're alive. Lose and you can pack it up. Hard to imagine IU doesn't show up for this. But after Saturday, no expectations. If IU wins, Devonte Green had a big night.
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Former Blackford (IN) star Luke Brown dropped 27 on FSU last nite in an upset opening night win. Back at Stetson along with former Marion star Jalen Blackmon.
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Not been a great week for barstool accounts in the area. In fact, the evilest, toxic stuff. Way past the rivalry & good-natured ribbing. Out-of-pocket. At some point, school administrators gotta stop saying 'we cant do anything about it,' & do something. Get the lawyers involved.
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Five-star PG Khristian Lander (2021) will officially visit Louisville Sept 27-29, Indiana Oct 4-6 and Michigan Oct 26-28, per his father.
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Give Luke Goode just a little space, and he becomes one of the best shooters in college basketball. According to Synergy, just 14 Division-I players scored 1.50 points per possession or higher on “UNGUARDED ” 3-point tries last season (min 60 attempts). NOBODY was better than
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Thoughts and prayers with Blackhawk head coach Marc Davidson, who is one of the best, most down-to-earth people I've ever met doing this.
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Hearing some Matt Cross/IU chatter. Could be the next domino to fall, and perhaps by end of the month. Not a done deal yet, but Hooisers are closing, according to my sources.
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Malik Reneau announced he's returning to Indiana. Surely he had other, real options. Woodson was in no position to negotiate. How big was the bag? $500K feels light. 800K? There's no hometown discount.
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Not trying to be an ass, but if Purdue fans are still checking out what Big Brother is doing after *all* the success the Boilers have had, doesn't that kind of show where the program is as a whole?.
Not trying to be an ass, but if #iubb fans are still celebrating a regular-season win 10 years later, doesn’t that kind of show where the program is as a whole?.
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How long will it be until the NCAA fixes the transfer portal? I feel pretty confident in saying after a year and some change, its not working. It's ruining college basketball. Slow process but unless portal goes, it will keep eating away until it's unrecognizable in a decade.
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51 days until Indiana high school basketball returns. 36 days until practice. It's coming quick.
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Brownstown Central 6'2 freshman Jack Benter has 29 and 25 points in his first two high school games. Here's just his FIRST quarter 3s vs Seymour. First play of the game, he pulls from the other side of the volleyball line. Coach's kid has some confidence.
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Once again, Trent Sisley is NOT a a power forward--despite every national scouting site insisting otherwise. Big reason why it's hard to take his ranking seriously (he's too low). He will play on the perimeter in college. He"s a wing. In fact, he considers himself a guard.
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Calipari is scared of 2 things in this world: non-conference road games and Indiana. Facts.
Calipari recently said he had enough “home and homes” when I asked about the Kentucky-Indiana series resuming and why he wouldn’t consider on campus sites.
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Charlie Hughes Shootout.FW Snider 85, Lawrence North 60.FINAL. Most high-level I saw game all day. Snider 6'3 senior SG Aidan Lambert was INCREDIBLE. Dropped 52 pts. Big shot after big shot. Fearless competitor who wont back down. Huge plays on both ends. Lambert is D-I good.
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Kiyron Powell had a big night. Waiting for the final line but wouldn't be shocked with triple double (pts, rbs, blks). Catches the lob here from Kolten Sanford. Bosse got a lot better in a week. Bosse at Memorial on Tuesday should be excellent.
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2020 Hoosier point guard target Hassan Diarra is on campus this weekend taking in the first practice of the year. Diarra is visiting officially through Sunday. He visited Georgia last weekend.
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No joke. Leland Walker is visiting IU on April 1. At DePaul March 28-29, his uncle Damon confirmed. 39% 3-point shooter in ASUN play. Strong, accurate passer who pushes tempo and throws ahead to shooters as well as anyone. Lots of creativity to his game.
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Whoever gives Memorial 5'11 senior Connor Agler a chance at the next level gets a steal. NAIA-D3. Coachable, super tough, impacts both ends, shows up in big games-22 tonite in W over SS-total team guy, probably too unselfish, versatile, culture kid, winner. SATs thru the roof.
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Khristian Lander is locked in and on another level at the moment. Last 2 games: 66 points on just 36 shots. He's made 33-of-45 *total* shots that have left his hand (15-23 2FG, 9-13 3FG, 9-9 FT) in 63 minutes-plus. Added 14 rbs, 9 asts, 5 stls, 3 blks. Shooting 69% on 3s #iubb
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Ive become a big NAIA basketball fan the last six months. If you think D-1 is the only place "good" players play, watch this clip. Ask yourself honestly, "could I get on the floor in this game, and what would I bring?".
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Hearing the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) discussed revised schedule to complete IHSAA boy's basketball state tournament. Wld play last 2 Saturdays in April. IHSAA meets Thursday. Final decision might not come until early April. Still unlikely, but there's hope.
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Down to just 48 days until boy's high school basketball practice officially commences in Indiana. 63 days until the first full slate of games on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
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Hot take for today: Indiana beats Wyoming by 10. Defend without fouling and this won't be nearly as competitive as its been portrayed.
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Do IU fans scare recruits off? I had always wondered. So I asked a few. Each smiled, all said "no." The fan-drama Bilas started last week is slanderous stupidity at its finest.
Do pressures from IU fans make the job a headache not worth dealing with? An Insider on Indiana's biggest perception problem, and what is and isn't fair in a well-worn conversation: #iubb.
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Get to Know: 2022 in-state.Braden Smith, 5-10 point guard.Westfield. 2020: 18.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 4.7apg, 1.5spg, 39% on 3s, 90% FT vs 26th-best schedule in state. Big-time stroke (42% on 310 career 3s), great court vision, high bball IQ. Visited IU unofficially Feb 23 for Penn St.
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How often you see a 7th grader throwing down 2 hands in a real game?. Heritage Hills (IN) 13 yr old Trent Sisley did it pretty easy tonite. Brother of 6-8 Jr Blake Sisley, who already has a few D1 offers himself. Heritage Hills head coach Nate Hawkins raves about his potential.
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Brownstown Central 6'4 sophomore (2024) sharpshooter Jack Benter has a handful of D-I schools interested already. 18+ pts and 44% 3s as frosh vs SOS in the upper half of IHSAA. Height/athleticism will ultimately determine level, but Benter has serious in-the-gym-range now.
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Reitz 84, Harrison 67.Final. Khristian Lander with 32 points on 12-of-14 shooting including 5-of-5 on 3's, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals.
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6-0 shooting guard Josiah Ricketts (2020) scored 2078 points in his 4-year career at North Posey (IN). Took 678 3s, made 39%. Prolific scorer, tireless worker, "salt of the earth" kind-of-kid who keeps improving. Solid bet. He's available. Can get buckets for a D2/NAIA school.
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A personal note, my last day under contract at TheHoosier was Tuesday after the site changed hands on April 1. Not exactly sure what lies ahead. I am excited for the possibilities. I appreciate the subscribers at TheHoosier who reached out. When one door closes, another one opens.
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Carmel (IN) 6'7 senior SF Brian Waddell received his first D-I scholarship offer today -- Incarnate Word, Waddell tells BaumHoops.
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17U Battle of the Brands.Indiana Elite 100, Indy Heat 74.Final. My player of the game was Indiana-commit Logan Duncomb (Cincinnati Moeller), who opened my eyes with 28 points, 13 rebounds (unofficially) to lead the way for Elite. Trey Kaufman added 23 points.
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Mike Woodson has said the goal each season is winning B1G and national titles. If those are his true feelings--and not coachspeak--his legacy becomes more about installing the perfect fit to maximize IU's chances for an elusive Banner #6 sometime over the next 25 years than.
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I keep hearing IU baseball commit Colson Montgomery (2021) could play hoops at IU IF he makes it to Bloomington. 6'6" Southridge shooting guard & shortstop is possible 1st Rd pick in MLB draft next June. 21ppg, 7.7rpg, 3apg, 36% on 3s, 62% on 2s last yr. Arizona St two way offer.
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Westfield 6'0 PG Braden Smith visited Bloomington in Feb for PSU game. He's added 25lbs of muscle since March. Dunking ball now. Same creative playmaker and sharpshooter, has raised defense/physicality up a notch. Chip on his shoulder drives him. Catch my Q&A w Smith later today.
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