The Indiana basketball program has been very active over the last week with offers and finding out some roster additions/potential subtractions for next season.
The news of Race Thompson returning now gives Indiana a terrific piece in the front court for next year. This was as good if not better than any potential transfer front court addition the Hoosiers could have brought in this offseason.
His versatility on offense gives IU some potential to see much more of a 4-out or even 5-out at times and utilize its guards and wings to get downhill.
Obviously, Trayce Jackson-Davis still has a decision to make regarding his future but that is one that probably won't happen for another 4-5 weeks.
Jordan Geronimo remains one player that hasn't been fully confirmed about returning but the likelyhood he returns is still high and I would expect him back in Bloomington next year. Obviously things can happen and take a complete 180 when it comes to recruitments, but sitting here this morning, I would expect Jordan Geronimo back.
---
Moving to roster additions, Wichita State transfer wing Dexter Dennis will be taking an official visit to Indiana Monday - Tuesday next week.
Last year as a senior he averaged 8.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game in 27 games, all being starts.
Dennis is a 6-foot-5 and 210-pound perimeter player who is best known for his defensive ability and athleticism. He was named the AAC Defensive Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season. Dennis is a career 34.4 percent three-point shooter. He shot 40 percent on 1.5 made 3s per game as a freshman but decreased every season to 29.7 percent on 1.3 made 3s as a senior.
Indiana wants and needs to get more athletic and longer on the wing. There were major struggled with Indiana's ability to guard and create off of the bounce last year. Dennis is an upgrade at the wing position as of right now.
If Indiana pushes -- which it looks like it is -- I would have IU as the team to beat right now.
More on Dennis:
indiana.rivals.com
---
As for another transfer, West Virginia guard Sean McNeil released his top six of Ohio State Virginia, Louisville, Cincinnati, Indiana and Texas Tech this week.
I am told there is a shot Indiana gets a visit here. Louisville and Virginia are two teams to keep an eye out for at this moment.
McNeil is a career 36.8 percent three-point shooter on 1.7 made 3s per game.
If Indiana takes Dennis, this doesn't mean that McNeil would be a pass. Indiana would take and would want both.
---
In terms of the last 2022 target that Indiana is going after -- five-star forward Malik Reneau.
Getting Race Thompson back doesn't eliminate Indiana from the Reneau race. Indiana still needs additional front court bodies and there is a big hole as it currently stands.
I am told he is trying to set up a visit to Maryland towards the end of the month and that a visit to Indiana is still expected but no date yet. Obviously, if no visit, Indiana wouldn't be the choice. So getting him on campus is a big step. Miami was the perceived leader but the longer this goes on, the more wide-open this becomes. I still hear FSU is out but Georgia remains a potential option.
He plays alongside Jalen Hood-Schifino in the Jordan Brand All-Star game tonight and will then turn his full attention to his recruitment.
---
2022 wing Rich Rolf is expected to be on campus today. He is teammates of Gabe Cupps at Centerville (Oh.). Was a Drexel commit that re-opened his recruitment in the fall.
He averaged 17.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and shot 48.1 percent from three on 133 attempts this season.
This would be for a preferred walk-on spot.
More on his previous visit:
indiana.rivals.com
---
The first live evaluation period was last weekend and Indiana has in turn extended multiple scholarship offers to the 2023, 2024 and 2025 classes. Here is a list:
2023 four-star wing Andrej Stojakovic
2024 four-star big man Yves Missi
2024 four-star forward Airious Bailey
2024 five-star forward Liam McNeeley
2025 five-star forward Koa Peat
Andrej Stojakovic is the son of former 13-year NBA vet Peja Stojakovic. Andrej runs with Compton Magic on the Adidas circuit and was in Indianapolis last weekend where coaches were able to get eyes on him.
Rivals national writer Travis Graf sent me this note on Stojakovic:
"Stojakovic was fantastic in the first session of the 3SSB Circuit in Indianapolis. His outside shot is silky smooth, as you’d imagine coming from the son of one of the greatest shooters of all-time. He’s not limited to catch and shoot looks, though. Stojakovic showed the ability to create for himself off of the bounce for a pull-up or fade-away jumper, but also got to the rim and scored off of some crafty finishes in traffic."
This is very early on but Indiana needs shooters and wings. There is a need there. We will see how things progress. He currently holds offers from Louisville, Stanford, USC, Washington State, St. Mary's etc. His recruitment is very early and has not exploded outside of the west coast.
For Yves Missi, I spoke with his high school coach Tom Fabian about how Missi has grown on the court the last year: "Over the past year Yves has added on muscle and really gotten comfortable with the physicality/speed of the game at the prep level and on the circuit. Yves has a really mature post game for a high school player with solid post moves and counters. His ability to protect the rim sets him apart from his peers and when he focuses on establishing himself inside early offensively and rebounding he's dominant. Look for him to continue adding to his offensive repertoire as he's just starting to show off his face up game and ability to shoot from outside."
Missi has offers from Kansas, St. Johns and UCLA at the moment.
As for Liam McNeeley, that is a national recruitment. He is from Texas and it could be tough to get him out of there but IU's basketball history could help.
Just 2024, so nothing will happen soon but a guy who is extremely talented on the floor.
More on McNeeley:
indiana.rivals.com
---
As for 2023 Georgia forward Arrinten Page --> Indiana offered a few weeks ago and sent Yasir Rosemond and Brian Walsh down to Orlando for the first live eval period where both watched Page.
Page averaged 13 points and 5.5 rebounds in four games helping The Skills Factory (TSF) to a 3-1 record.
Page's TSF program director Adam Gibbs to TheHoosier.com on Page: "AP has made one of the biggest jumps in our program. Last summer he didn’t play a lot of minutes on this team. The great thing about him is he didn’t take his ball and run he just got to work and really improved his game. His High School program was also very instrumental in his growth and development. The scary part is he will only keep improving. He can score on all 3 levels and is a great run protector."
Page on IU: '"I love the fan base. As soon as I got the offer, they blew up my DMs saying I would look good in a Hoosier uniform.... Coach had everything planned out for me already just after offering. Coach Ya is a cool dude, he's very straight forward and tells you exactly how it is. He shoots me a text about everyday. He's been saying my athleticism and ability to stretch the floor excited them."
Page has offers from Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Cincinnati, Xavier and others. He is rising quickly, however. Indiana is in early and making it known that they want him.
He is not even thinking about visits or timelines at the moment.
More on Page (story posted Friday morning w/ quotes):
indiana.rivals.com
---
2023 Indiana commit Jakai Newton was in Indianapolis last weekend at the Under Armor event. He played well until rolling his ankle in game three on Saturday afternoon. He missed the last 1.5 games of the weekend.
We had a chance to catch up with Newton and had a story up earlier this week. Here are some additional notable quotes from Newton.
Newton on his energy: "I try to bring that energy and play hard every play cause you never know when your last play or game will be. As far as defensive stuff, we are around a lot of people that don't sugarcoat anything. My coaches, for you to do what you want on offense, you need to do it on defense... we don't take defense off. The first game we lost our defense wasn't that good... ever since that game, we figured it out and didn't lose."
Newton on relationship with IU coaches: 'I have a great relationship with coach. There are no promises and they keep it real. If I play bad, they tell me to lock in and think about the game and get ready for tomorrow. I love my relationship with the coaches... I talk to them every single week if not more."
Newton and 2023 commit Gabe Cupps are pushing very hard for 2023 forward Coen Carr. Carr is a four-star forward from Legacy Early College (SC) but is originally from the GA area. He and Newton are childhood friends and have briefly talked about playing together.
Newton said Carr is 'my guy' and a fast break with those two and Cupps would be 'very scary'.
Carr visited Indiana in March. Indiana is pushing very hard for him.
Here is more on Carr's visit:
indiana.rivals.com
Here is more on Newton:
indiana.rivals.com
The news of Race Thompson returning now gives Indiana a terrific piece in the front court for next year. This was as good if not better than any potential transfer front court addition the Hoosiers could have brought in this offseason.
His versatility on offense gives IU some potential to see much more of a 4-out or even 5-out at times and utilize its guards and wings to get downhill.
Obviously, Trayce Jackson-Davis still has a decision to make regarding his future but that is one that probably won't happen for another 4-5 weeks.
Jordan Geronimo remains one player that hasn't been fully confirmed about returning but the likelyhood he returns is still high and I would expect him back in Bloomington next year. Obviously things can happen and take a complete 180 when it comes to recruitments, but sitting here this morning, I would expect Jordan Geronimo back.
---
Moving to roster additions, Wichita State transfer wing Dexter Dennis will be taking an official visit to Indiana Monday - Tuesday next week.
Last year as a senior he averaged 8.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game in 27 games, all being starts.
Dennis is a 6-foot-5 and 210-pound perimeter player who is best known for his defensive ability and athleticism. He was named the AAC Defensive Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season. Dennis is a career 34.4 percent three-point shooter. He shot 40 percent on 1.5 made 3s per game as a freshman but decreased every season to 29.7 percent on 1.3 made 3s as a senior.
Indiana wants and needs to get more athletic and longer on the wing. There were major struggled with Indiana's ability to guard and create off of the bounce last year. Dennis is an upgrade at the wing position as of right now.
If Indiana pushes -- which it looks like it is -- I would have IU as the team to beat right now.
More on Dennis:
Wichita State transfer wing Dexter Dennis planning Indiana official visit
Wichita State transfer wing Dexter Dennis is planning an official visit to Indiana.
---
As for another transfer, West Virginia guard Sean McNeil released his top six of Ohio State Virginia, Louisville, Cincinnati, Indiana and Texas Tech this week.
I am told there is a shot Indiana gets a visit here. Louisville and Virginia are two teams to keep an eye out for at this moment.
McNeil is a career 36.8 percent three-point shooter on 1.7 made 3s per game.
If Indiana takes Dennis, this doesn't mean that McNeil would be a pass. Indiana would take and would want both.
---
In terms of the last 2022 target that Indiana is going after -- five-star forward Malik Reneau.
Getting Race Thompson back doesn't eliminate Indiana from the Reneau race. Indiana still needs additional front court bodies and there is a big hole as it currently stands.
I am told he is trying to set up a visit to Maryland towards the end of the month and that a visit to Indiana is still expected but no date yet. Obviously, if no visit, Indiana wouldn't be the choice. So getting him on campus is a big step. Miami was the perceived leader but the longer this goes on, the more wide-open this becomes. I still hear FSU is out but Georgia remains a potential option.
He plays alongside Jalen Hood-Schifino in the Jordan Brand All-Star game tonight and will then turn his full attention to his recruitment.
---
2022 wing Rich Rolf is expected to be on campus today. He is teammates of Gabe Cupps at Centerville (Oh.). Was a Drexel commit that re-opened his recruitment in the fall.
He averaged 17.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and shot 48.1 percent from three on 133 attempts this season.
This would be for a preferred walk-on spot.
More on his previous visit:
2022 wing Rich Rolf discusses recruiting uptick, Indiana visit
2022 wing Rich Rolf is a name emerging on the Indiana basketball recruiting front.
---
The first live evaluation period was last weekend and Indiana has in turn extended multiple scholarship offers to the 2023, 2024 and 2025 classes. Here is a list:
2023 four-star wing Andrej Stojakovic
2024 four-star big man Yves Missi
2024 four-star forward Airious Bailey
2024 five-star forward Liam McNeeley
2025 five-star forward Koa Peat
Andrej Stojakovic is the son of former 13-year NBA vet Peja Stojakovic. Andrej runs with Compton Magic on the Adidas circuit and was in Indianapolis last weekend where coaches were able to get eyes on him.
Rivals national writer Travis Graf sent me this note on Stojakovic:
"Stojakovic was fantastic in the first session of the 3SSB Circuit in Indianapolis. His outside shot is silky smooth, as you’d imagine coming from the son of one of the greatest shooters of all-time. He’s not limited to catch and shoot looks, though. Stojakovic showed the ability to create for himself off of the bounce for a pull-up or fade-away jumper, but also got to the rim and scored off of some crafty finishes in traffic."
This is very early on but Indiana needs shooters and wings. There is a need there. We will see how things progress. He currently holds offers from Louisville, Stanford, USC, Washington State, St. Mary's etc. His recruitment is very early and has not exploded outside of the west coast.
For Yves Missi, I spoke with his high school coach Tom Fabian about how Missi has grown on the court the last year: "Over the past year Yves has added on muscle and really gotten comfortable with the physicality/speed of the game at the prep level and on the circuit. Yves has a really mature post game for a high school player with solid post moves and counters. His ability to protect the rim sets him apart from his peers and when he focuses on establishing himself inside early offensively and rebounding he's dominant. Look for him to continue adding to his offensive repertoire as he's just starting to show off his face up game and ability to shoot from outside."
Missi has offers from Kansas, St. Johns and UCLA at the moment.
As for Liam McNeeley, that is a national recruitment. He is from Texas and it could be tough to get him out of there but IU's basketball history could help.
Just 2024, so nothing will happen soon but a guy who is extremely talented on the floor.
More on McNeeley:
2024 Introduction: Liam McNeeley
2024 five-star Liam McNeeley received an offer from Indiana during the first live evaluation period.
---
As for 2023 Georgia forward Arrinten Page --> Indiana offered a few weeks ago and sent Yasir Rosemond and Brian Walsh down to Orlando for the first live eval period where both watched Page.
Page averaged 13 points and 5.5 rebounds in four games helping The Skills Factory (TSF) to a 3-1 record.
Page's TSF program director Adam Gibbs to TheHoosier.com on Page: "AP has made one of the biggest jumps in our program. Last summer he didn’t play a lot of minutes on this team. The great thing about him is he didn’t take his ball and run he just got to work and really improved his game. His High School program was also very instrumental in his growth and development. The scary part is he will only keep improving. He can score on all 3 levels and is a great run protector."
Page on IU: '"I love the fan base. As soon as I got the offer, they blew up my DMs saying I would look good in a Hoosier uniform.... Coach had everything planned out for me already just after offering. Coach Ya is a cool dude, he's very straight forward and tells you exactly how it is. He shoots me a text about everyday. He's been saying my athleticism and ability to stretch the floor excited them."
Page has offers from Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Cincinnati, Xavier and others. He is rising quickly, however. Indiana is in early and making it known that they want him.
He is not even thinking about visits or timelines at the moment.
More on Page (story posted Friday morning w/ quotes):
Indiana involved early with rising 2023 forward Arrinten Page
Indiana is involved with 2023 forward Arrinten Page early in his recruitment.
---
2023 Indiana commit Jakai Newton was in Indianapolis last weekend at the Under Armor event. He played well until rolling his ankle in game three on Saturday afternoon. He missed the last 1.5 games of the weekend.
We had a chance to catch up with Newton and had a story up earlier this week. Here are some additional notable quotes from Newton.
Newton on his energy: "I try to bring that energy and play hard every play cause you never know when your last play or game will be. As far as defensive stuff, we are around a lot of people that don't sugarcoat anything. My coaches, for you to do what you want on offense, you need to do it on defense... we don't take defense off. The first game we lost our defense wasn't that good... ever since that game, we figured it out and didn't lose."
Newton on relationship with IU coaches: 'I have a great relationship with coach. There are no promises and they keep it real. If I play bad, they tell me to lock in and think about the game and get ready for tomorrow. I love my relationship with the coaches... I talk to them every single week if not more."
Newton and 2023 commit Gabe Cupps are pushing very hard for 2023 forward Coen Carr. Carr is a four-star forward from Legacy Early College (SC) but is originally from the GA area. He and Newton are childhood friends and have briefly talked about playing together.
Newton said Carr is 'my guy' and a fast break with those two and Cupps would be 'very scary'.
Carr visited Indiana in March. Indiana is pushing very hard for him.
Here is more on Carr's visit:
4-star forward Coen Carr details visit, IU's pitch and campus feel
2023 four-star forward Coen Carr recaps his official visit to Indiana.
Here is more on Newton:
IU commit Jakai Newton talks AAU, Gabe Cupps, love from IU fans and more
Indiana 2023 commit Jakai Newton caught up with TheHoosier.com to discuss his junior season, AAU summer and much more.
