In-State Recruiting

[mk30]

First off, I'm not overly concerned with this staff's ability to recruit. JHS and MR are exhibits 1 and 1A of bringing in absolute studs. Banks and Gunn are going to be fine additions too. Cupps and Newton look like they'll contribute to next year's team.

My only slight concern is the number of in-state guys that seem to be flowing endlessly to that stinky little cow pasture to the north. Their current team is loaded with Indiana kids who can actually shoot! Who knew?

There's an article in the Star by Kyle Neddenriep about the Sneakers for Santa games over the weekend. He highlights 15 players who stood out. Only one (Cupps) is headed to Bloomington. Most concerning IMHO is this paragraph about a guy we need to be all over:

Flory Bidunga, Kokomo​

The 6-10 junior is a must-see if you have not watched him in person (or if you have). Bidunga was in foul trouble and ended up fouling out with 2:22 remaining in Kokomo’s 58-51 loss to Ben Davis, but still played more than 27 minutes and finished with 16 points, 17 rebounds and seven blocked shots. He was 6-for-9 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Bidunga, who was watched by Auburn’s Bruce Pearl and Purdue’s Matt Painter, is tough on the pick-and-roll and runs the floor well. His touch around the basket (and the free-throw line) is improving. Five dunks, too.

 

[boilerzz]

Unfortunately, it seems unlikely Bidunga will choose a state school. He could follow Drew Adams to Cincinnati or I could see him making his way to one of the $EC schools.

 

[Fansince72]

Unfortunately, it seems unlikely Bidunga will choose a state school.

Don't give up yet ZZ

 

[gator mcCluskey]

First off, I'm not overly concerned with this staff's ability to recruit. JHS and MR are exhibits 1 and 1A of bringing in absolute studs. Banks and Gunn are going to be fine additions too. Cupps and Newton look like they'll contribute to next year's team.

My only slight concern is the number of in-state guys that seem to be flowing endlessly to that stinky little cow pasture to the north. Their current team is loaded with Indiana kids who can actually shoot! Who knew?

There's an article in the Star by Kyle Neddenriep about the Sneakers for Santa games over the weekend. He highlights 15 players who stood out. Only one (Cupps) is headed to Bloomington. Most concerning IMHO is this paragraph about a guy we need to be all over:

Flory Bidunga, Kokomo​

The 6-10 junior is a must-see if you have not watched him in person (or if you have). Bidunga was in foul trouble and ended up fouling out with 2:22 remaining in Kokomo’s 58-51 loss to Ben Davis, but still played more than 27 minutes and finished with 16 points, 17 rebounds and seven blocked shots. He was 6-for-9 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Bidunga, who was watched by Auburn’s Bruce Pearl and Purdue’s Matt Painter, is tough on the pick-and-roll and runs the floor well. His touch around the basket (and the free-throw line) is improving. Five dunks, too.

I’ve seen two of his games now, one last year and one so far this year, and Bidunga is unimpressive. He’s gonna be very raw.

 

[steelyvan]

he is raw. but he is the kinda kid Painter and Izzo have turned into real players. hope it's our turn with Bidunga.

 

[mk30]

I’ve seen two of his games now, one last year and one so far this year, and Bidunga is unimpressive. He’s gonna be very raw.

We've got some raw dudes on our roster right now. I'd happily take a 6-10 to 7-0 player with a work ethic over 6-5 and 6-6 guys who haven't developed a bit.

 

[iubirdman]

First off, I'm not overly concerned with this staff's ability to recruit. JHS and MR are exhibits 1 and 1A of bringing in absolute studs. Banks and Gunn are going to be fine additions too. Cupps and Newton look like they'll contribute to next year's team.

My only slight concern is the number of in-state guys that seem to be flowing endlessly to that stinky little cow pasture to the north. Their current team is loaded with Indiana kids who can actually shoot! Who knew?

There's an article in the Star by Kyle Neddenriep about the Sneakers for Santa games over the weekend. He highlights 15 players who stood out. Only one (Cupps) is headed to Bloomington. Most concerning IMHO is this paragraph about a guy we need to be all over:

Flory Bidunga, Kokomo​

The 6-10 junior is a must-see if you have not watched him in person (or if you have). Bidunga was in foul trouble and ended up fouling out with 2:22 remaining in Kokomo’s 58-51 loss to Ben Davis, but still played more than 27 minutes and finished with 16 points, 17 rebounds and seven blocked shots. He was 6-for-9 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Bidunga, who was watched by Auburn’s Bruce Pearl and Purdue’s Matt Painter, is tough on the pick-and-roll and runs the floor well. His touch around the basket (and the free-throw line) is improving. Five dunks, too.

Well, who did you want there and not at Rutgers for the game? The staff has seen him numerous times and he was a visitor for the UNC game. If you were concerned that coaches of teams who did not play on Saturday were there and we were not, because, well, we had a game I am not sure what to tell you

 

[Baller23Boogie]

First off, I'm not overly concerned with this staff's ability to recruit. JHS and MR are exhibits 1 and 1A of bringing in absolute studs. Banks and Gunn are going to be fine additions too. Cupps and Newton look like they'll contribute to next year's team.

My only slight concern is the number of in-state guys that seem to be flowing endlessly to that stinky little cow pasture to the north. Their current team is loaded with Indiana kids who can actually shoot! Who knew?

There's an article in the Star by Kyle Neddenriep about the Sneakers for Santa games over the weekend. He highlights 15 players who stood out. Only one (Cupps) is headed to Bloomington. Most concerning IMHO is this paragraph about a guy we need to be all over:

Flory Bidunga, Kokomo​

The 6-10 junior is a must-see if you have not watched him in person (or if you have). Bidunga was in foul trouble and ended up fouling out with 2:22 remaining in Kokomo’s 58-51 loss to Ben Davis, but still played more than 27 minutes and finished with 16 points, 17 rebounds and seven blocked shots. He was 6-for-9 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Bidunga, who was watched by Auburn’s Bruce Pearl and Purdue’s Matt Painter, is tough on the pick-and-roll and runs the floor well. His touch around the basket (and the free-throw line) is improving. Five dunks, too.

The one good thing IU has is the willingness and ability to step into the NIL realm.

Not saying it will be a big deal to Flory, but it's a nice bullet to have in the chamber.

 

[Jayhoosier83]

Unfortunately, it seems unlikely Bidunga will choose a state school. He could follow Drew Adams to Cincinnati or I could see him making his way to one of the $EC schools.

There's a small glimmer of hope he'll stay in state (for now at least, lol). Me and an assistant coach at IU Kokomo have the same barber and I just happened to be next after him for a haircut one day and kind of eavesdropped on the conversation they were having about Flory. He said he and Flory were talking while he was scouting another player at a Kokomo open gym a couple of months ago. He said that Flory had told him he would like to stay somewhat close to Kokomo since his friends are there and it's what "he knows".

 

[mk30]

Well, who did you want there and not at Rutgers for the game? The staff has seen him numerous times and he was a visitor for the UNC game. If you were concerned that coaches of teams who did not play on Saturday were there and we were not, because, well, we had a game I am not sure what to tell you

Not really arguing with you on that. It's a very valid point. But how many assistants do we need on the bench? Surely we could spare one as I don't see Woody actually even conversing with his assistants most of the time.

 

[RickyRoe]

Jalen Haralson should be the top priority for in-state recruits. Bidunga would be nice, but he's a project while Haralson is a sure thing. Would love to get both though.

 

[Victorbmyboy]

Unfortunately, it seems unlikely Bidunga will choose a state school. He could follow Drew Adams to Cincinnati or I could see him making his way to one of the $EC schools.

He won’t venture far from his handlers inmho.

 

[The one and only ACE]

he is raw. but he is the kinda kid Painter and Izzo have turned into real players. hope it's our turn with Bidunga.

Not going to PU

 

[Victorbmyboy]

Jalen Haralson should be the top priority for in-state recruits. Bidunga would be nice, but he's a project while Haralson is a sure thing. Would love to get both though.

Haralson and Sisley. I’m going to go see him soon. I live close to Lincoln city.

 

[Victorbmyboy]

Not going to PU

He sounds like a kid staying close. IU and Cincinnati with Purdue are probably in play. Who else close is in the mix?

 

[VanPastorMan]

First off, I'm not overly concerned with this staff's ability to recruit. JHS and MR are exhibits 1 and 1A of bringing in absolute studs. Banks and Gunn are going to be fine additions too. Cupps and Newton look like they'll contribute to next year's team.

My only slight concern is the number of in-state guys that seem to be flowing endlessly to that stinky little cow pasture to the north. Their current team is loaded with Indiana kids who can actually shoot! Who knew?

There's an article in the Star by Kyle Neddenriep about the Sneakers for Santa games over the weekend. He highlights 15 players who stood out. Only one (Cupps) is headed to Bloomington. Most concerning IMHO is this paragraph about a guy we need to be all over:

Flory Bidunga, Kokomo​

The 6-10 junior is a must-see if you have not watched him in person (or if you have). Bidunga was in foul trouble and ended up fouling out with 2:22 remaining in Kokomo’s 58-51 loss to Ben Davis, but still played more than 27 minutes and finished with 16 points, 17 rebounds and seven blocked shots. He was 6-for-9 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Bidunga, who was watched by Auburn’s Bruce Pearl and Purdue’s Matt Painter, is tough on the pick-and-roll and runs the floor well. His touch around the basket (and the free-throw line) is improving. Five dunks, too.

I saw Flory at the beginning of last season. He would get into foul trouble on silly fouls and would bobble the ball in traffic. Last season I saw about seven of his games and he improved a lot. When they beat Westfield in the Regional it was a special game for him. He dominated.

 

[VanPastorMan]

Haralson and Sisley. I’m going to go see him soon. I live close to Lincoln city.

Let us know your thoughts on Sisley. I have not seen him play before. I did watch Haralson this past weekend online against Noblesville. BTW, Noblesville has great fans. It is just an observation, but you watch one of their home football or basketball games and it is exciting to see the excitement of the fans there. Their tv sponsor is very interesting which is Logan Street Signs and Banners. It is not located on Logan Street anymore but is on South 10th in Noblesville. They play with this fact in their commercials.

 

[Wildmanroom]

He sounds like a kid staying close. IU and Cincinnati with Purdue are probably in play. Who else close is in the mix?

Have read he’s been to Butler twice.

 

[BoilerN]

He sounds like a kid staying close. IU and Cincinnati with Purdue are probably in play. Who else close is in the mix?

NBA prep or cincy is most likely. Auburn probably 3rd

 

[IUNorth]

23 - Booker, we went after him fairly hard. We were probably late to the game a little bit. In the end MSU was a great fit. Colvin, we had Newton, similar players, would have loved to also have Colvin, but not a huge loss. Burton from Penn, he exploded late in his recruiting process last summer, we already had Cupps. Burton is really good. But I'd rather have Cupps. La Lu kids like Kaleb Glenn...ehhh. Not a huge loss.

24 - Bidunga, I'm sure he'll end up at Cincy, but we're on him as hard as anyone else is. Would love to get him. Not a ton of other high major talent in the state for this class. Katchings and Benter both going to Purdue. I'd love either/both of them. But also love being in on the Montverde guys like Newell, Queen, McNeeley.

25 - This is the class I'm most hopeful for, with regards to high major in state kids. Mainly Haralson and Sisley. Would love to get both of them, but we gotta get at least 1 of them. They'll both end up top 50 kids. And since they'll both be long, athletic, wings, they'll fill needs no matter who's on our roster. I'm sure there are some other sophomores that are poised to make jumps this year. Hopefully we're on them if they're high major worthy. Also hope we keep the Montverde pipeline going though.

 

[mk30]

23 - Booker, we went after him fairly hard. We were probably late to the game a little bit. In the end MSU was a great fit. Colvin, we had Newton, similar players, would have loved to also have Colvin, but not a huge loss. Burton from Penn, he exploded late in his recruiting process last summer, we already had Cupps. Burton is really good. But I'd rather have Cupps. La Lu kids like Kaleb Glenn...ehhh. Not a huge loss.

24 - Bidunga, I'm sure he'll end up at Cincy, but we're on him as hard as anyone else is. Would love to get him. Not a ton of other high major talent in the state for this class. Katchings and Benter both going to Purdue. I'd love either/both of them. But also love being in on the Montverde guys like Newell, Queen, McNeeley.

25 - This is the class I'm most hopeful for, with regards to high major in state kids. Mainly Haralson and Sisley. Would love to get both of them, but we gotta get at least 1 of them. They'll both end up top 50 kids. And since they'll both be long, athletic, wings, they'll fill needs no matter who's on our roster. I'm sure there are some other sophomores that are poised to make jumps this year. Hopefully we're on them if they're high major worthy. Also hope we keep the Montverde pipeline going though.

Trust me, I'm all for these Montverde kids if they are anything like the two we've got right now. Bring 'em on!

But in looking at current and next year's rosters, it's obvious to me the 2 schools have somehow flipped the script on recruiting priorities. Although old, I can remember a time when we had a mostly Indiana roster and PU was forced to take scraps and out of state talent. That doesn't seem to be the case anymore and our seemingly never-ending "lack of shooters" can be traced to this flip.

 

[Victorbmyboy]

NBA prep or cincy is most likely. Auburn probably 3rd

Auburn is not 3rd. He’s staying close. I forgot about butler and the pro thing.

 

[BoilerN]

Auburn is not 3rd. He’s staying close. I forgot about butler and the pro thing.

I know auburn was really popular at one time. I'd be shocked I'd he played for Purdue or iu tbh.

 

[Jayhoosier83]

Auburn is not 3rd. He’s staying close. I forgot about butler and the pro thing.

I know auburn was really popular at one time. I'd be shocked I'd he played for Purdue or iu tbh.

And he visited Butler within days (3, if I remember correctly, did the same with Michigan St) of being offered. He's also visited Butler twice like he has IU and Purdue

 

[B1G_Fan]

He’s going to Cincy.

 

[TR32]

Indiana hasn't gained a commitment from anyone in 13 months.

That isn't a problem quite yet, but if that is still the case come May, then there's a problem.

 

[B1G_Fan]

Indiana hasn't gained a commitment from anyone in 13 months.

That isn't a problem quite yet, but if that is still the case come May, then there's a problem.

When did Reneau commit again?

 

[ams66]

But in looking at current and next year's rosters, it's obvious to me the 2 schools have somehow flipped the script on recruiting priorities. Although old, I can remember a time when we had a mostly Indiana roster and PU was forced to take scraps and out of state talent. That doesn't seem to be the case anymore and our seemingly never-ending "lack of shooters" can be traced to this flip.

Well, we've had two weird coaches back to back. A spaz who alienated the state's high school coaches, and an introverted, dour stick-in-the-mud. PU has at least had some consistency, I have no idea but I am guessing they had established good relationships with HS coaches in the state, and they have an adminstration that probably appeals to Indiana kids and families more than IU's.

 

[kkott]

Let us know your thoughts on Sisley. I have not seen him play before. I did watch Haralson this past weekend online against Noblesville. BTW, Noblesville has great fans. It is just an observation, but you watch one of their home football or basketball games and it is exciting to see the excitement of the fans there. Their tv sponsor is very interesting which is Logan Street Signs and Banners. It is not located on Logan Street anymore but is on South 10th in Noblesville. They play with this fact in their commercials.

Thanks for the review on Haralson. Oh wait, you reviewed Noblesville fans and their TV sponsor. Cool.

 

[bsmitty08]

We've got some raw dudes on our roster right now. I'd happily take a 6-10 to 7-0 player with a work ethic over 6-5 and 6-6 guys who haven't developed a bit.

Bidunga is 6’10 and is a difference maker on the defensive end. He will be one and done.

 

[BusdriverE]

I remember sometimes BK would send guy from the video staff to tape a player if they didn’t have enough tape on them. Do you know everyone CMW might use besides a bench coach? Perhaps since they just had a visit, maybe they realize he’s not coming to IU or they’ve seen enough of him and are in good enough with him they didn’t feel the need to send someone

 

[Hoosier Clarion]

Bidunga is 6’10 and is a difference maker on the defensive end. He will be one and done.

So you think he'll be farther advanced than MR in the same timeline? Doubt MR will be heading after the season is over to the league. If he leaves early I certainly hope it is from Bloomington.

 

[Hoosier Clarion]

Not really arguing with you on that. It's a very valid point. But how many assistants do we need on the bench? Surely we could spare one as I don't see Woody actually even conversing with his assistants most of the time.

Their value being on the bench is to the players in the game or just coming off the floor. Very similar to the bench responsibilities RMK established. Maybe, maybe the guy most responsible for the recruiting area was in attendance, Jordan Hulls?

 

[kmathum]

There's a small glimmer of hope he'll stay in state (for now at least, lol). Me and an assistant coach at IU Kokomo have the same barber and I just happened to be next after him for a haircut one day and kind of eavesdropped on the conversation they were having about Flory. He said he and Flory were talking while he was scouting another player at a Kokomo open gym a couple of months ago. He said that Flory had told him he would like to stay somewhat close to Kokomo since his friends are there and it's what "he knows".

the barbershop grapevine is money in the bank.

 

[kkott]

Their value being on the bench is to the players in the game or just coming off the floor. Very similar to the bench responsibilities RMK established. Maybe, maybe the guy most responsible for the recruiting area was in attendance, Jordan Hulls?

Don't remember JH's exact role, is he allowed to do off-campus recruiting?

 

[steelyvan]

no he is not allowed. unless the rules have changed recently or he is given permission by the ncaa.

 

[Hoosier Clarion]

I disagree he does observe prospects games. I know for certain Xavier Booker was the 1st target he personally watched at a game. He is the due diligence of IUBB recruiting.

 

[Jssanto]

We've got some raw dudes on our roster right now. I'd happily take a 6-10 to 7-0 player with a work ethic over 6-5 and 6-6 guys who haven't developed a bit.

Agree. Work ethic is crucial.

 

[Chicago-bound Hoosier]

Trust me, I'm all for these Montverde kids if they are anything like the two we've got right now. Bring 'em on!

But in looking at current and next year's rosters, it's obvious to me the 2 schools have somehow flipped the script on recruiting priorities. Although old, I can remember a time when we had a mostly Indiana roster and PU was forced to take scraps and out of state talent. That doesn't seem to be the case anymore and our seemingly never-ending "lack of shooters" can be traced to this flip.

agreed, but I also remember a time when we ran the motion offense and hit our FTs. I really don't care what state these kids come from. Just start getting kids in IU uniforms who know how to shoot the ball and rebound like their lives depended on it. Just mind boggling to watch IU, year after year, with a team full of bricklayers on the court. The rebounding during the first half of the RU game was a complete embarrassment.

 

[kkott]

I can remember a time when we had a mostly Indiana roster and PU was forced to take scraps and out of state talent

I disagree with this. I would guess Purdue has almost always had mostly IN kids on their roster, and honestly I don't even recall that many recruiting battles with PU when RMK was here. Maybe we just didn't know, but it seemed like kids from Indy south were mostly IU kids and I think they kids themselves knew whether the could or wanted to play for RMK, but it mostly just seemed by the time we got around to offering we already knew if they were an IU or PU kid.