Payton Sparks discusses portal interest incl IU

[IUNorth]

I get it but if he could not play in front of Durr that means he has a very long ways to go before he could play legit minutes on a good team. With Geronimo coming back and maybe Race along with likely a grad transfer I wonder if he would even see much time next year. I had forgotten DunComb and Stewart were Archie recruits and Archie did not exactly have the best eye for talent.

Archie's eye for talent is just fine. He just did a terrible job developing/motivating/coaching the guys he brought in at IU. He did fine at Dayton, actually did very well. For some reason, it never worked at IU.

Having said that, I agree that Duncombe not sniffing the floor behind Durr is a red flag. But, to be fair, there weren't many minutes available with Race and TJD playing as many minutes as they did. So those few minutes that were available, were very specialized...and usually called for someone physical, to guard guys like Kofi, Edey, etc...

Logan was a consensus top 100 recruit (top 80 actually on RSCI)...he had offers from Cincy, Iowa, and Ohio State. We're not talking about Tim Priller here. He's good. Its one of the things I'm most excited to see play out this next year, actually. How much he plays and develops. Because if he sticks it out at IU, he could end up a really, really, good big for us.

 

[HoosierTim]

Looks like a nice player, but this board went nuts many times last year having an undersized center without a modern day skill set. Don’t see much difference in Sparks. As others have pointed out, looks like an ok athlete without much explosiveness. Probably more ready to contribute than Ld or Durr but that’s even a bigger indictment. Not sure Sparks solves the bigger problem.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

Archie's eye for talent is just fine. He just did a terrible job developing/motivating/coaching the guys he brought in at IU. He did fine at Dayton, actually did very well. For some reason, it never worked at IU.

Having said that, I agree that Duncombe not sniffing the floor behind Durr is a red flag. But, to be fair, there weren't many minutes available with Race and TJD playing as many minutes as they did. So those few minutes that were available, were very specialized...and usually called for someone physical, to guard guys like Kofi, Edey, etc...

Logan was a consensus top 100 recruit (top 80 actually on RSCI)...he had offers from Cincy, Iowa, and Ohio State. We're not talking about Tim Priller here. He's good. Its one of the things I'm most excited to see play out this next year, actually. How much he plays and develops. Because if he sticks it out at IU, he could end up a really, really, good big for us.

Not getting any time in the NW game was more than a red flag......more like a flashing red light. I liked LD's film coming out of HS but his total lack of PT with only Durr ahead of him, coupled with his 2 suspensions....not good. The explanations for his complete lack of pt are not satisfying.

 

[Bill4411]

Maybe coach Woodson sees something in him you don’t.

Don't worry Lucy Coach Geez didn't think Edey would be any good either.

 

[HoosierTim]

Don't worry Lucy Coach Geez didn't think Edey would be any good either.

To be fair Lucy also thought Luke Brown was the second coming of Damon Bailey so maybe both should hold off.

 

[.Gerdis]

Not getting any time in the NW game was more than a red flag......more like a flashing red light. I liked LD's film coming out of HS but his total lack of PT with only Durr ahead of him, coupled with his 2 suspensions....not good.

I’m surprised he wasn’t redshirted.

 

[Victorbmyboy]

This guy looks good to me. We don’t need a shooter at the 5. We need them at 1-4.

 

[IUNorth]

Don't know much about him. From the highlights, and reading about him, he reminds me a bit of Vital from Baylor last year?? Maybe a little Jared Sullinger?

His size doesn't worry me. But how he achieved his effectiveness at Ball State is something I'd want to know. Did they dump the ball down to him a lot like we did? What was his usage rate? If he's an active offensive rebounder, a bull around the rim, a good passer, a good defender at all levels...then for sure he's worth looking at. I guess even if they did dump it down to him a lot, he's probably still worth a good look. Especially if Woody knows TJD and Race are gone. Not sure we'll find a better producing big elsewhere?

 

[mushroomgod_1]

Looks like a nice player, but this board went nuts many times last year having an undersized center without a modern day skill set. Don’t see much difference in Sparks. As others have pointed out, looks like an ok athlete without much explosiveness. Probably more ready to contribute than Ld or Durr but that’s even a bigger indictment. Not sure Sparks solves the bigger problem.

Maybe true Tim, but how good are you with finishing 11th in the BT next year? We need someone who can play. That guy isn't coming from the HS ranks at this point. And talented portal centers were few and far between last year. Did you see Payne from Illinois last year? That's who they got. Did you see Maryland's center this year? He was #2 or 3 of all portal centers.

 

[bailey777]

Archie's eye for talent is just fine. He just did a terrible job developing/motivating/coaching the guys he brought in at IU. He did fine at Dayton, actually did very well. For some reason, it never worked at IU.

Having said that, I agree that Duncombe not sniffing the floor behind Durr is a red flag. But, to be fair, there weren't many minutes available with Race and TJD playing as many minutes as they did. So those few minutes that were available, were very specialized...and usually called for someone physical, to guard guys like Kofi, Edey, etc...

Logan was a consensus top 100 recruit (top 80 actually on RSCI)...he had offers from Cincy, Iowa, and Ohio State. We're not talking about Tim Priller here. He's good. Its one of the things I'm most excited to see play out this next year, actually. How much he plays and develops. Because if he sticks it out at IU, he could end up a really, really, good big for us.

Still not convinced he will be back and maybe it will be a mutual parting of ways. The fact he could not get one lousy minute against Northwestern is a huge red flag imo. Yes he was ranked high but so was Lander in fact you say Logan is good well many said Lander was crazy good. As we have seen ranking dont always live up to what we think they will.

Yes he did well at Dayton but Dayton is not the big ten or a power five conference.

 

[HoosierTim]

Maybe true Tim, but how good are you with finishing 11th in the BT next year? We need someone who can play. That guy isn't coming from the HS ranks at this point. And talented portal centers were few and far between last year. Did you see Payne from Illinois last year? That's who they got. Did you Maryland's center this year? He was #2 or 3 of all portal centers.

I don’t think Sparks elevates us past 11th if we’re being honest and I’m not convinced TJD leaves. I just don’t see his game translating that well as an average athlete. TJD struggled plenty at times with bigger/stronger bigs and that’s with elite level athleticism. We’re in the infant stages of the portal right now and nobody yet has declared their intent to leave. I’m going to wait it out a few weeks before I start worrying about hypothetical 11th place finishes.

 

[turney333]

I get it but if he could not play in front of Durr that means he has a very long ways to go before he could play legit minutes on a good team. With Geronimo coming back and maybe Race along with likely a grad transfer I wonder if he would even see much time next year. I had forgotten DunComb and Stewart were Archie recruits and Archie did not exactly have the best eye for talent.

We only got Stewart because he was a mid season addition when we had 2 open scholarship spots. In fact, in 3 of Archie's 4 years, we started the year with only had 11 scholarship players, which really hurt us last year because 1 of those 11 (Brunk) was out the entire year with an injury so we only had 10 scholarship players capable of playing. And there were some other occasional minor injuries throughout the year, which meant IU frequently wasn't even capable of doing a full 5 on 5 with scholarship players in practice.

I think it can be ok to have an open scholarship on occasion, but Archie seemed to be constantly saving them for recruits that never materialized

 

[bailey777]

Don't worry Lucy Coach Geez didn't think Edey would be any good either.

Edey may end of being one of Purdue's best gets ever. A guy ranked in the 400's that I doubt Purdue had to battle with hardly anyone to get him.

As a Prospect​

247SPORTS COMPOSITE®​

0.8606

• NATL.440History
• C76
• FL35

 

[mushroomgod_1]

Don't know much about him. From the highlights, and reading about him, he reminds me a bit of Vital from Baylor last year?? Maybe a little Jared Sullinger?

His size doesn't worry me. But how he achieved his effectiveness at Ball State is something I'd want to know. Did they dump the ball down to him a lot like we did? What was his usage rate? If he's an active offensive rebounder, a bull around the rim, a good passer, a good defender at all levels...then for sure he's worth looking at. I guess even if they did dump it down to him a lot, he's probably still worth a good look. Especially if Woody knows TJD and Race are gone. Not sure we'll find a better producing big elsewhere?

I'd be more concerned with his attitude. If that's a 100% go he looks mobile and hostile to me. We need some killers, fewer milk-toast nice guys that fade away when the game tightens up. If that's him, sign him up as a 4 year player.

 

[IUNorth]

Still not convinced he will be back and maybe it will be a mutual parting of ways. The fact he could not get one lousy minute against Northwestern is a huge red flag imo. Yes he was ranked high but so was Lander in fact you say Logan is good well many said Lander was crazy good. As we have seen ranking dont always live up to what we think they will.

Yes he did well at Dayton but Dayton is not the big ten or a power five conference.

Oh yeah, I have no clue obviously what he's thinking about IU. Was just offering some perspective. I feel like he's now being viewed in that "Priller mindset". I'll be surprised if he doesn't end up a good college big man, somewhere. I saw him play against Furst over the summer. And while its impossible to take those mid summer AAU games as gospel, he more than held his own. That doesn't tell me that he's as good, or better than Furst. Not at all. But it does tell me that he has the skill and abilities to make plays against B10 level talent. Its now just whether he's putting the work in, adjusting to the college game, and if he and IU are on the same page for where he was, is, and should be going forward. When and if he does find a place where he and the program are on the same page, he'll become a really good big.

 

[ReadHall84]

Good golly ... TJD and Race are likely gone. This kid would be a solid grab for Woody!

 

[Coach Geez]

Don't worry Lucy Coach Geez didn't think Edey would be any good either.

Get out of here with your BS. Don't you have another board to bother?

 

[Coach Geez]

Archie's eye for talent is just fine. He just did a terrible job developing/motivating/coaching the guys he brought in at IU. He did fine at Dayton, actually did very well. For some reason, it never worked at IU.

Having said that, I agree that Duncombe not sniffing the floor behind Durr is a red flag. But, to be fair, there weren't many minutes available with Race and TJD playing as many minutes as they did. So those few minutes that were available, were very specialized...and usually called for someone physical, to guard guys like Kofi, Edey, etc...

Logan was a consensus top 100 recruit (top 80 actually on RSCI)...he had offers from Cincy, Iowa, and Ohio State. We're not talking about Tim Priller here. He's good. Its one of the things I'm most excited to see play out this next year, actually. How much he plays and develops. Because if he sticks it out at IU, he could end up a really, really, good big for us.

Duncomb will be fine. Big men always take the longest to develop and if I recall correctly, believe Duncomb had an injury in the offseason leading up to the start of the season. He's not the immediate answer next year but I think you'll see him in a more expanded role.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

I don’t think Sparks elevates us past 11th if we’re being honest and I’m not convinced TJD leaves. I just don’t see his game translating that well as an average athlete. TJD struggled plenty at times with bigger/stronger bigs and that’s with elite level athleticism. We’re in the infant stages of the portal right now and nobody yet has declared their intent to leave. I’m going to wait it out a few weeks before I start worrying about hypothetical 11th place finishes.

If TJD stays we don't need Sparks................TJD needs to clarify his intentions.

 

[IUNorth]

Duncomb will be fine. Big men always take the longest to develop and if I recall correctly, believe Duncomb had an injury in the offseason leading up to the start of the season. He's not the immediate answer next year but I think you'll see him in a more expanded role.

He probably isn't, no. Sensing defense is probably the main road block here. Its obvious Woody used that end of the court to decide roles, playing time, etc...

Offensively, I could see a high post/pinch post type of position where he could thrive. Especially if he can put the ball on the floor and make plays/passes, from that position.

But defensively, from what I remember of him, and from the very limited action we all saw, he'd struggle switching out and guarding anyone with skill or speed on the perimeter. And its obvious Woody values that.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

Duncomb will be fine. Big men always take the longest to develop and if I recall correctly, believe Duncomb had an injury in the offseason leading up to the start of the season. He's not the immediate answer next year but I think you'll see him in a more expanded role.

We're concerned about next year. 2 or 3 years from now is now forever in college basketball.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

He probably isn't, no. Sensing defense is probably the main road block here. Its obvious Woody used that end of the court to decide roles, playing time, etc...

Offensively, I could see a high post/pinch post type of position where he could thrive. Especially if he can put the ball on the floor and make plays/passes, from that position.

But defensively, from what I remember of him, and from the very limited action we all saw, he'd struggle switching out and guarding anyone with skill or speed on the perimeter. And its obvious Woody values that.

re your last paragraph.....AND he doesn't have the strength to guard anyone in the post. He's 2-3 years away, at best.

 

[IUNorth]

If TJD stays we don't need Sparks................TJD needs to clarify his intentions.

Only contention I'd have with that is Sparks could be a 2-3 year contributor.

And I just can't fathom that TJD would come back if his role was going to remain the same. Obviously we wouldn't completely go away from dumping it down to him in the post. But our program, and TJD, can't grow with us Charles Barkley-ing with TJD all game.

So...if someway, somehow, TJD does come back. It almost has to come with an understanding that come hell or highwater, he's going to be used differently.

In that case, and if Race leaves, Sparks could be a solid anchor "5" man for us. With TJD becoming more of a perimeter oriented 5 man. It isn't ideal for next year, as it would probably still clog the lane up too much. But it wouldn't be a terrible long term move.

 

[outside shooter]

... he's listed at 6'7

link???

 

[Coach Geez]

We're concerned about next year. 2 or 3 years from now is now forever in college basketball.

I wasn't talking to you. Don't think we need to ditch Logan Duncomb this second because he isn't the answer next year.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

Only contention I'd have with that is Sparks could be a 2-3 year contributor.

And I just can't fathom that TJD would come back if his role was going to remain the same. Obviously we wouldn't completely go away from dumping it down to him in the post. But our program, and TJD, can't grow with us Charles Barkley-ing with TJD all game.

So...if someway, somehow, TJD does come back. It almost has to come with an understanding that come hell or highwater, he's going to be used differently.

In that case, and if Race leaves, Sparks could be a solid anchor "5" man for us. With TJD becoming more of a perimeter oriented 5 man. It isn't ideal for next year, as it would probably still clog the lane up too much. But it wouldn't be a terrible long term move.

ok, but if TJD is back, Durr or LD have to go if Sparks comes. you don't want 4 centers.

 

[Coach Geez]

Only contention I'd have with that is Sparks could be a 2-3 year contributor.

And I just can't fathom that TJD would come back if his role was going to remain the same. Obviously we wouldn't completely go away from dumping it down to him in the post. But our program, and TJD, can't grow with us Charles Barkley-ing with TJD all game.

So...if someway, somehow, TJD does come back. It almost has to come with an understanding that come hell or highwater, he's going to be used differently.

In that case, and if Race leaves, Sparks could be a solid anchor "5" man for us. With TJD becoming more of a perimeter oriented 5 man. It isn't ideal for next year, as it would probably still clog the lane up too much. But it wouldn't be a terrible long term move.

So what's Sparks going to give you if we're trying to move away from "Charles Barkley-ing" the game? TJD can take on a more expanded role by taking Race Thompson out of the equation, who really didn't spread the floor. Saw a lot more pick and roll with XJ and TJD ending in lobs or easy dump offs to end the year with Race on the bench and Geronimo out on the floor.

 

[Coach Geez]

ok, but if TJD is back, Durr or LD have to go if Sparks comes. you don't want 4 centers.

If TJD stays, we aren't getting Sparks and someone like Durr likely transfers. Leaves a rotation of TJD/Duncomb at the 5 and then Geronimo/Banks at the 4. Geronimo and Banks can spread the floor a lot better than Thompson can and leaves more room from TJD to maneuver.

 

[IUNorth]

re your last paragraph.....AND he doesn't have the strength to guard anyone in the post. He's 2-3 years away, at best.

Not possible to make that claim. You may end up being right, obviously. But everyone develops differently. It certainly isn't uncommon for kids to make big jumps from Frosh to Soph seasons. Whenever he decides to dig in and become a stud, if he ever does, it won't take him long to become one. That very easily could be happening right now? And it very easily might never happen.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

So what's Sparks going to give you if we're trying to move away from "Charles Barkley-ing" the game? TJD can take on a more expanded role by taking Race Thompson out of the equation, who really didn't spread the floor. Saw a lot more pick and roll with XJ and TJD ending in lobs or easy dump offs to end the year with Race on the bench and Geronimo out on the floor.

The immediate problem if TJD and Race go will be winning some games next year. An 11th place finish in the BT won't cut it. Woody has 1 year of credibility left, and this program has about the same amount of time to get it together.

What is your alternative for next year if TJD & Race leave?

 

[mushroomgod_1]

If TJD stays, we aren't getting Sparks and someone like Durr likely transfers. Leaves a rotation of TJD/Duncomb at the 5 and then Geronimo/Banks at the 4. Geronimo and Banks can spread the floor a lot better than Thompson can and leaves more room from TJD to maneuver.

I wasn't talking to you. I was responding to North's post of having both TJD & Sparks. Please try to keep up.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

Not possible to make that claim. You may end up being right, obviously. But everyone develops differently. It certainly isn't uncommon for kids to make big jumps from Frosh to Soph seasons. Whenever he decides to dig in and become a stud, if he ever does, it won't take him long to become one. That very easily could be happening right now? And it very easily might never happen.

Agree, but weren't you surprised at how weak and timid he looked this year? As I said , I thought he was a prospect coming out of HS but he showed very little.

 

[IUNorth]

So what's Sparks going to give you if we're trying to move away from "Charles Barkley-ing" the game? TJD can take on a more expanded role by taking Race Thompson out of the equation, who really didn't spread the floor. Saw a lot more pick and roll with XJ and TJD ending in lobs or easy dump offs to end the year with Race on the bench and Geronimo out on the floor.

Rebounding, defending other teams main big. Freeing TJD up to continue the more perimeter oriented pick and dive, crash from the outside, etc... Its not perfect. I said as much. But "don't need" a guy that could start for us, for 2-3 years, seems a little short sited to me.

Would we have the same view of him if he was a 5 star senior that opened his recruitment up, and mentioned us? The honest answer is no, we wouldn't. Everyone would be going crazy over him. "5 star big, you have to take him!"...that's what most everyone would be saying. Well, despite the obvious overlap with TJD's strengths, that's essentially what he is...a 5 star level big. I honestly don't know what his own high school rankings were?...doesn't matter, he was the MAC freshman of the year, and averaged a double double. Not many of the actual 5 star bigs from last year would have done that. So, with 3 years of eligibility left, he's that level of a prospect.

 

[IUNorth]

Agree, but weren't you surprised at how weak and timid he looked this year? As I said , I thought he was a prospect coming out of HS but he showed very little.

Yes, I was. I was more bummed about the apparent off the court issues. My only point from all this is he's tall, skilled, has shown an ability to compete with high level bigs (AAU), he's not the same type of bench dwelling Tim Priller like big we've had in the past.

 

[Coach Geez]

The immediate problem if TJD and Race go will be winning some games next year. An 11th place finish in the BT won't cut it. Woody has 1 year of credibility left, and this program has about the same amount of time to get it together.

What is your alternative for next year if TJD & Race leave?

Is Payton Sparks the only big in the portal?

 

[Coach Geez]

Rebounding, defending other teams main big. Freeing TJD up to continue the more perimeter oriented pick and dive, crash from the outside, etc... Its not perfect. I said as much. But "don't need" a guy that could start for us, for 2-3 years, seems a little short sited to me.

Would we have the same view of him if he was a 5 star senior that opened his recruitment up, and mentioned us? The honest answer is no, we wouldn't. Everyone would be going crazy over him. "5 star big, you have to take him!"...that's what most everyone would be saying. Well, despite the obvious overlap with TJD's strengths, that's essentially what he is...a 5 star level big. I honestly don't know what his own high school rankings were?...doesn't matter, he was the MAC freshman of the year, and averaged a double double. Not many of the actual 5 star bigs from last year would have done that. So, with 3 years of eligibility left, he's that level of a prospect.

I'm not in the least worried about his accolades prior to this year. Here are my worries:

-6'9 undersized center
-not an explosive let alone even a good athlete in my honest assessment
-doesn't have a modern-day skill set

We had issues 1 and 3 this year with TJD, but TJD is such an explosive and elite athlete he masked those other deficiencies quite well. I think Sparks struggles to score double-digits against bigger and more athletic centers next year and defense takes a massive hit.

 

[bailey777]

I don’t think Sparks elevates us past 11th if we’re being honest and I’m not convinced TJD leaves. I just don’t see his game translating that well as an average athlete. TJD struggled plenty at times with bigger/stronger bigs and that’s with elite level athleticism. We’re in the infant stages of the portal right now and nobody yet has declared their intent to leave. I’m going to wait it out a few weeks before I start worrying about hypothetical 11th place finishes.

Obviously the key between finishing 11th and finishing in the top 5 if keep ing X and TJD. With the NIL it is possible they stay. But if we have to rely on Durr and Logan we will likely be 11th and anyone who thinks we will be a top half team is delusional with those two as main guys.

 

[bailey777]

The immediate problem if TJD and Race go will be winning some games next year. An 11th place finish in the BT won't cut it. Woody has 1 year of credibility left, and this program has about the same amount of time to get it together.

What is your alternative for next year if TJD & Race leave?

The portal just started. They will be tons of guys still going in once the NCAA ends.

 

[Ladoga]

Physically he's more ready to go than Duncomb. He's a TJD-lite player but has nowhere near the athleticism, but can bull his way to the basket. Undersized center and plays below the rim. Doesn't have a jumpshot.

He's got offers and interest from some national powers.

 

[YOTHN]

link???

Payton Sparks

I got that from the initial post. Looking into other sites now on google shows him at 6'9 240 which is more plausible, for sure. He didn't look 6'9 in those videos but that can be deceiving.