Roster Update and thoughts

[IUNorth]

I'm sure there are other posts this could have gone under. But here's an update both with what has officially happened, and what seems very, very likely (Ballo and Carlyle)

Point guards - Rice, Cupps
Off/Combo guards - Carlyle, Galloway, Newton, Leal
Wings - Mgbako, Tucker
Bigs - Ballo, Reneau

3 spots left. What best helps enhance the group above?

I think anyone with 2 way versatility, anyone that can shoot and play defense, regardless of position, is who I'd be looking to add to this group, at this point.

Conwell would be at the top of my list.
Williams or Payne for some rim protecting depth. It'll be interesting if either of them still wants to come to IU when Ballo commits.

I think the official and imminent list above is very likely a solid NCAA tournament level team.

 

[kkott]

I'm sure there are other posts this could have gone under. But here's an update both with what has officially happened, and what seems very, very likely (Ballo and Carlyle)

Point guards - Rice, Cupps
Off/Combo guards - Carlyle, Galloway, Newton, Leal
Wings - Mgbako, Tucker
Bigs - Ballo, Reneau

3 spots left. What best helps enhance the group above?

I think anyone with 2 way versatility, anyone that can shoot and play defense, regardless of position, is who I'd be looking to add to this group, at this point.

Conwell would be at the top of my list.
Williams or Payne for some rim protecting depth. It'll be interesting if either of them still wants to come to IU when Ballo commits.

I think the official and imminent list above is very likely a solid NCAA tournament level team.

shooter who can also handle the ball. I thought the Bloomington South kid sounded perfect, but probably gonna be someone who's OK coming off the bench. Conwell would be great and an absolute HR, but I'm guessing Carlyle isn't coming as a backup, even in year 1, but if he'd accept, that would be the best outcome imo. Then a backup big rebounder/rim protector. Ideally someone with 2-3 years of eligibility. Would've been a good spot for a freshman who could develop.

I'd rate our needs as: shooter/scorer (Conwell), combo guard who can play PG, and then the rim protector. Two of the 3 of those would be a HR from where we were, and I'm assuming we get Rice, Ballo and Carlyle.

 

[Tammany Hall]

I think the official and imminent list above is very likely a solid NCAA tournament level team.

Agree. This is an expensive roster that should be towards the top of the conference (doesn’t need to win it) and should be thinking tourney run to at least the S16. If not we aren’t getting much return for $ spent.

PT seems to be a hurdle now. Hopefully we can get past that and get a few more pieces, especially shooting.

 

[IUNorth]

shooter who can also handle the ball. I thought the Bloomington South kid sounded perfect, but probably gonna be someone who's OK coming off the bench. Conwell would be great and an absolute HR, but I'm guessing Carlyle isn't coming as a backup, even in year 1, but if he'd accept, that would be the best outcome imo. Then a backup big rebounder/rim protector. Ideally someone with 2-3 years of eligibility. Would've been a good spot for a freshman who could develop.

I'd rate our needs as: shooter/scorer (Conwell), combo guard who can play PG, and then the rim protector. Two of the 3 of those would be a HR from where we were, and I'm assuming we get Rice, Ballo and Carlyle.

With the "official" guys (Ballo now official!), and then Carlyle...

We have quite a lot of starter level players...could be tough to get Conwell, and any other starter level player, at this point.

I think versatile shooters is probably the biggest need, at this point. Ballo and Reneau are going to play a lot of minutes together. They need to be surrounded by very good perimeter defenders, and guys that can shoot the ball...for us to really maximize how good we can be.

 

[aajohn2000]

I'm sure there are other posts this could have gone under. But here's an update both with what has officially happened, and what seems very, very likely (Ballo and Carlyle)

Point guards - Rice, Cupps
Off/Combo guards - Carlyle, Galloway, Newton, Leal
Wings - Mgbako, Tucker
Bigs - Ballo, Reneau

3 spots left. What best helps enhance the group above?

I think anyone with 2 way versatility, anyone that can shoot and play defense, regardless of position, is who I'd be looking to add to this group, at this point.

Conwell would be at the top of my list.
Williams or Payne for some rim protecting depth. It'll be interesting if either of them still wants to come to IU when Ballo commits.

I think the official and imminent list above is very likely a solid NCAA tournament level team.

I want a guard who is not a liability on defense and can absolutely drain threes at a high rate and percentage, ie 40%+.

 

[IUNorth]

I want a guard who is not a liability on defense and can absolutely drain threes at a high rate and percentage, ie 40%+.

Carlyle, Payne, and the Brea kid from Dayton would be an absolutely excellent way for Woody to finish out the portal class.

 

[bsmitty08]

I'm sure there are other posts this could have gone under. But here's an update both with what has officially happened, and what seems very, very likely (Ballo and Carlyle)

Point guards - Rice, Cupps
Off/Combo guards - Carlyle, Galloway, Newton, Leal
Wings - Mgbako, Tucker
Bigs - Ballo, Reneau

3 spots left. What best helps enhance the group above?

I think anyone with 2 way versatility, anyone that can shoot and play defense, regardless of position, is who I'd be looking to add to this group, at this point.

Conwell would be at the top of my list.
Williams or Payne for some rim protecting depth. It'll be interesting if either of them still wants to come to IU when Ballo commits.

I think the official and imminent list above is very likely a solid NCAA tournament level team.

Shooting shooting shooting

 

[Grateful Redbeard]

The C from Drexel, and more shooters, are what I have on my wishlist.

 

[T.M.P.]

3 spots left. What best helps enhance the group above?

Specialists willing to come off the bench: 1 shot blocker, 2 shooters.

Ballo probably wouldn't be used the same way as our previous bigs. Not much of a roll threat and not a great post up guy, limited moves ... put him in the dunkers spot and let him get his off boards. Would rather have a more versatile big to fit with Miles ball screen game..

Also think you'll see Carlyle at PG behind Miles at times. What's the possibility that Tucker gets run at the 2. Does he have a chance to start?

 

[IUNorth]

Shooting shooting shooting

Yep...I'll take guys that can handle the ball and have proven to be good defenders too. But shooting is still a huge need, for sure.

The Brea guy from Dayton could be a perfect fit. Didn't start much at Dayton, probably wouldn't need to at IU, but could provide 15 minutes or so of really quality outside shooting ability.

 

[iubirdman]

Carlyle, Payne, and the Brea kid from Dayton would be an absolutely excellent way for Woody to finish out the portal class.

I think we get Carylye (which probably played into Hickman going to Cincinnati a little). I doubt Payne comes here to play limited minutes with both Ballo and Reneau in the post with MM best as a stretch 4. With Brea, it depends on what he is looking for, it looks like he was 6th man much of last year, but played close to 30 mins a game--he does have a skill set that we really need however!!!

I think we see Payne and Williams cancel their visits and we get a lower-level kid who wants to try and prove themselves at the P6 level--be it Malone or a MM or LM kid.

 

[bsmitty08]

Yep...I'll take guys that can handle the ball and have proven to be good defenders too. But shooting is still a huge need, for sure.

The Brea guy from Dayton could be a perfect fit. Didn't start much at Dayton, probably wouldn't need to at IU, but could provide 15 minutes or so of really quality outside shooting ability.

The issue is we have a huge need for shooting and haven’t addressed it

 

[iubirdman]

Specialists willing to come off the bench: 1 shot blocker, 2 shooters.

Ballo probably wouldn't be used the same way as our previous bigs. Not much of a roll threat and not a great post up guy, limited moves ... put him in the dunkers spot and let him get his off boards. Would rather have a more versatile big to fit with Miles ball screen game..

Also think you'll see Carlyle at PG behind Miles at times. What's the possibility that Tucker gets run at the 2. Does he have a chance to start?

Ideally, all 10-13 on the roster have a shot to EARN a starting spot, I would guess we will see Rice, Carlyle, MM, MR, and Ballo as the 1st 5 and then Tucker/Trey enter for MR or Ballo and one of the guards, MM slides to the 4, Tucker to the 3 and Trey and Rice/Carlyle as the guards

 

[Bucket Getter]

Can someone remind me about Carlyle and Conwell? Have they both visited? Why is the current thought Carlyle is nearly a lock and Conwell is a long shot? Is one better than the other? I liked Conwell’s game a lot in the couple games I saw him play. Never saw Carlyle.

 

[bsmitty08]

Ideally, all 10-13 on the roster have a shot to EARN a starting spot, I would guess we will see Rice, Carlyle, MM, MR, and Ballo as the 1st 5 and then Tucker/Trey enter for MR or Ballo and one of the guards, MM slides to the 4, Tucker to the 3 and Trey and Rice/Carlyle as the guards

Not much shooting of that is the rotation.

 

[T.M.P.]

Not much shooting of that is the rotation.

If all three freshman have a sophomore bump .. it should be fine. Each showed the ability.

MM especially could be a knock down shooter this year, quit writing him off ..

 

[kkott]

Can someone remind me about Carlyle and Conwell? Have they both visited? Why is the current thought Carlyle is nearly a lock and Conwell is a long shot? Is one better than the other? I liked Conwell’s game a lot in the couple games I saw him play. Never saw Carlyle.

The "talk" on Carlyle has seemed similar as with Rice and Ballo. Visit scheduled and I think some CB picks for him to IU. Conwell I think seems more of interest because the fanbase likes him, but I don't believe I've even seen any talk of a visit or much communication. Being an IN kid, and with his tools, he should be of interest but the fact that Carlyle has 3 years seems to be a draw. I think Conwell as a 1 year starter with Carlyle backing him and PG up would be a homerun.

 

[edub72]

Brea, Carlyle, another shooter and back up big guy

 

[bsmitty08]

If all three freshman have a sophomore bump .. it should be fine. Each showed the ability.

MM especially could be a knock down shooter this year, quit writing him off ..

I’m not writing him off. Just we don’t have a proven high percentage guy. We “need” a bump for sure. I would prefer we add a proven shooter to add to the rotation. A Miller Kopp type

 

[T.M.P.]

I’m not writing him off. Just we don’t have a proven high percentage guy. We “need” a bump for sure. I would prefer we add a proven shooter to add to the rotation. A Miller Kopp type

37 of 98 in conference play. 38% at 6 per game is pretty damn good. If he would have hit 2 more shots in 20 games, he would be at the magical 40 line.

I get you though, can't have enough guys that can shoot ..

 

[IUNorth]

Specialists willing to come off the bench: 1 shot blocker, 2 shooters.

Ballo probably wouldn't be used the same way as our previous bigs. Not much of a roll threat and not a great post up guy, limited moves ... put him in the dunkers spot and let him get his off boards. Would rather have a more versatile big to fit with Miles ball screen game..

Also think you'll see Carlyle at PG behind Miles at times. What's the possibility that Tucker gets run at the 2. Does he have a chance to start?

Admittedly don't know enough about Tucker to say. The games and highlights I've seen would lead me to say no, but there are so many details to be determined yet...so who knows.

Just with what we already have as returning and committed guys, the minutes are hard to doll out. If we add Carlyle, guys like Cupps, Leal and Newton are going to get squeezed pretty badly. And I'm not sure there are enough minutes left for any other perimeter player.

Mgbako...30 minute or more most likely...
Reneau...25 minutes or more...would be more if he would stay out of foul trouble.
Ballo...25 minutes or more...he played 25 at Arizona, prob fine with similar minutes at IU.
Rice...25 minutes or more...
Carlyle...25 minutes or more...
Galloway...20 minutes or more...
Tucker...20 minutes or more...

If my math is correct, that'll be around 170 minutes. So Cupps, Newton, Leal, and then anyone else that Woody is able to bring in yet, will be competing for about 30 minutes of total playing time. If they get someone like Brea, he'd command 20 ish minutes himself probably. After doing the math, I'd guess Conwell probably won't end up being a possibility. Can't see both he and Carlyle committing.

I'd take Brea and add him to the above regular rotation list, and then Cupps and/or Newton fill in cracks where needed.

I still think Newton will earn a much larger role when healthy. But its probably not worth including him until he shows he can play again. And I think Cupps earns a spot somewhere, somehow. But that becomes harder and harder, and less likely with every portal signing.

 

[Sobchak_Security]

Specialists willing to come off the bench: 1 shot blocker, 2 shooters.

Ballo probably wouldn't be used the same way as our previous bigs. Not much of a roll threat and not a great post up guy, limited moves ... put him in the dunkers spot and let him get his off boards. Would rather have a more versatile big to fit with Miles ball screen game..

Also think you'll see Carlyle at PG behind Miles at times. What's the possibility that Tucker gets run at the 2. Does he have a chance to start?

I’m curious about Tucker as I just don’t know much about him. What is his projected ideal position at the college level?? I’ve seen his game described as a really good mid-range game. Seems like a 3 maybe based on that??

 

[PhyloeBedoe]

Admittedly don't know enough about Tucker to say. The games and highlights I've seen would lead me to say no, but there are so many details to be determined yet...so who knows.

Just with what we already have as returning and committed guys, the minutes are hard to doll out. If we add Carlyle, guys like Cupps, Leal and Newton are going to get squeezed pretty badly. And I'm not sure there are enough minutes left for any other perimeter player.

Mgbako...30 minute or more most likely...
Reneau...25 minutes or more...would be more if he would stay out of foul trouble.
Ballo...25 minutes or more...he played 25 at Arizona, prob fine with similar minutes at IU.
Rice...25 minutes or more...
Carlyle...25 minutes or more...
Galloway...20 minutes or more...
Tucker...20 minutes or more...

If my math is correct, that'll be around 170 minutes. So Cupps, Newton, Leal, and then anyone else that Woody is able to bring in yet, will be competing for about 30 minutes of total playing time. If they get someone like Brea, he'd command 20 ish minutes himself probably. After doing the math, I'd guess Conwell probably won't end up being a possibility. Can't see both he and Carlyle committing.

I'd take Brea and add him to the above regular rotation list, and then Cupps and/or Newton fill in cracks where needed.

I still think Newton will earn a much larger role when healthy. But its probably not worth including him until he shows he can play again. And I think Cupps earns a spot somewhere, somehow. But that becomes harder and harder, and less likely with every portal signing.

It was very encouraging to see Newton in warmups at the end of last season. Still, he’s a huge question mark, no? The type of surgery he had has a terrible success rate, or so I read somewhere. I’d love to be wrong here.

 

[Victorbmyboy]

Admittedly don't know enough about Tucker to say. The games and highlights I've seen would lead me to say no, but there are so many details to be determined yet...so who knows.

Just with what we already have as returning and committed guys, the minutes are hard to doll out. If we add Carlyle, guys like Cupps, Leal and Newton are going to get squeezed pretty badly. And I'm not sure there are enough minutes left for any other perimeter player.

Mgbako...30 minute or more most likely...
Reneau...25 minutes or more...would be more if he would stay out of foul trouble.
Ballo...25 minutes or more...he played 25 at Arizona, prob fine with similar minutes at IU.
Rice...25 minutes or more...
Carlyle...25 minutes or more...
Galloway...20 minutes or more...
Tucker...20 minutes or more...

If my math is correct, that'll be around 170 minutes. So Cupps, Newton, Leal, and then anyone else that Woody is able to bring in yet, will be competing for about 30 minutes of total playing time. If they get someone like Brea, he'd command 20 ish minutes himself probably. After doing the math, I'd guess Conwell probably won't end up being a possibility. Can't see both he and Carlyle committing.

I'd take Brea and add him to the above regular rotation list, and then Cupps and/or Newton fill in cracks where needed.

I still think Newton will earn a much larger role when healthy. But its probably not worth including him until he shows he can play again. And I think Cupps earns a spot somewhere, somehow. But that becomes harder and harder, and less likely with every portal signing.

Yep. This is the core team and a lot of the money spent. May not fill all 3 spots remaining. Probably get 2.

 

[This Is Keanu Reeves]

We need another big of some variety.

I can't imagine we get any new guards after Carlyle.

Hopefully we can get a serviceable backup 5, and a wing who does something well, whether it's 3-d, ball handling, rebounding... whatever.

 

[Victorbmyboy]

We need another big of some variety.

We will get a big and a guard I think. Don’t know who. Will be interesting few weeks.

 

[This Is Keanu Reeves]

We will get a big and a guard I think. Don’t know who. Will be interesting few weeks.

Barring some last minute high-school recruit commit, or some transfer with some unique circumstances (coming off an injury, wants to be closer to home, still has 3+ yrs of eligibility) decides to pull the trigger for us.... I bet we end up with 2 empty scholarships.

 

[T.M.P.]

I'd take Brea

If you do a 3pt shooting impact rating ... ie (3pt made x3) - (3pt missed x .96) ... make it pace neutral ... Brea is in the 1% in impact per game ..and per 40.

(fwiw 0.96 is what an average possession is or was, Hollinger and other analysts use 0.71 which is what an average missed shot is worth)

Anyways ... He's going to be a very hot commodity and I just don't see him taking a bench role. Would love to see it happen though...

 

[IndyResident16]

Admittedly don't know enough about Tucker to say. The games and highlights I've seen would lead me to say no, but there are so many details to be determined yet...so who knows.

Just with what we already have as returning and committed guys, the minutes are hard to doll out. If we add Carlyle, guys like Cupps, Leal and Newton are going to get squeezed pretty badly. And I'm not sure there are enough minutes left for any other perimeter player.

Mgbako...30 minute or more most likely...
Reneau...25 minutes or more...would be more if he would stay out of foul trouble.
Ballo...25 minutes or more...he played 25 at Arizona, prob fine with similar minutes at IU.
Rice...25 minutes or more...
Carlyle...25 minutes or more...
Galloway...20 minutes or more...
Tucker...20 minutes or more...

If my math is correct, that'll be around 170 minutes. So Cupps, Newton, Leal, and then anyone else that Woody is able to bring in yet, will be competing for about 30 minutes of total playing time. If they get someone like Brea, he'd command 20 ish minutes himself probably. After doing the math, I'd guess Conwell probably won't end up being a possibility. Can't see both he and Carlyle committing.

I'd take Brea and add him to the above regular rotation list, and then Cupps and/or Newton fill in cracks where needed.

I still think Newton will earn a much larger role when healthy. But its probably not worth including him until he shows he can play again. And I think Cupps earns a spot somewhere, somehow. But that becomes harder and harder, and less likely with every portal signing.

Carlyle and Rice will both be closer to 30 and Galloway closer to 25. So that's closer to 15 available minutes most of which are going to go to a 4/5 type off the bench. Reneau is going to play some 5 next year in a small ball lineup.

 

[cshartle123]

37 of 98 in conference play. 38% at 6 per game is pretty damn good. If he would have hit 2 more shots in 20 games, he would be at the magical 40 line.

I get you though, can't have enough guys that can shoot ..

Numbers and reasoning is not going to do it. This is shaping up to be a bad week for Bsmitty. Imagine if that bum, Carlyle commits. The wheels would come off.

 

[bsmitty08]

Numbers and reasoning is not going to do it. This is shaping up to be a bad week for Bsmitty. Imagine if that bum, Carlyle commits. The wheels would come off.

Dude you are an idiot. I want IU to win. Why is that hard for you to understand. Woody isn’t getting that part of it done. If he wins I will gladly eat crow.

 

[hozo4ultimate]

I want a guard who is not a liability on defense and can absolutely drain threes at a high rate and percentage, ie 40%+.

I think you've described the needs of 90% of the other teams in college basletball. Hopefully there is enough money left for one at IU.

 

[Tru2Irish]

The C from Drexel, and more shooters, are what I have on my wishlist.

Conwell and Payne for sure. Maybe the Dayton kid.Got to have depth. IU had little bench support last year.

 

[Tru2Irish]

Brea, Carlyle, another shooter and back up big guy

Conwell is a must.

 

[EvansvilleHoosier88]

Ideally, all 10-13 on the roster have a shot to EARN a starting spot, I would guess we will see Rice, Carlyle, MM, MR, and Ballo as the 1st 5 and then Tucker/Trey enter for MR or Ballo and one of the guards, MM slides to the 4, Tucker to the 3 and Trey and Rice/Carlyle as the guards

That is exactly what I was thinking. The overlap in the starting line up should alleviate the need for a significant back up big. In fact, I’m interested to see if the MM at the 4 lineup winds up being the starting lineup by years end. I’m not holding my breath on any willingness to change midseason, but a boy can dream!

 

[kurt cloverdales]

I'm sure there are other posts this could have gone under. But here's an update both with what has officially happened, and what seems very, very likely (Ballo and Carlyle)

Point guards - Rice, Cupps
Off/Combo guards - Carlyle, Galloway, Newton, Leal
Wings - Mgbako, Tucker
Bigs - Ballo, Reneau

3 spots left. What best helps enhance the group above?

I think anyone with 2 way versatility, anyone that can shoot and play defense, regardless of position, is who I'd be looking to add to this group, at this point.

Conwell would be at the top of my list.
Williams or Payne for some rim protecting depth. It'll be interesting if either of them still wants to come to IU when Ballo commits.

I think the official and imminent list above is very likely a solid NCAA tournament level team.

how about an athletic big and an athletic wing. Reneau and MM are defensive liabilities, need a jeff newton type down low to spell the big men, and Seve Eyl type wing. throw in a shooter and we are set.

 

[cshartle123]

Dude you are an idiot. I want IU to win. Why is that hard for you to understand. Woody isn’t getting that part of it done. If he wins I will gladly eat crow.

Maybe the wheels have already come off. So you don’t consider upgrading talent on the roster in each season as part of the process of getting it done? Do you just wait until the end of the season and check yes or no on your getting it done assessment?

 

[Liberty_Hoosier]

Its a results driven industry. The only thing that matters, regardless of talent accumulated. Yes, it is part of the process, but winning the offseason means nothing. You gloating is nauseating. When IU landed Ware, I told a friend IU fans are giddy. His response was they always are these days until the season gets going.

 

[aajohn2000]

Agree. This is an expensive roster that should be towards the top of the conference (doesn’t need to win it) and should be thinking tourney run to at least the S16. If not we aren’t getting much return for $ spent.

PT seems to be a hurdle now. Hopefully we can get past that and get a few more pieces, especially shooting.

My sense is that PT for some is second to cash. At least today it is. Then it will become an issue in the season and then they are back on the open market to see if they can get paid more money elsewhere. I can't stand this new era of CBB. That said, let's be the biggest pig and get the best players. Now Woody needs to do something with the talent. Shooters damit. Get shooters!

 

[cshartle123]

Its a results driven industry. The only thing that matters, regardless of talent accumulated. Yes, it is part of the process, but winning the offseason means nothing. You gloating is nauseating. When IU landed Ware, I told a friend IU fans are giddy. His response was they always are these days until the season gets going.

What did your friend say about landing Bates, JHS, Reneau, Ware, Mgbako, Tucker, Rice, and Ballo? You are dismissing the trend of Woodson bringing in better talent at increasingly higher frequency.