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Dasan McCullough Walked, But Indiana Coming Up Short on NIL Money Not Only Reason Why

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Dasan McCullough Walked, But Indiana Coming Up Short on NIL Money Not Only Reason Why


BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — NIL is drastically altering the panorama of school soccer, widening the hole between the haves and have nots, with a sprinkling of subsets in between. The high-stakes recruiting world has been flipped on its head.

For Indiana, a soccer program that has misplaced extra video games than anybody and hasn’t gained a Large Ten convention championship in 55 years, making an attempt to compete on this new world is a large problem. It is at all times been troublesome — some would say unattainable — to win recruiting battles for high-end expertise with Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and the others. 

That we already know, and have recognized for many years now.

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The Hoosiers have had two consecutive years of their best-ever recruiting lessons, benefiting from 8-4 and 6-1 common seasons in 2019 and 2020 underneath effervescent coach Tom Allen. They’d the Thirtieth-ranked recruiting class in 2022 — and, sure, the truth that that is the very best rating in class historical past says lots about the issue — with the prized piece of that class being Dasan McCullough, a 6-foot-5 edge rusher with a telling soccer pedigree and an NFL future.

Indiana needed to recruit him a number of occasions, first in highschool in Kansas after which in Bloomington when his household moved right here. His father, Deland McCullough, introduced the household to Indiana after leaving the Tremendous Bowl-champion Kansas Metropolis Chiefs to affix Allen’s workers as a working backs coach. Dasan, who was dedicated to Ohio State on the time, flipped to Indiana.

His older brother — Deland II — transferred from Miami of Ohio, and his youthful brother Daeh dedicated to Indiana, too. It was an incredible household story, the entire McCulloughs collectively at Indiana.

Allen and his workers needed to re-recruit him a number of occasions, together with after his father moved north to Notre Dame for a greater job after only one yr at Indiana. They did it once more after his youthful brother de-committed and once more after two years of nice Indiana soccer became a brutal 2-10 season in 2021.

McCullough, a four-star recruit with the very best rating in class historical past, got here anyway. 

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He had an incredible freshman yr regardless of the Hoosiers going 4-8, making some freshman All-American lists. And so, on this new NIL world, after the season was over, Indiana wanted to recruit him once more.

In the case of NIL cash, the coaches aren’t on the desk, changed by leaders of Indiana’s NIL collectives and a few outstanding soccer supporters. This time, although, it was very completely different, in accordance with a number of sources aware of the negotiations.

McCullough, in accordance with sources, made it very clear that it was going to take some huge cash for him to remain at Indiana. He needed $300,000 up entrance, and one other $5,000 per 30 days in spending money for the yr. That, he stated, is what it will take for him to remain at Indiana from an NIL standpoint. 

A complete of $360,000 for the 2023 season.

However there have been loads of soccer points as effectively that McCullough was involved about, so the NIL talks in early December weren’t the be all, finish all. It was simply a part of his guidelines for any college, a supply stated, ”and the NIL stuff was vital, however not a precedence. It was nowhere close to the highest of his record, however it was on his record.”

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Nonetheless, the cash talks wanted to happen.

How the negotiations performed out

Hoosiers For Good, Indiana’s first NIL collective, had discussions with McCullough and his father and stated they might give $100,000 and work on the remaining. That wasn’t sufficient. In line with Tyler Harris, government director of Hoosiers For Good, he defined to them that as a result of HFG was a 501(c)3 non-profit, something over $100,000 raised eyebrows, however there have been different approaches they might take.

Hoosiers Join, Indiana’s second collective, added one other $100,000. Others concerned within the talks stated they instructed the McCulloughs that they would want time to lift different funds, however that in addition they had issues in regards to the funds being made all up entrance, particularly with switch portal home windows nonetheless opening earlier than the beginning of the 2023 season. 

There was some concern, one supply stated, that he would merely take the cash and run with such a big up-front cost. A special supply near McCullough, although, stated ”that may have by no means occurred. He is straight up. He isn’t the type of child to do one thing like that.”

A number of calls to the McCulloughs weren’t answered. Dasan, who had a number of program-related issues on his checklists, canceled interviews together with his coaches, and did not return telephone calls from Harris and others concerned within the talks. The 2 sides, far aside on a quantity, by no means bought collectively once more.

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When the switch portal window opened, he jumped in. This previous weekend, he and his youthful brother Daeh, a four-start defensive again within the 2023 class, dedicated to Oklahoma.

Sooners? Later, Hoosiers.

‘It is the world we dwell in now’

Tyler Harris labored in compliance at Indiana earlier than being employed as the chief director at Hoosiers For Good. A number of outstanding Indiana boosters are concerned, they usually pair athletes with non-profits to direct NIL {dollars} to the athletes and do good work for the charities. Hoosiers Join was added earlier this yr, and has directed a number of hundred thousand {dollars} to IU athletes, as effectively, in a extra direct approach.

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That is how the sport has modified.

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Harris is government director of each teams, which have two completely different boards that he solutions to. Collin Hartman, a former Indiana basketball participant, additionally helps run Hoosiers Join. They’ve made offers with dozens of athletes up to now, throughout most of the college’s 24 varsity applications. It includes hundreds of thousands of {dollars}, with a latest marketing campaign that raised one other million that was matched by an nameless donor.

It is large enterprise, and it is modified the way in which school sports activities are run.

“We wish to do it the immediately. That is at all times going to be the primary rule at Indiana,” Harris stated throughout an interview. “I’ve recognized Coach Allen for a very long time, and we’re shut personally, however we keep away from particular NIL talks. There’s by no means a time the place Tom might say ‘this participant will get this a lot.’ These conversations by no means occur. They cannot; it is the principles.

“It is easy for us to take a look at statistics and metrics that we use to guage athletic efficiency and social media. And particularly with Hoosiers For Good, we wish to do good by our charities too, and we attempt to match up athletes we choose with causes that may matter to them. A number of years in the past, there was by no means something like this. But it surely issues lots to our gamers now, so which means it has to matter to us. That is why we’re right here, and we’re excited to assist. It is the world we dwell in now.”

NIL cash that goes to gamers all comes with a dedication of some variety. There aren’t any free handouts, Harris stated. Fund-raising has develop into a key part, in fact, as a result of they’ll do extra with more cash. For soccer, for basketball, for different sports activities as effectively. 

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“Some donations are sports activities particular, however the massive majority of our donations are available in the place we could be versatile with varied sports activities,” Harris stated. “With soccer, as an illustration, each donation earmarked for that sport, they wish to assist, and we offer our two cents on the place that cash ought to go.”

Harris stated there is no such thing as a communication with recruits, as a result of that is in opposition to the principles. They cannot focus on particular choices ”till they’re enrolled or attending lessons,” Harris stated. When recruits ask coaches, Harris stated all they’ll do it inform the recruits about offers that present gamers have.

No offers get achieved behind the scenes, he stated, as a result of that may be an NCAA violation. “We’re Indiana, and we care about these type of issues,” Harris stated. “Some followers might hate this, some find it irresistible. We do not have these conversations that another colleges may need, as a result of perhaps they did these issues underneath the desk earlier than. At IU, we have by no means achieved that.”

Recruiting present gamers an enormous factor now

The NCAA’s modifications to call, picture and likeness laws occurred two years in the past about the identical time as modifications to the switch guidelines, the place athletes can now swap colleges with out sitting out a yr, as they did earlier than.

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It is develop into so essential that the NCAA really modified the recruiting calendar to provide coaches extra time to recruit their very own gamers. After the ultimate week of the common season, it is now a ”lifeless week” for being on the street to recruit highschool athletes. That is as a result of coaches have to be residence that week, recruiting their very own gamers and getting them to remain.

The NIL discussions typically come into play together with the soccer talks, however individually and by no means collectively.

“Now we have conversations with a number of gamers, all of these issues occur,” Harris stated. “Some do it themselves, some have their mother and father concerned. We remind them about the advantages of being Indiana athletes, and we speak typically to them about what we would have the ability to do for them now, but additionally what we will do down the street. There is a sure belief issue that is in-built there, and we’re making {that a} excessive precedence.

“Look across the nation, and you will see some colleges having an issue with that, making guarantees that they do not hold. We’ll make a participant a suggestion, and lots of occasions they will settle for that. Typically we’ll get gamers who come again and ask for extra, and we do what we will. I am not the only real decision-maker — I’ve boards that I reply to — however after we come to phrases, what we promise is what they get.”

Harris stated that was the case with McCullough. They tried, and labored arduous to develop the provide. However then every thing went silent and McCullough was on his approach.

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“With numerous athletes, we have had a number of talks,” Harris stated. “Definitely we did with Dasan. Even after the switch portal opens, we are going to nonetheless have conversations with different gamers as a result of the coaches are nonetheless recruiting them, too. It is nonetheless ongoing.”

When McCullough entered the portal, he took a weekend official go to to Oklahoma together with his youthful brother, Daeh. He had simply de-committed from Cincinnati after head coach Luke Fickell took the Wisconsin job, they usually had a good time collectively on the journey to Norman, Okla. 

The early signing interval begins subsequent Wednesday, Dec. 21, and each McCullough sons are anticipated to signal with Oklahoma on the primary day. The Oklahoma NIL folks can be ready for the signature to dry.

Oklahoma is coached by Brent Venables, who got here there from Clemson final yr. The Sooners play within the Large 12 proper now and are a perennial energy. They’re transferring into the SEC quickly.

One supply near McCullough stated that this switch ”was much more about soccer than it was NIL. He knew he would have alternatives regardless of the place he went. I believe, to be sincere, a lot has modified within the final two years at Indiana, together with his mother and pop being gone now, and his brothers gone and the crew struggling.

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“I believe it was fairly straightforward to get enthusiastic about a greater alternative, and Oklahoma is a superb soccer college with numerous soccer custom. And it is really easy to switch now, that I suppose it made sense. 

“That is the way in which it’s now. It is easy to return and go, and I suppose it is honest to say that the recruiting by no means stops.”



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Will Karl-Anthony Towns play tonight against the Indiana Pacers in Eastern Conference Finals Game 4? Latest update on the New York Knicks star's injury report (May 27, 2025) | NBA News – Times of India

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Will Karl-Anthony Towns play tonight against the Indiana Pacers in Eastern Conference Finals Game 4? Latest update on the New York Knicks star's injury report (May 27, 2025) | NBA News – Times of India


Is Karl-Anthony Towns playing tonight? (Image via @karltowns)

Karl-Anthony Towns will be available for the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers. Despite dealing with a left hand injury earlier in the playoffs, medical tests confirmed no fracture, and he has not missed any games. His name does not appear on the Knicks’ latest injury report, meaning he will play without restrictions. The injury initially caused concern during the second-round series against the Boston Celtics, but Towns has played through minor discomfort. His availability is a major boost for the New York Knicks as they look to tie the series.

Karl-Anthony Towns’ recent performance and impact on the series

Karl-Anthony Towns delivered one of his best playoff performances in Game 3, leading the Knicks to a crucial 106-100 win. His fourth-quarter explosion included 20 points, helping New York overcome a 20-point deficit.Key stats from Towns’ Game 3 performance: – 24 total points – 15 rebounds – 20 points in the fourth quarter (second Knicks player ever to do so in a playoff game) His ability to dominate in clutch moments has been vital for the Knicks, especially with their limited bench depth. Head coach Tom Thibodeau has relied on Towns for heavy minutes, and his defensive versatility allows for strategic adjustments when needed.

New York Knicks injury report vs Indiana Pacers Game 4 (May 27, 2025)

The Knicks enter Game 4 with no injury concerns. The full roster is available, including Towns, who has fully recovered from his hand issue. Meanwhile, the Pacers have key injury concerns: – Aaron Nesmith (questionable, ankle sprain) – Isaiah Jackson (out, Achilles injury) This gives the Knicks a slight advantage, especially with Towns healthy and in rhythm.

What to expect in Knicks vs Pacers Game 4 (May 27, 2025)

Towns’ presence ensures the Knicks maintain their interior scoring and rebounding edge. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions will be crucial against the Pacers’ fast-paced offense. With the series still within reach, the New York Knicks will look to Towns for another big performance. His resilience and playoff experience make him a central figure in New York’s push for the NBA Finals.Also read: Is Jalen Brunson playing tonight against the Indiana Pacers Eastern Conference Finals Game 4? Latest update on the New York Knicks star’s injury report (May 27, 2025)Fans can expect Towns to play significant minutes and continue his aggressive approach on both ends of the floor. If he maintains his Game 3 form, the New York Knicks have a strong chance to even the series.

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Get IPL 2025 match schedules, squads, points table, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.





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Ride for Freedom to honor fallen Indiana service members

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Ride for Freedom to honor fallen Indiana service members


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — This Memorial Day there is a Ride for Freedom across central Indiana. Rolling Thunder Indiana Chapter 1 is hosting the annual ride from Indianapolis to Fort Wayne to honor fallen service members and remember the nation’s Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (MIA).

The motorcyclists departed from Indianapolis on Monday morning at 9.m. from Fort Harrison Veterans Center in Indianapolis, headed to the to Harley Davidson of Fort Wayne.

Organizers say the Allen County Sheriff’s Department will then escort riders to the Veterans National Memorial Shrine and Museum in Fort Wayne, where the program will start at 1 p.m. The ceremony will include the presentation of the nation’s colors by the Marine Color Guard, singing of the national anthem, and the pledge of allegiance.

Next will be a bench dedication in honor of U.S. POWs/MIAs from all wars. The United States has more than 81,000 servicemembers still unaccounted for. Indiana has 104 from World War I, 1,497 from World War II, 169 from the Korean War, and 50 from the Vietnam War.

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Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker will assist in placing a wreath to honor those who sacrificed their lives in defense of the country. She will also participate in the unveiling of the bench dedicated to POWs/MIAs.

Organizers say the Ride for Freedom and Memorial Day Ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and the ongoing commitment to bring home those still unaccounted for.

The event is open to the public and organizers are inviting community members to pay their respects and support the cause.

This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews and edits all content published to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and fairness.



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Pacers have no answers for Karl-Anthony Towns in 4th quarter of Game 3 loss to Knicks

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Pacers have no answers for Karl-Anthony Towns in 4th quarter of Game 3 loss to Knicks


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  • Pacers play the Knicks in Game 4 in Indianapolis at 8 p.m. Tuesday on TNT
  • Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 points in the first 7 minutes of the fourth quarter to lead comeback
  • Towns on his game: ‘Fourth quarter’s different. It’s like a whole ‘nother game’

INDIANAPOLIS — The Pacers have a Karl-Anthony Towns problem.

A problem that hasn’t always been insurmountable through the first three games of the Eastern Conference Finals, but the kind of problem that can kill the Pacers if they give Towns an opening.

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Indiana’s offense started to grind its gears midway through the third quarter of Sunday night’s 106-100 loss to New York, but the Knicks offense was still sputtering, hamstrung by the foul trouble of star guard Jalen Brunson.

New York needed somebody to provide the scoring.

Towns took over.

The Knicks big man poured in 20 points in the first seven minutes of the fourth quarter, singlehandedly providing the scoring punch New York needed to turn an 80-70 Pacers lead at the start of the quarter into a 94-90 deficit with 5:10 left in the game.

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“He went on the run,” Pacers forward Pascal Siakam said. “We’ve got to shut that off.”

Towns, the five-time All-Star the Knicks didn’t have when the Pacers ushered New York out of the playoffs last year, has given Indiana fits throughout this season.

He scored 30 points in the second regular-season meeting between the two teams, then thoroughly dominated the Pacers in February, pouring in 40 points to power the Knicks past Indiana in a game where Brunson had just eight points due to foul trouble.

Indiana’s impossible comeback in the fourth quarter of Game 1 overshadowed everything else that’s happened in the series.

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But Towns was borderline unstoppable in that game, scoring 35 points on just 17 shots.

“KAT, as we know, is a very gifted scorer,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “He can score at three different levels. He’s comfortable at the 3-point line, he’s comfortable putting it on the floor, he’s comfortable playing back to the basket, as long as he stays aggressive.”

Towns wasn’t aggressive enough through the first three quarters against the Pacers.

Frustrated by foul trouble and left behind at times by Indiana’s breakneck pace, Towns had just four points at the end of the third quarter.

With Brunson limited by his own foul trouble and relegated to the bench, though, Towns began to turn on the skills that have given the Pacers so much trouble in the past.

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“I just saw an opportunity,” Towns said. “An opportunity to utilize all those hours that I put into the gym. The game wasn’t looking great for me, but for all of us. I just wanted to do whatever it takes to help put us in position to win.”

Towns largely needed only two different levels of scoring to go on the overpowering run that gave the Knicks control of Game 3 down the stretch.

Firing 3-pointers from a stance that looks almost flat-footed, Towns buried a long one 20 seconds into the fourth quarter to get going, and he hit two more by the end of the run, taking advantage every time the Pacers gave him space.

“He’s got a hair trigger,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said. “You think you’re close enough to him, and he just flicks the wrist.”

The rest of his work was done off the dribble.

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Indiana threw almost all of its bigs at Towns.

Myles Turner, the Pacers’ shot-blocking center, got the lion’s share of the workload in the fourth quarter, and he played Towns physical, refusing to give up easy buckets even if it meant fouling the surging Knick. Siakam had his chances; backup Tony Bradley had a few of his own, although Carlisle limited Bradley’s chances once it was clear that Towns had gotten white-hot.

For a little less than seven minutes, it didn’t much matter who was on Towns.

“Fourth quarter’s different,” Towns said. “It’s like a whole ‘nother game.”

When he saw an opening, Towns bullied his way to the basket, either making a difficult, contested layup or drawing a foul and heading to the free-throw line, where he made all five of his attempts to open the fourth quarter.

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Indiana never came up with an answer, echoing a handful of other performances against Towns this season.

If the Pacers are going to keep the Knicks from fighting their way back into the series, they’re going to have to do a better job against the New York big man.

Indiana already has an idea of what went wrong.

“We probably fouled too much down there,” Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said. “He can see over guys, he’s 7-foot, he’s a big dude. We’ve got to get up, and do a better job of showing help in the gaps.”

But Siakam also pointed out that the Pacers can slow down Towns simply by answering his plays with points of their own, points that came too few and far between in a 42-point second half that is far behind Indiana’s typical pace.

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The Pacers must be better on both sides of the ball for the rest of the series.

Because Towns has proven he will take advantage of an opening if the Pacers leave one.



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