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IU basketball transfer portal hot board 2.0: Priority positions, names to know

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IU basketball transfer portal hot board 2.0: Priority positions, names to know


BLOOMINGTON – College basketball’s transfer window will emerge from its Final Four-enforced slowdown at the end of this week, when the dead period lifts and visits can resume.

Indiana, still light six scholarship players with plenty of work to do, will dive right back in. The Hoosiers are lining up visitors for the coming weekends, with a heavy emphasis on positions and roles of need. IndyStar examines those needs, and some names to know as IU’s roster-building efforts accelerate.

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Needs

Backcourt impact: An already thin guard rotation lost Xavier Johnson (eligibility) and CJ Gunn (portal) once the season ended. Trey Galloway gives Mike Woodson proven ball-handling and creativity, but he cannot run a one-man show.

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Indiana needs shooting and scoring punch, both, here. Players who can get on the ball and make plays, for themselves or others, and players who can stretch the floor in ways last season’s roster too often could not. Myles Rice hands Woodson a point guard with as many as three years of eligibility remaining, upping the Hoosiers’ depth of creativity and giving Woodson another lead guard around which to build his ball-screen offense. Now, Indiana must add players for whom Rice can create.

Backcourt depth: Simplistic, yes. But there’s an extent to which Indiana just needs bodies in its backcourt. Galloway and Gabe Cupps are the only guards returning to play at least 50% of available minutes last season. The growth of Anthony Leal’s role in Big Ten play shouldn’t be overlooked, but it’s not by itself a cure-all. Rice should see serious minutes. He shouldn’t be alone.

Floor spacing: It’s long past time Indiana had the tools necessary to shoot 3-pointers with both accuracy and efficiency. That means adding at least two players with an established track record shooting the ball well. It also means bolstering the roster with players used to the kind of volume the Hoosiers so desperately need.

Rim protection: Whether Woodson intends to play Malik Reneau at the four or the five next season remains unclear. But the Hoosiers need length and rebounding impact in any event, whether from the bench or in the starting lineup. Woodson has always valued a shot-altering center who could rebound at volume, particularly at the defensive end. Whether that player starts or sees major bench minutes, IU needs at least one big addition here.

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Names to know

We’ll group these names by position, and list them alphabetically. The usual disclaimer: This is by no means an exhaustive list, and it will be updated. The portal moves fast. Circumstances change rapidly in college basketball. Just ask Mitch Barnhart. Let’s roll.

COMMITMENTS

The reigning Pac-12 freshman of the year, Rice pulled the strings for surprise package Washington State during the Cougars’ best season in a decade and a half last winter. He averaged 14.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in his first competitive collegiate season. Rice was not just one of Washington State’s best players — if not the Cougars’ best — but also among the Pac-12’s best creators.

Now, Rice is Bloomington-bound. If Woodson had a wish list at point guard, Rice probably topped it. That’s one wish come true.

GUARDS

It’s not surprising to see a lot of IU’s focus right now trained on the backcourt. As previously discussed, the Hoosiers need both depth and impact as they rebuild their guard rotation, and that could mean trying to take as many as four guards out of the portal this cycle.

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Kanaan Carlyle

The Stanford transfer made honorable mention All-Freshman Team in the Pac-12 last winter, averaging 11.5 points and 2.7 assists per game. He appeared in 23 games for the Cardinal in his lone season in Palo Alto, making close to 78% of his free throws along the way. Carlyle shot just 32% from 3 (a clean 32-of-100), and he needs to improve his finishing on 2s as well. But he would add some creativity — he finished conference play last year 11th in assist rate and a remarkable third in possessions used. He’s comfortable with the ball in his hands.

Carlyle has a visit scheduled for next weekend.

Ryan Conwell

The Pike grad started his college career at South Florida before transferring to Indiana State, and now he’s in the portal following Josh Schertz’s exit for Saint Louis. It stands to reason some of Schertz’s players will follow him from Terre Haute, but if Conwell is interested in IU, it seems likely IU would reciprocate. He checks a lot of boxes for the Hoosiers, who would like to get him to campus.

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Connor Essegian

Essegian is an interesting case. He was a revelation for Wisconsin two years ago, averaging 11.7 points per game while shooting a tick under 36% from behind the arc. All that dried up last winter, when the Central Noble grad saw his minutes average cut from 27.4 per game to just 7.3. Essegian never found his 3-point shot or his scoring touch as a sophomore, and he didn’t play double-digit minutes in any of the Badgers’ last 11 games. He undeniably ticks certain boxes (shooting chiefly among them) for Indiana, but the Hoosiers would need to be confident last season was the exception, not the rule. Essegian has already taken a handful of visits, though none to Bloomington, at least not yet.

Connor Hickman

There’s an argument Hickman might have been a high-major guard out of Bloomington South in 2021, if COVID hadn’t disrupted that class’s recruiting timeline so dramatically. Hickman landed at Bradley, where he scored 953 points and hit 37.3% of his 3-pointers across three seasons. Last winter was his best — Hickman averaged 14.5 points and nearly three assists per game, for a 23-win Bradley team that finished third in the Missouri Valley Conference and reached the NIT.

Hickman wrapped his Indiana visit Sunday, then followed that with a planned trip to Cincinnati. It’s widely believed those are his final two, with a decision likely to come soon.

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Leland Walker

Another Indianapolis native on this list, Walker popped up early in the portal cycle in connection with Indiana. The North Central grad averaged 15.4 points and 4.1 assists per game last season as a sophomore at Eastern Kentucky, and his two-year numbers suggest he’s ready for a step up in competitive level.

Things have since slowed with Walker and the Hoosiers (not uncommon in a calendar that moves in fits and starts), but there are plenty of ways Walker fits what IU needs. This recruitment could come down to roster spots and playing time, as much as anything.

WINGS/FORWARDS

IU already has good options here, with Mackenzie Mgbako confirmed returning and five-star Bryson Tucker inbound after a whirlwind recruitment culminated in his commitment last week. Indiana’s need here might be style-dependent — if Woodson wants to play a smaller, more positionally fluid brand of basketball next season, more wing depth is a requirement.

Ben Humrichous

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It’s been a remarkable rise for Humrichous. The Tipton native was playing at Huntington University two years ago, then spent last year starring at Evansville before portaling this window. In 23 games with the Purple Aces, Humrichous hit 53-of-126 3s (42.1%) while finishing 2s at a respectable rate and taking on an increased load in conference play. A 6-9 forward with tweener skills, Humrichous finished last season with a true shooting percentage of 0.613, which would’ve ranked him second among Hoosiers behind only Kel’el Ware in 2023-24.

Adou Thiero

Thiero was once a target for Indiana from the high school ranks. After two seasons at Kentucky — the second more productive than the first — Thiero is in the portal, and it’s no surprise to see IU among the schools interested. Thiero has a fascinating backstory as a late-blooming high school recruit still perceived to be scratching at his potential in college. He may only need one more year, with NBA teams eyeing him as a potential draft prospect in 2025.

Cade Tyson

Officially listed as a guard/forward, Tyson is one of the most intriguing and sought-after up transfers in the portal right now. The 6-7 North Carolina native averaged 16.2 points and 5.9 rebounds last season at Belmont, hitting 46.5% of his 3s. That was after shooting 41.7% from distance as a freshman in Nashville. Does Indiana still need the kind of impact wing presence Tyson would provide, with Mgbako back and Tucker in the fold? Tough to say, but best practice if Tyson was interested would probably be to take talent first, ask questions later.

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CENTERS

Not a ton of names here, which isn’t surprising. IU might only really need one out-and-out five, and it’s not clear (as previously discussed) whether that player would be an automatic starter. But there are a couple meaningful names here, including confirmed visitors, and Woodson’s defensive setup has always relied at least one rim-protecting high-volume rebounder.

Oumar Ballo

The Arizona transfer is among the most recognizable big men in the country. A dominant force, particularly defensively and on the glass, for the Wildcats across the last two seasons, Ballo is considered among the best transfers in his class, if not the best, full stop. Ballo is reportedly considering a handful of schools, with visits set up for this week. He arrived in Bloomington for the first of those Sunday night and by Monday was posting from his trip on social media. Indiana could be in as good of a spot to land the 7-foot center as any team in the country.

Pharrel Payne

IU’s staff will know Payne well, having planned for him these past two seasons at Minnesota. Payne was rarely a volume scorer in the post in Minneapolis (though he did average 10 points per game last winter). But he was an outstanding rebounder at both ends of the floor — third in the conference in offensive rebound rate in Big Ten games, 13th in defensive rebound rate — and a functional shot blocker as well. He also finished nearly 64% of 2s across a pair of seasons with the Golden Gophers.

The question with Payne might be whether IU lands Ballo. If they do, would Payne still consider the Hoosiers knowing he’d probably play from the bench in Bloomington? If so, that would hand Woodson enviable 4/5 depth. Whether Indiana recruited him to start or serve as a key reserve, he fits a lot of what the Hoosiers need from a player in his position.

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Amari Williams

A senior with his COVID year remaining, Williams has been on Indiana’s radar since he hit the portal last month. Williams averaged 12.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last season, and he’s been a remarkably efficient defensive presence for most of his career. He finished top-30 nationally in defensive rebound rate in each of the last three seasons, and he’s never posted a single-season block rate lower than 8.3%. Williams is expected in Bloomington next weekend. He certainly ticks a lot of the boxes Woodson needs at the five.

Follow IndyStar reporter Zach Osterman on Twitter: @ZachOsterman.



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Indiana

Top 5 Indiana Fever Potential WNBA Free Agency Targets

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Top 5 Indiana Fever Potential WNBA Free Agency Targets


January 21 marks the day when WNBA teams and unrestricted free agents can begin to negotiate new contracts. February 1 is when these players can actually sign new deals with new teams.

Therefore, these next few weeks are about to get hectic in the women’s basketball world. And with the Indiana Fever’s impressive success and popularity increase last season, there’s a ton of attention on the offseason moves they’ll make.

But which available players are the best fits for Indiana? Who can propel them to being WNBA title contenders? In our opinion, it’s the five players (listed in order) below.

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) rushes up the court during a July 12, 2024 game.

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) rushes up the court against Phoenix Mercury Celeste Taylor (12) on Friday, July 12, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 95-86. / Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

This one should come as no surprise. The Indiana Fever’s front office has made it clear that re-signing Mitchell (who has been with the team since 2018) is their top priority this offseason.

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And for good reason. Mitchell and Caitlin Clark were arguably the WNBA’s best backcourt duo for the second half of the season and they appear to complement each other perfectly. Since Mitchell is an unrestricted free agent, the Fever are almost guaranteed to give her a core designation (barring a separate agreement between the parties). Thus, Mitchell would have to make it abundantly clear that she wants out of Indiana if they were to trade her.

Frankly, we don’t see that happening. We expect Indiana to get Mitchell re-signed early, which will then allow them to pursue one of the next four players on our list.

Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally (0) dribbles downcourt during a September 24, 2023 game.

Sep 24, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally (0) dribbles downcourt during the first half of game one of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Dallas Wings star Satou Sabally made it overtly clear last week that she has played her final game with the franchise that drafted her with the No. 2 pick of the 2020 WNBA Draft.

The Fever’s most pressing need is a wing player who has length, is a good defender, and can score in multiple ways. Sabally checks all of those boxes and then some. Out of any available players, there’s arguably no better fit for the Fever (aside from Mitchell) than Sabally. We expect them to pursue her aggressively this offseason and seem to have a good shot at securing her. It would almost certainly have to happen via trade however, as the Wings have cored Sabally.

Connecticut Sun guard DeWanna Bonner (24) defended by Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) on September 25, 2024.

Sep 25, 2024; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun guard DeWanna Bonner (24) defended by Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) during the second half during game two of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images / Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Everything we said about the Fever’s needs at the wing position in the Satou Sabally section also applies to DeWanna Bonner. Her impending free agency has gone relatively under the radar, but her skill set is a solid fit for the Fever on paper.

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The only clear downside is that she’s 37 years old, and likely only has a couple of seasons left. However, she might see Indiana as the perfect place to make one last run at a third WNBA championship. There’s also a connection with Fever coach Stephanie White, who likely could have insight into the desires of the Connecticut Sun’s numerous free agents.

Dallas Wings forward Natasha Howard (6) reacts during a May 3, 2024 game.

May 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings forward Natasha Howard (6) reacts during the second half against the Indiana Fever at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Another underrated wing on the WNBA free agency radar is Dallas Wings standout Natasha Howard. One downside to Howard’s game is that she isn’t a great three-point shooter. But she is a lockdown defender and can score in enough ways to take the scoring load off of Clark and company when the need to do so arises. The Fever lacked on the defensive side of the ball a season ago and Howard could help alleviate that issue.

Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) dribbles the ball during a June 4, 2023 game.

Jun 4, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) dribbles the ball while Indiana Fever guard Erica Wheeler (17) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Plum coming to Indiana might be a longshot, and there’s virtually a zero percent chance the Fever would pursue her if they re-signed Kelsey Mitchell. But if Mitchell ends up elsewhere, they could do much worse than bringing Plum on board.

Plum’s versatile scoring ability would surely be enhanced when she’s receiving passes from Caitlin Clark. Given that she’s one of the league’s biggest superstars, her profile would be heightened even more so playing alongside Clark.

If Plum does indeed want out of the Las Vegas Aces (which would be via sign-and-trade given her core designation), the Fever could very well come calling as a contingency plan.

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Some believe that an excellent offseason for the Fever could turn them into 2025 WNBA Championship contenders. But what does an “excellent” offseason look like? We’d argue that it means signing two of these players, with one of them ideally being Kelsey Mitchell and the other being one of the three wings mentioned.

What’s for sure is that the decisions Indiana’s front office makes in the next month or so will be crucial for their future success.



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Indiana takes road win streak into matchup with Detroit

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Indiana takes road win streak into matchup with Detroit


Associated Press

Indiana Pacers (22-19, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (21-19, eighth in the Eastern Conference)

Detroit; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST

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BOTTOM LINE: Indiana visits Detroit looking to extend its four-game road winning streak.

The Pistons are 15-14 against Eastern Conference opponents. Detroit is sixth in the Eastern Conference with 33.6 defensive rebounds per game led by Jalen Duren averaging 6.2.

The Pacers are 4-4 against Central Division teams. Indiana is 11-11 in games decided by at least 10 points.

The Pistons are shooting 46.9% from the field this season, 0.4 percentage points lower than the 47.3% the Pacers allow to opponents. The Pacers are shooting 48.9% from the field, 2.0% higher than the 46.9% the Pistons’ opponents have shot this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Tobias Harris is averaging 13.3 points and 6.4 rebounds for the Pistons.

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Tyrese Haliburton is averaging 18.1 points and 8.8 assists for the Pacers.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pistons: 8-2, averaging 113.9 points, 44.4 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 8.7 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 47.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.5 points per game.

Pacers: 7-3, averaging 116.9 points, 44.1 rebounds, 29.6 assists, 8.3 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 49.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.7 points.

INJURIES: Pistons: Jaden Ivey: out (leg).

Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton: day to day (hamstring), Aaron Nesmith: out (ankle), Isaiah Jackson: out for season (calf), James Wiseman: out for season (calf).

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___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.




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Dangerous cold across central Indiana Tuesday night

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Dangerous cold across central Indiana Tuesday night


Below-zero temperatures are in the forecast Tuesday night, so protect your family, home and pets. But there is a day in the 40s in the seven-day forecast.

INDIANAPOLIS — Dangerous cold is in the forecast overnight with lows going below zero and wind chills near -15 into Wednesday morning.

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Forecast 

Tonight: Clear and very cold — Lows minus-10  to 0 degrees.

Wednesday: Sunny and cold — Highs 15-20 degrees.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy with a few flurries and snow showers — Highs in the lower 30s.

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Friday: Some sun, more mild with highs near 40 degrees.

Remember your home, family and pets need extra attention when it gets this cold. School delays are possible early Wednesday.

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You will need all of the layers on Wednesday. It will be sunny, but it will be cold with highs in the teens.


We are tracking a gradual warming trend for later this week and the start of the weekend.  Forecast highs are in the lower 30s on Thursday. A few flurries and snow showers are possible on Thursday, too.

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The big weather story on Friday is forecast highs near 40 degrees. Friday will also be a dry day.


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Our next weather system arrives Friday night and brings rain and snow chances.

More cold air is in the forecast for early next week.


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