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Ever wondered how a basketball team rebuilds after a tough stretch? For Indiana basketball recruiting 2024 class was all about quick fixes through the transfer portal, mixed with a bit of high school promise. It didn’t turn the Hoosiers into instant champs, but it showed how modern college hoops works these days. Let’s break it down step by step, from who joined the team to how they played out on the court.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana’s 2024 class ranked 13th nationally, thanks to a top-notch transfer group, but the season ended at 19-13 without a tournament spot.
- Oumar Ballo stood out with strong numbers inside, helping fix rebounding problems from before.
- The class leaned hard on transfers after some high school kids backed out, pointing to bigger shifts in how teams build rosters.
- A mid-season coaching switch from Mike Woodson to Darian DeVries added twists, teaching lessons on stability.
- Compared to Big Ten peers, IU focused on experience over fresh talent, but NIL money played a key role in landing players.
Class Overview and Rankings
Think about putting together a puzzle where half the pieces come from other boxes—that’s what Indiana basketball recruiting 2024 felt like. The Hoosiers ended up with just one high school player but grabbed six from the transfer portal. This mix put them at 13th in the national rankings from 247Sports, with a composite score of 89. Their transfer rank? Number two overall, showing they knew how to shop for ready-made talent.
National and Big Ten Standing
Nationally, IU sat comfortably in the top 15, but in the Big Ten, they were fourth in class ratings from On3. That’s solid, especially with 100% blue-chip status for their lone high school addition. But rivals like Rutgers topped the charts at number one with stars who could start right away. Purdue wasn’t far behind in the top 10. For IU Hoosiers 2024 commits, it was more about plugging holes than stacking superstars.
Picture a fan scrolling through rankings—IU’s spot felt good on paper, but the Big Ten transfer portal 2024 buzz made it clear everyone was chasing quick wins. IU’s group had no in-state kids, which stung a bit for local pride.
Recruitment Strategy Shifts
Why go heavy on transfers? Early on, IU chased high school standouts, but decommitments forced a change. After Liam McNeeley flipped in March 2024, they dove into the portal, landing players with NIL values averaging $196K. It was like swapping a long-term plan for fast help after losing guys like Kel’el Ware to the NBA.
This shift addressed pain points like rebounding and guard play from the prior year. If you’re a coach like Woodson back then, you’d think, “We need guys who can play now.” It worked in spots but highlighted how NIL and the portal make recruiting feel like a yearly reset.
High School Recruits Spotlight
High school recruiting can be heartbreaking—one minute you’re excited about a class, the next it’s slim. For Indiana, 2024 boiled down to one name, but he brought potential.
Bryson Tucker: Lone HS Addition
Bryson Tucker, a five-star small forward ranked 20th overall, was the gem from Bishop O’Connell High School. At 6-6, he committed in April 2024 after being a McDonald’s All-American alternate. As a freshman, he played 23 games, putting up 5.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.6 assists while shooting 37.8% from the field.
Imagine a young player stepping into a veteran-heavy team—it’s tough to get minutes. Tucker showed flashes, like his 37% from three, which could help IU’s outside shooting. Tip for fans: Keep an eye on his growth; with more time, he might fix perimeter weaknesses.
Notable Misses and Decommits
Ouch—this part hurts. Liam McNeeley, a top-13 prospect, decommitted to UConn in March 2024. Derik Queen went to Maryland, Boogie Fland to Arkansas, and others like Tyler Betsey slipped away. These misses left IU with zero in-state talent, a common gripe on fan forums.
To ease that pain, here’s a hack: Boost NIL collectives early to lock in commits. In a portal world, stability comes from strong relationships and cash incentives. It’s like telling a kid, “Stay with us we’ve got your back.”
Key Transfer Additions
Transfers were the stars of Indiana basketball recruiting 2024. They brought experience to a team that needed it after a shaky 2023-24.
Oumar Ballo: Portal Crown Jewel
Oumar Ballo, the 7-foot center from Arizona, was the top portal prize. He averaged 13.0 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 blocks, shooting 62.3% in 31 games. That fixed IU’s rebounding, pushing them to the top-50 nationally.
Compared to past bigs like Ware, Ballo’s efficiency (64% career FG) stood out. He earned All-Big Ten honors with double-doubles against tough foes. If rebounding bugs you as a fan, watch how a guy like him changes games—it’s like adding a wall under the basket.
Myles Rice and Kanaan Carlyle
Myles Rice came from Washington State as Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, averaging 10.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists at 41.2% shooting. Kanaan Carlyle, from Stanford, added 4.0 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, though his 28.9% FG showed adjustment pains.
These guards helped cut turnovers from 18 per game before. Tip: Pair them with returners for better flow—Rice’s assists could spark offense. Compared to straight high school kids, these guys brought polish, but chemistry took time to build.
Supporting Transfers
Luke Goode from Illinois chipped in 9.1 points and 3.1 rebounds, hitting 41.4% overall and 39.2% from three. Langdon Hatton from Bellarmine added depth. Together, transfers made up 60% of scoring.
It’s like borrowing friends for a pickup game—they know the rules but need time to gel. For IU, this group addressed shooting and defense gaps effectively.
2024-25 Season Performance
With the class in place, how did it play out? The season had ups and downs, ending without the fireworks fans hoped for.
Wins, Losses, and Key Stats
IU finished 19-13 overall, 10-10 in Big Ten for ninth place. They scored 74.7 points per game but allowed 72.0, ranking mid-pack nationally. Highlights included wins over Purdue, thanks to Ballo’s dominance.
But losses to top teams showed inconsistencies. Imagine sitting in Assembly Hall during a close game—the energy was there, but execution faltered at times.
Class Impact and Challenges
The class boosted rebounding and experience, but Tucker’s limited role and injuries hurt depth. Post-season, seven players hit the portal amid coaching drama. Challenges like team chemistry popped up, common in portal-heavy squads.
A relatable scenario: You’re coaching a rec league team with new faces—wins come, but bonds take work. IU declined the NIT to focus on recruiting, a smart move for reset.
Comparisons to Big Ten Rivals
How did IU stack up? Let’s compare to keep it real.
Vs. Purdue and Rutgers
Purdue’s top-10 class mixed high school and portal for balance. Rutgers, number one nationally, grabbed Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper for instant impact. IU’s edge was veteran transfers, but rivals had stronger high school pipelines—IU’s 0% in-state hurt.
It’s like choosing experience over youth; IU got short-term boosts, but long-term? Rivals might pull ahead.
Lessons for IU’s Future
Under DeVries, who started after Woodson’s February 2025 exit, IU added 10 transfers for 2025-26. Lesson: Balance high school and portal. Tip: Invest in NIL early to avoid decommitments and build loyalty.
Current Trends in IU Recruiting
Recruiting never stops—here’s what’s shaping IU now.
Portal Era and NIL Effects
The portal dominated, with IU’s six additions part of a Big Ten trend where 40% of rosters come via transfers. NIL helped land Ballo, but the class didn’t make playoffs. It’s exciting but unstable, as Woodson noted: “Portal presents uncertainty.”
Fans worry about chemistry—think of it as speed dating for teams.
Coaching Transition Insights
Woodson stepped down on February 7, 2025, after a loss, with IU paying $6.5 million in settlement. DeVries stepped in, eyeing Midwest talent like Jasai Miles. This shift refocused on steady builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Indiana’s 2024 basketball commits?
The class featured just one high school commit, Bryson Tucker, a five-star forward from Bishop O’Connell who averaged 5.4 points as a freshman. Transfers stole the show, including Oumar Ballo from Arizona (13.0 points, 9.1 rebounds), Myles Rice from Washington State (10.1 points), Kanaan Carlyle from Stanford (4.0 points), Luke Goode from Illinois (9.1 points), and Langdon Hatton from Bellarmine for depth. This portal-heavy approach addressed immediate needs after decommitments, ranking the class 13th nationally per 247Sports. Fans appreciated the experience, but missed more homegrown talent.
What was IU’s 2024 recruiting rank?
Indiana landed at 13th overall in 247Sports rankings, with a composite of 89 and second in transfers. In the Big Ten, they were fourth per On3, behind Rutgers (first nationally) and Purdue (top-10). The class had 100% blue-chip for high school but no in-state players, highlighting a shift to portal vets. NIL averages of $196K helped, but decommitments like McNeeley dropped high school numbers. This setup aimed for quick wins but showed gaps in long-term planning.
Why did Liam McNeeley decommit from IU?
McNeeley, a top-13 prospect, reopened his recruitment in March 2024, seeking a better fit amid IU’s inconsistent season. He chose UConn, joining a powerhouse. This hurt IU, forcing a portal pivot after other misses like Queen to Maryland and Fland to Arkansas. It underscores portal volatility and NIL’s pull—stronger programs can sway decisions. For IU fans, it’s a reminder to build early relationships and boost collectives to hold commits.
How did the 2024 class perform in 2024-25?
The class contributed to a 19-13 record (10-10 Big Ten), with transfers handling 60% of scoring. Ballo starred with 13.0 points and 9.1 rebounds, earning All-Big Ten honors. Tucker added 5.4 points off the bench, while Rice and Goode provided guard depth. Rebounding improved to the top-50, but chemistry issues and injuries led to missing the NCAA. They declined NIT for recruiting focus, showing the class’s mixed bag—strong individuals, but team cohesion lagged.
Who is IU’s current basketball coach?
Darian DeVries took over after Mike Woodson stepped down on February 7, 2025, following a meeting and amid a tough stretch. Woodson’s exit came with a $6.5 million settlement. DeVries, from Drake, emphasizes Midwest ties and added 10 transfers for 2025-26. His style focuses on balance, learning from 2024’s portal reliance. Fans hope this brings stability after Woodson’s 19-13 farewell season.
What Big Ten team had the top 2024 class?
Rutgers topped the nation at number one, landing five-star Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper for star power. Purdue followed in the top 10 with a balanced mix. IU ranked 13th overall but second in transfers, leaning on vets like Ballo. This contrast shows Rutgers’ high school focus versus IU’s portal strategy . Rutgers built for flash, IU for grit, but both chase NIL edges in a competitive conference.
Track IU’s progress under DeVries, follow recruiting updates to see how 2024 lessons shape future success.
