Indiana Basketball: Updating the Top Recruiting Targets for the 2019 and 2020 Classes

We’re not sure, but it’s just a hunch that you might be a bit more interested in looking to the future rather than trying to convince yourself that a magical run through the Big Ten Tournament is going to happen this year.

Let’s just say that tournament has not been IU’s best friend in the past, and sitting here right now, there’s no rational thought that something is going to change in 2019.

But the beautiful thing about sports is that there is always next year.

And in major college basketball, roster turnover, and thus a potential change in fortunes, is a fact of life.

What better time than now to take a look at what the future might hold for the Hoosiers in the coming years.

(Note:  Rankings mentioned are according to the 247Sports Composite)

CLASS OF 2019

Signed:  Trayce Jackson-Davis (5-star), Armaan Franklin (3-star)

• Keion Brooks, Jr:  As you likely know, the 5-star Fort Wayne native is IU’s top remaining target on the board.  Once thought to be a strong lean towards Indiana, there is now sufficient doubt.  While recruits generally don’t closely monitor the wins and losses of their suitors, there is no denying that IU losing 12 out of 13 games has an impact.  From concerns about the long term viability of coaches, the culture and negative recruiting by the competition — it matters, especially with a newer staff like IU.  Nevertheless, Indiana is still strongly in the running here, but it now feels more like a dead heat.  It’s down to Kentucky, Michigan State, North Carolina and IU, and a decision is expected in the coming weeks.  While we continue to believe that Brooks will land at Indiana based on the thesis that we laid out months ago, admittedly we now have much less conviction.
• Harlond Beverly:  Indiana has been in contact with the Michigan native for a long time and recently offered the 4-star, top 100 guard.  Beverly can handle the ball, defend and shoot three-pointers which makes him an attractive target.  Indiana is in the running but has plenty of competition including Miami, Baylor, and Xavier.

• Lester Quinones:  The Hoosiers were a late entrant with the top 100 shooting guard, and haven’t appeared to be a strong contender.  With that being said, multiple members of the IU staff visited Quinones this weekend as the Hoosiers make a late push.  IU assistant Bruiser Flint is connected with the IMG staff, and the Hoosiers can legitimately offer immediate playing time, if not starting from day one in the Big Ten.
• Sean McNeil:  A prolific JUCO scorer that Indiana is evaluating, albeit along with a lot of other schools.  As a three-point shooter, McNeil fits an immediate need.  The Kentucky native averages more than 30 points a game and is a name to keep an eye on.
• Tre Mitchell:  The forward is from Archie Miller’s home town of Pittsburgh and the IU staff has visited with him recently.  The question here is whether there is too much overlap with Trayce Jackson-Davis to make Indiana an attractive landing spot.  Beyond Brooks, Jr., IU is placing a greater emphasis on guards right now, and specifically shooters.
• Trendon Watford: This is likely the make or break week with Watford, as he had suggested that he would visit Bloomington for the Wisconsin game.  Despite some pushing from within the inner circle to give IU a closer look, we do not believe that the visit will happen.  It appears that Hoosier fans will have to root for Christian’s younger brother from afar.
• Matthew Hurt:  It is our understanding that IU has not been active with Hurt for quite some time.  It is safe to mark him off your list.

CLASS OF 2020

Committed:  None.

• Ethan Morton:  Morton is the kind of guy that you could build your program around because of his leadership and versatility.  A talented scorer, passer and all-around team player that will end up being a key component of a program for several years.  Miller is placing a heavy emphasis on his fellow Pittsburgh area native, and Morton has indicated that there is mutual interest.
• Caleb Love:  The St. Louis area native is a top 50 talent in the class and IU’s top point guard target for 2020.  Love has been to Bloomington and there is mutual interest.  While Indiana has been one of the top programs on him thus far, that is something that could change in the coming months during AAU play.
• Nimari Burnett:  A Chicago area native, Burnett plays on the west coast now.  He recently moved up to 5-star status.  A good athlete and talented scorer both from the perimeter and off the dribble, the shooting guard plays with a bit of an edge that Indiana sorely needs.
• Anthony Leal:  With Indiana’s recent struggles from behind the three-point line, this feels like an offer that needs to happen.  Leal is from Bloomington and by all accounts would be a near lock to attend IU if he was offered.  IU’s guard heavy emphasis in the class is likely the only reason why the Hoosiers haven’t offered yet, but we expect that to change.
• Other names to watch:  Trey Galloway, Jaden Ivey, Dawson Garcia, Isaiah Jackson.

You can see Indiana’s available scholarships looking forward here.

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