IU basketball recruiting: Class of 2022 guard Reggie Bass has high major offers and Indiana interest

For as long as people have been talking about the in-state class of 2022 high major prospects, Reggie Bass has been a player in the conversation.

But the “in-state” description got a little complicated after his freshman year of high school.

While Indiana is still home for the 6-foot-5 guard, Bass took a detour after spending year one at Muncie Central.

Bass transferred to Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tenn. after his freshman season, and he is pleased with how his first year away from home played out.

“I feel like I had a good season,” Bass told The Daily Hoosier. “I think I could have played better but I have a whole new season this year.”

Hamilton Heights finished the 2019-20 season 28-3 and was routinely ranked as one of the top prep schools in the country.

Bass says he made the move to prep school for both the academic and basketball developmental opportunities.

On the court, the length that he saw both in practice and playing against a national schedule was eye opening for Bass.

“It’s a lot harder, playing against 6-foot-7 to 7-foot guys compared to at home playing against 6-foot-5 to 6-foot-7,” Bass said.

The challenge of playing against tougher competition is reflected in Bass’ numbers.

As a freshman at Muncie Central Bass averaged 12.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game for the Bearcats. MaxPreps named him honorable mention on its 2018-19 Freshman All-American Team.

For his sophomore campaign at Hamilton Heights, Bass averaged 6.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals per contest.

But Bass didn’t transfer for stats and and awards.

“It’s a process,” he said.

Although the numbers were down, the interest that Bass is receiving from top college programs tells the real story of where he’s at as a prospect at the next level.

The long and versatile guard has an impressive array of early offers spanning four high major conferences. Providence, Illinois, Florida and Texas Tech have all offered Bass a scholarship.

Wake Forest, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Xavier, Arkansas, Evansville, Ball State, Ohio State, Memphis, Wichita State, Georgetown and Iowa were all also in touch when coaches were allowed to make contact on June 15 according to his AAU coach.

Bass considers himself a combo guard right now, and he is already known for his left-handed stroke that brings to mind Jalen Rose.

But Bass likes to have the ball in his hands as a creator too, especially in key moments.

“I want to be a point guard, so I’m looking to have the ball in my hands during tough times when we need a bucket or I can make the pass,” Bass said.

Three months without organized basketball presented challenges, but Bass believes he got better while everything was closed during the pandemic.

What aspects of his game is he focused on improving right now?

“My ball handling, defense and rebounding,” Bass said. “I really want to be a better rebounder at the guard position because not many guards rebound. On defense I’ve been working on getting my legs stronger and being able to stay in front of people.”

Back in his home state for the summer playing AAU basketball for U16 Team Teague, Bass is also hearing from the local programs as well.

Indiana and Purdue have both been in contact with Bass, and while he moved away for high school, he still has his eye on the top home state programs.

“Hopefully at the end of it I get offers and keep working and build a bond with the coaches and the staffs at both IU and Purdue,” Bass told The Daily Hoosier.

IU has told Bass that they look forward to seeing him play in person during the next recruiting live period.

“They are watching from the live streams but they want to see me live,” Bass said. “They just want me to keep working, knowing that they are going to recruit me.”

Much like his development as a player, Bass is thinking big picture on his recruitment right now.

“It is going to be a long process.”