IU formally announces the addition of Payton Sparks, Woodson comments

Ball State transfer forward Payton Sparks has signed with Indiana.

IU formally announced his addition to the basketball program on Friday morning.

Here’s the release from Indiana, including a quote from head coach Mike Woodson:

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PAYTON SPARKS JOINS INDIANA MEN’S BASKETBALL PROGRAM

ONLINE ROSTER BIO: https://iuhoosiers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/payton-sparks/17642

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – IU men’s basketball coach Mike Woodson has announced that Indiana native Payton Sparks, a 6-9, 240-pound, center will join the program as a transfer and have two seasons of eligibility. He comes to IU from Ball State where he was a two-time All-Mid-American Conference performer and was the 2022 MAC Freshman of the Year. He started all 62 games in his career with the Cardinals and averaged 13.4 points and 8.6 rebounds, while shooting 56.0% from the floor. His 421 free throw attempts over the last two seasons were the most in the MAC and seventh highest in college basketball.

He was an IBCA All-State selection following his senior year at Winchester Community High School and Tri-Eastern Conference Player of the Year, where he played for Coach Dustin Baldwin. As a senior he averaged 19.4 points, 13.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.5 steals. His rebounding totals were the third highest among Indiana high school players. He played his AAU ball for David Ramey with the Midwest Basketball Club.

He is the son of Tracey and Brianna Sparks and has a younger brother, Connor. A history major, he was born October 24, 2002.

WOODSON ON SPARKS

“I really like the addition of Payton to our program for several reasons. He is an experienced player with a great work ethic, who had tremendous success individually while at Ball State. He gives us an inside scoring threat who can defend and rebound. I really like his ability to fight on the offensive glass and his ability to draw fouls on the opposition, which was one of the best nationally, is a tremendous asset. He is an Indiana kid who has a strong desire to be a Hoosier and we’re excited to welcome he and his family to Bloomington.”