Ball State Transfer C Payton Sparks to Indiana and back to Ball State

[Uspshoosier 44,335]

He did make B1G honorable mention as a sophomore.  Maryland is probably hoping for another big jump for his junior year 

[WayneFleekHoosier 46,831]

You think he can shoot? Or ... 11p 7r is unworldly to you? 

I’ve watched him play. He’s athletic, tenacious, and talented. He’s improving. He’s good now. He’s likely to be a problem. We had TJD who was a top 3 big in the nation and we were beatable every night. So, I’m not sure where we are going with this, but if you want convinced that Sparks is better than Reese I’m not going there with you.


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[btownqb 8,365]

8 minutes ago, WayneFleekHoosier said:

I’ve watched him play. He’s athletic, tenacious, and talented. He’s improving. He’s good now. He’s likely to be a problem. We had TJD who was a top 3 big in the nation and we were beatable every night. So, I’m not sure where we are going with this, but if you want convinced that Sparks is better than Reese I’m not going there with you.


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Lol is that anything CLOSE to what I said? 

No. 

All I said.. I was confused why you were worried about J Reese. 6'9 230.. he isn't pushing Malik or Sparks around. 

[WayneFleekHoosier 46,831]

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[Class of '66 Old Fart 81,149]

“I had the same dream” — Michael Lewis encouraged Payton Sparks to come to IU

https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/i-had-the-same-dream-michael-lewis-encouraged-payton-sparks-to-come-to-iu/?fbclid=IwAR01ojWWqJgJczXSm1Ka_V6KS4YNm6P6rHjgku21NlwV24C4zgs82nHSSXU

[Stuhoo 75,778]

17 minutes ago, Class of '66 Old Fart said:

“I had the same dream” — Michael Lewis encouraged Payton Sparks to come to IU

https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/i-had-the-same-dream-michael-lewis-encouraged-payton-sparks-to-come-to-iu/?fbclid=IwAR01ojWWqJgJczXSm1Ka_V6KS4YNm6P6rHjgku21NlwV24C4zgs82nHSSXU

“He’s going to walk through the door (at IU) as the best person in the program,” Lewis said.  “He’s an unbelievable human being, great kid.  I loved coaching him this year.  When he walks in a room he just lights up the room.  He’s just a really good person."

[Class of '66 Old Fart 81,149]

Newcomer focus article.

https://hoosierillustrated.com/indiana-basketball-newcomer-focus-junior-center-payton-sparks/

[Stuhoo 75,778]

If you want to hear from a true dyed-in-the-wool, real life, ‘always dreamed of being a Hoosier’ young man, you need to listen to the Hoosier Hysterics Podcast with Payton Sparks.

• He's playing for his dream school; meeting as he called it "Indiana legend Mike Woodson" on his recruiting trip was surreal for him
• Worshipped the Watshot; it's the first time his mom ever let him stay up that late
• Tried underhanded free throws because of how great Rick Barry was
• Favorite movie of all time is Hoosiers
• Turned down NIL opportunities at Ball State last year because he's not playing basketball because of money
   

He’s the real deal. He also singled out Mackenzie Mbako as an extraordinary shooter, so that's nice.

[WayneFleekHoosier 46,831]

2 minutes ago, Stuhoo said:

If you want to hear from a true dyed in the wool, real life, ‘always dreamed of being a Hoosier’ young man, you need to listen to the Hoosier Hysterics Podcast of Payton Sparks.

->It’s surreal for him to be playing for his dream school,

-> worshipped the Watshot

-> tried underhanded free throws because of how great Rick Barry was

->favorite movie of all time is Hoosiers, and all of that.
 

He’s the real deal.

Smart, likeable kid.  I think this roster is very likeable in general. He seems grounded and willing to do whatever it takes.  I want this team to be so good.  

[J34 1,263]

1 hour ago, Stuhoo said:

If you want to hear from a true dyed in the wool, real life, ‘always dreamed of being a Hoosier’ young man, you need to listen to the Hoosier Hysterics Podcast of Payton Sparks.

->It’s surreal for him to be playing for his dream school,

-> worshipped the Watshot

-> tried underhanded free throws because of how great Rick Barry was

->favorite movie of all time is Hoosiers, and all of that.
 

He’s the real deal.

I don't think there's any doubt, when Coach calls his #, we'll get maximum effort out of this young man. 

[realTomCrean 1,470]

Sparks seemingly is a great young man. Someone like him on a team can rub off on teammates, he may be the perfect fit for the questions that have surrounded Ware. Sparks, Walker, Gunn, Cupps, Banks make up a very talented bench. Good year ahead for the Hoosiers

[Class of '66 Old Fart 81,149]

Good move for Sparks and glad to see Lewis willing to take him back.

[RaceToTheTop 23,804]

Makes sense.  Wish him well.

[WayneFleekHoosier 46,831]

Good for all parties. Another great kid. And another kid mis-scouted by Woody and crew for Indiana.


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[DoctorP 815]

1 hour ago, Class of '66 Old Fart said:

Good move for Sparks and glad to see Lewis willing to take him back.

Excellent photoshop skills