Trish

I’m sort of surprised he didn’t follow his coach to Stanford. Perhaps it was his grades? I’ve talked to people who have had to scout against Rice, apparently he’s going to be a solid get for Indiana. I imagine he’ll start from Day 1.

Now this is funny! Rice is an upgrade from Johnson and Cupps. We’ll see exactly how the guards are utilized with Malik and Ballo taking up the majority of the possessions.

He’s likely worth that in today’s market. I imagine there’s still a couple million available.

Assuming Ballo does indeed commit to Indiana this upcoming week, I’d imagine we’re going to see the same system fans have seen the last 4 years. Inside-Out.

Jesus. Well I suppose I’m not too shocked. Interesting better programs didn’t offer him money like Indiana did. The starting lineup for Indiana next season is looking expensive. Not to mention whatever money it took to land Tucker, who I assume will come off the bench.

Ballo isn’t playing 29 minutes a game. He only played 25 minutes this season. Leal won’t play either. Tucker likely won’t get 25 either.

Thank you! Gathering the evidence to send to Scott when Indiana fails to make it to the second round again with “talent”. ;) We shall see what Rice can provide in a better conference and a completely odd style of play. I’m impressed a guard chose Indiana considering the circumstances! Congrats to the staff.

Would that technically mean Woodson has had 3 freshman of the years?

Someone mentioned this is the first guard commit since November 2021. Is that true? Jesus.

Better than what Indiana had this season by the looks of it. We’ll see how it translates to a better conference. Not to down play the first team selection. But the PAC 12 selects 10 to the first team. So weird. Goodbye to the Pac12!

Rice / Cupps Trey / Kanaan Mack / Tucker Malik / Ballo / OUT OF ROTATION: Newton, Leal. That would be my rotation once Ballo and Kanaan commit. Still no shooting and I question the perimeter defense as well. Interior defense will be fine, even when Malik goes into his typical foul trouble.

Excited to see all the Indiana homers bragging when Woodson lands all three of these guys. They just don’t get it and that’s okay.

Better than Xavier Johnson! He may start from game 1. We’ll see.

https://x.com/kirkgoldsberry/status/1773340844923216049?s=46 Indiana hired an NBA coach who doesn’t believe in the 3PT shot. Without turning this into a Woodson debate, I will give him the benefit of the doubt that college players are significantly worse than NBA players. It’s very interesting that Indiana doesn’t prioritize the most important and modern shot in 2024. Perhaps Malik can develop a 3PT shot while Ballo plugs up the paint. The potential transfers coming in will have their work cut out for them with the inside style of player Woodson wants to play next season. Frankly, I wouldn’t consider Indiana if I was a guard who could and wants to score. But Money Talks! I think Indiana will likely get a commitment by Monday. If there’s no commitments by Wednesday then that would be a cause of concern.

Problem is, the Indiana coaching staff doesn’t believe in the 3PT shot.

Don’t forget one of the worst offenses Indiana has seen in a decade. Also, Indiana is bottom 300 in 3PT attempts. That is absolutely insane.

I forgot to mention. If Woodson lands these kids, let’s not forget, he’s going to be coaching them as well. We’ve seen enough to know it’s likely not going to be all that good.

Woodson said it himself this season if I recall correctly. The inside game is more important than the perimeter game. Perhaps that’s why he‘s not concerned with guarding the perimeter while also being in the bottom of D1 in attempts per game.

If Woodson lands all these portal kids, he’s going to win off a lot of fans. Dolson will be happy. But the fit? I’m not buying it. He continues to pursue kids that don’t solve the biggest issue; shooting.

I have more questions about the offense, not defense with that. Ballo is huge, he would help any team in the country. But pairing him next to Malik doesn’t seem like it would work. The paint is going to be suffocated especially with some guards on the perimeter who are not major threats of scoring from the outside. Defense would likely be fine, especially inside. Offense, I’m not buying it. Didn’t Woodson say he wanted to have a modern offense during his intro press conference? This seems like he’s going to go even further away from modern.

He’s going to get the itch to coach again, it happens to every coach.

Would be an appealing portal class that will smooth over a lot of the fan base. However, I really don't like the fit.

For anyone interested. Here's the stats from the IU team this year. The colored numbers are the percent ranking among D1's.

You're wrong. It's Ken Nunn!

Johnson fell off a cliff and was injured most of the year, but I'd agree he's ideally better than Johnson.