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

[Hovadipo 58,167]

Just now, ebridges24 said:

Understood, but i'm sure the fact that IU showed little interest has left a bad taste in his mouth. Hopefully Woody can get him on board, but I doubt it.

If a kid can't think far enough in front of his face to realize he was "slighted" by a fired coaching staff and not Indiana University itself, I'm not sure we're missing out on much.

[ebridges24 2,449]

26 minutes ago, Hovadipo said:

If a kid can't think far enough in front of his face to realize he was "slighted" by a fired coaching staff and not Indiana University itself, I'm not sure we're missing out on much.

I hope you're right Hova, I really do.

[Stuhoo 83,670]

1 hour ago, ebridges24 said:

We should've shown interest the first time around. If I were him, I'd tell IU to eff off.

If that was the case, he’d have to tell every single team currently pursuing him to eff off.

He went to Ball State—none of those schools wanted him the first time around.

 

[ebridges24 2,449]

1 minute ago, Stuhoo said:

If that was the case, he’d have to tell every single team currently pursuing him to eff off.

He went to Ball State—none of those schools wanted him the first time around.

 

They aren't in state teams. I hope I'm completely wrong, as I usually am. I'm just worried about his mindset.

[RaceToTheTop 27,257]

16 minutes ago, ebridges24 said:

They aren't in state teams. I hope I'm completely wrong, as I usually am. I'm just worried about his mindset.

I would say his mindset if he is choosing to transfer after his freshman year is that he wants to move up to a higher division of play.  If that's, the schools he should be ignoring are the Hofstras, Central Michigan's, etc.  We are one a of few he should be listening to.

[MemphisHoosier 2,276]

For those more familiar with him, is he a legit 6'9" 240 lbs? Per 247, in HS he was closer to the 6'7" 235 lbs. range so this does give a bit of pause in a bigger, more physically demanding B1G.

[IUc2016 7,121]

He seems to be more of a below the rim type post player. Good footwork and true back to the basket game. 
 

not really my dream type of player. I want more of a rim runner, rim protector that can go up and get lobs. Even step out and hit a 3. Don’t think he is that player, but can’t deny he was productive as a freshman and probably has room to develop 

[VO5 8,295]

While he’s a good player, he’s not the type of big who can defend athletic guys in the tourney. We need a more above the rim center. I’d pass

[Golfman25 6,005]

5 hours ago, ebridges24 said:

We should've shown interest the first time around. If I were him, I'd tell IU to eff off.

Sure you would.  :) 

[LamarCheeks 20,235]

20 hours ago, ebridges24 said:

We should've shown interest the first time around. If I were him, I'd tell IU to eff off.

Can almost hear it ...

Woody: Hello, young fella. This is Coach Mike Woodson of the Indiana Hoosiers. I understand you've entered the transfer portal and might be looking for a change. I'm calling to see if you'd be interested in coming on down to Bloomington for a visit. I'd love to have you and your parents meet me, my staff and some of the players. We can show you around campus and discuss what Indiana University can offer -- academically, socially and from a basketball standpoint. 

Sparks: F--k off! 

 

[Class of '66 Old Fart 86,743]

Profile on Sparks from The Daily Hoosier

https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/iu-basketball-recruiting-transfer-portal-names-to-know-ball-states-payton-sparks/?fbclid=IwAR2VFG7KKUU_7k2P94GWFeRVL6ZiFU74wheOmhlxV6ulF-9wThShgCso9Wk

[Golfman25 6,005]

Wonder if anything changes if Michael Lewis gets the Ball state job.  

[Stuhoo 83,670]

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

Profile on Sparks from The Daily Hoosier

https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/iu-basketball-recruiting-transfer-portal-names-to-know-ball-states-payton-sparks/?fbclid=IwAR2VFG7KKUU_7k2P94GWFeRVL6ZiFU74wheOmhlxV6ulF-9wThShgCso9Wk

Yes please. Watch the in-game videos. Also, look at the in-game logs. As a freshman he not only had excellent numbers, those numbers steadily grew over the course of the year. Definitely big enough to guard the post in the B1G.

And, he’s a three year, non-project get.

[lillurk 3,983]

4 hours ago, Golfman25 said:

Wonder if anything changes if Michael Lewis gets the Ball state job.  

No insight whatsoever — maybe he’s able to Woody/TJD him back — but my strong hunch is this is a guy who wants to play at a higher level.

[Demo 21,042]

4 hours ago, Class of '66 Old Fart said:

Profile on Sparks from The Daily Hoosier

https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/iu-basketball-recruiting-transfer-portal-names-to-know-ball-states-payton-sparks/?fbclid=IwAR2VFG7KKUU_7k2P94GWFeRVL6ZiFU74wheOmhlxV6ulF-9wThShgCso9Wk

Has gotten much leaner and stronger. Kudos to him and the Ball St strength coach. 

[Class of '66 Old Fart 86,743]

...and receiving serious interest from West Virginia, Iowa State, Loyola Chicago, Indiana so far.”

https://247sports.com/Article/Basketball-recruiting-Ball-State-Payton-Sparks-Pittsburgh-Virginia-Oklahoma-Indiana-Illinois-Cincinnati-Iowa-State-Loyola-Chicago-West-Virginia-Arizona-State-184974136/

[Hoosierfanyuh 3,007]

Interesting

[Stuhoo 83,670]

 

Based on this we are expecting to lose at least four. Not surprising. 

I also love that Sparks expects to decide in the next six weeks (before the end of the school year). That bodes well for our chances with an in-state player.

 

[Honkyman 1,670]

I'm not sure Sparks brings what we need. He only attempted seven 3-point shots and missed them all. I guess you could say he would fit right in with IU's outside shooting abilities.

[mark1981 1,378]

16 minutes ago, Honkyman said:

I'm not sure Sparks brings what we need. He only attempted seven 3-point shots and missed them all. I guess you could say he would fit right in with IU's outside shooting abilities.

He sounds like more of the same.  We need dual threat players.