Transfer Portal w IU Interest

[Pagoda]

15 hours ago, RaceToTheTop said:

Torvik projection:  without Harris on the roster (a glitch in the program, have him removed from the transfer portal but not on IU's roster), IU's roster is currently ranked 38th.

Add Goode and Leal (but not Harris since the system won't put him in), and IU climbs to 24th.

Simply put, the roster rankings from 20-40 are really close.

Thanks.  IMO this is a key point -- it's hard to differentiate rosters like ours with much certainty right now.  I'm hoping (praying) CDD and staff picked the right group of guys and can coach them up to be near the #20 ranking on that #20-40 scale.  That is obviously the huge question right now.  CDD has done it before, so he knock on wood should be able to do it here.

[HinnyHoosier]

I started to track this a couple days ago but got distracted, and today is Saturday so I'm just lazy, but how (and how seriously) are we on Leal watch????

[AZ Hoosier]

I started to track this a couple days ago but got distracted, and today is Saturday so I'm just lazy, but how (and how seriously) are we on Leal watch????

Meh. A thousand times “meh”.

[LamarCheeks]

Sorry if this has been asked -- or maybe it's assumed -- but I can't read back through all these pages to get at the origin of the Leal saga. Is this a real thing -- or just speculation? Do we know for sure he even wants to come back? Does CDD want him back?

Has he applied for a waiver? 

I've got nothing against the kid, but I think if I were the NCAA, I'd probably say: "Look -- you've had four full years and a partial fifth. That's enough. No waiver." 

I'd have a little different tack with Goode. He's had three full seasons with a partial fourth. 

[Ctf9]

Eamonn Brennan had a long Indiana analysis in his latest Substack newsletter. He said he was “cautiously” optimistic, “maybe.” So less enthused than most on this board. He seemed pretty surprised at how many midmajor players DeVries brought in. But Brennan also said that if DeVries is a good evaluator, it could work really well. 
 

And most intriguingly he said he thinks IU might be saving its money for one more big player—possibly as big as Darrion Williams. Brennan pointed out that those midmajor guys can be solid starters but also dynamite bench guys, and he believes IU still has more to spend. 
 

No idea if this is true. Just sharing a national perspective (and of course Brennan is also an IU grad). 

[Rico]

9 minutes ago, Ctf9 said:

Eamonn Brennan had a long Indiana analysis in his latest Substack newsletter. He said he was “cautiously” optimistic, “maybe.” So less enthused than most on this board. He seemed pretty surprised at how many midmajor players DeVries brought in. But Brennan also said that if DeVries is a good evaluator, it could work really well. 
 

And most intriguingly he said he thinks IU might be saving its money for one more big player—possibly as big as Darrion Williams. Brennan pointed out that those midmajor guys can be solid starters but also dynamite bench guys, and he believes IU still has more to spend. 
 

No idea if this is true. Just sharing a national perspective (and of course Brennan is also an IU grad). 

https://www.si.com/college/texas-tech/basketball/texas-tech-darrion-williams-receives-invite-2025-nba-draft-combine

[HoosierHoopster]

39 minutes ago, LamarCheeks said:

Sorry if this has been asked -- or maybe it's assumed -- but I can't read back through all these pages to get at the origin of the Leal saga. Is this a real thing -- or just speculation? Do we know for sure he even wants to come back? Does CDD want him back?

Has he applied for a waiver? 

I've got nothing against the kid, but I think if I were the NCAA, I'd probably say: "Look -- you've had four full years and a partial fifth. That's enough. No waiver." 

I'd have a little different tack with Goode. He's had three full seasons with a partial fourth. 

Like you I can’t read back through all these pages but I’m pretty sure it’s just people having fun on the board, like hey how many senior speeches can a guy give lol. He doesn’t fit DeVries roster and he’s had his IU career, which ended well (for him)

[Stuhoo]

52 minutes ago, Ctf9 said:

Eamonn Brennan had a long Indiana analysis in his latest Substack newsletter. He said he was “cautiously” optimistic, “maybe.” So less enthused than most on this board. He seemed pretty surprised at how many midmajor players DeVries brought in. But Brennan also said that if DeVries is a good evaluator, it could work really well. 
 

And most intriguingly he said he thinks IU might be saving its money for one more big player—possibly as big as Darrion Williams. Brennan pointed out that those midmajor guys can be solid starters but also dynamite bench guys, and he believes IU still has more to spend. 
 

No idea if this is true. Just sharing a national perspective (and of course Brennan is also an IU grad). 

Devries is very much echoing the Cignetti model:

Get really productive mid-major kids and rely on ability to evaluate talent in deciding which one’s success will translate to P5 ball.

With outstanding evaluation and development, that can be a fantastic strategy; however, there is no guarantee. If evaluation isn’t on point, you’re stuck with a lot of guys that aren’t good enough to succeed in power five ball.

[Hoosier987]

1 hour ago, Ctf9 said:

Eamonn Brennan had a long Indiana analysis in his latest Substack newsletter. He said he was “cautiously” optimistic, “maybe.” So less enthused than most on this board. He seemed pretty surprised at how many midmajor players DeVries brought in. But Brennan also said that if DeVries is a good evaluator, it could work really well. 
 

And most intriguingly he said he thinks IU might be saving its money for one more big player—possibly as big as Darrion Williams. Brennan pointed out that those midmajor guys can be solid starters but also dynamite bench guys, and he believes IU still has more to spend. 
 

No idea if this is true. Just sharing a national perspective (and of course Brennan is also an IU grad). 

I’ve always felt we’re one good big away from being a really dangerous team. I hope this is true. I still think we need to get one more big guy…if only for added depth. If one of Bailey, Reed or Alexis go down for any period of time, we’re not in a good position…and god forbid 2…

 Goode + decent big would be an awesome way to finish the off season.

[MemphisHoosier]

53 minutes ago, Stuhoo said:

Devries is very much echoing the Cignetti model:

Get really productive mid-major kids and rely on ability to evaluate talent in deciding which one’s success will translate to P5 ball.

With outstanding evaluation and development, that can be a fantastic strategy; however, there is no guarantee. If evaluation isn’t on point, you’re stuck with a lot of guys that aren’t good enough to succeed in power five ball.

Agree.  The one watch-out I have is that Cig was able to bring the bolus of a very productive coaching and support system from JMU, CDD brought a much smaller group from WVU.  My hope is that this doesn’t impact the staff’s ability to identify and assess talent.

[8bucks]

2 hours ago, LamarCheeks said:

Sorry if this has been asked -- or maybe it's assumed -- but I can't read back through all these pages to get at the origin of the Leal saga. Is this a real thing -- or just speculation? Do we know for sure he even wants to come back? Does CDD want him back?

Has he applied for a waiver? 

I've got nothing against the kid, but I think if I were the NCAA, I'd probably say: "Look -- you've had four full years and a partial fifth. That's enough. No waiver." 

I'd have a little different tack with Goode. He's had three full seasons with a partial fourth. 

I think Leal’s fresh or sophomore year he I hurt his ankle and missed a lot of time. His # of games may have been above a normal redshirt threshold but I read where he only play 22 minutes. The minutes played angle should have some merit but not sure it has any precedence 

[bigrod]

1 hour ago, 8bucks said:

I think Leal’s fresh or sophomore year he I hurt his ankle and missed a lot of time. His # of games may have been above a normal redshirt threshold but I read where he only play 22 minutes. The minutes played angle should have some merit but not sure it has any precedence 

What is he, 32 now? 

[newcastle12]

8 hours ago, HoosierHoopster said:

Like you I can’t read back through all these pages but I’m pretty sure it’s just people having fun on the board, like hey how many senior speeches can a guy give lol. He doesn’t fit DeVries roster and he’s had his IU career, which ended well (for him)

So one of the IU burners posted a meme a few days ago, that was a dog in front of a for sale sign in a yard.  and Tyme liked and commented on it being something.  Then people interpreted it to mean that Leal was going after a waiver and likely to get it.

Leal does have a bit of a case, he came back and played an 11th game in the tournament so he's just over the 30 percent threshold like Goode, but there is no indication that he actually wants to do that or applied. 

 

UPDATE FROM RABBY HE HAS APPLIED, the burners knew something.

 

https://x.com/JeffRabjohns/status/1918817099293540502

[WayneFleekHoosier]

So one of the IU burners posted a meme a few days ago, that was a dog in front of a for sale sign in a yard.  and Tyme liked and commented on it being something.  Then people interpreted it to mean that Leal was going after a waiver and likely to get it.
Leal does have a bit of a case, he came back and played an 11th game in the tournament so he's just over the 30 percent threshold like Goode, but there is no indication that he actually wants to do that or applied. 
 
UPDATE FROM RABBY HE HAS APPLIED, the burners knew something.
 
https://x.com/JeffRabjohns/status/1918817099293540502

It’s insane. However they’ve definitely known. I like Leal plenty. I like Goode even a touch more. Will be happy with both, unfortunately, I want another big and when I realized we weren’t getting one it bummed me out a bit.


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[steubenhoosier]

There has been a narrative for quite some time that this fanbase wants guys who want to be a Hoosier v guys who want to be paid.

If there Leal story is true, he fits the definition of a Hoosier. The disrespect aimed towards him by some here, that if he really wanted to be a basketball player he would have moved down a level instead of “staying for the bag” is ludicrous. Wonder how many who believe this nonsense also espouse the concept of “hometown discount “?

Playing in front of your family and friends means a lot to some people. Playing for the school in your backyard and who dreamt of playing for your entire life, means something.

Hate away at Anthony Leal if you must. I would take him on this team and have no second thoughts 

[Demo]

15 hours ago, steubenhoosier said:

Hate away at Anthony Leal if you must. I would take him on this team and have no second thoughts 

100%. And he’d find some minutes, but, honest to God, I’d take even if he barely plays. Whatever one thinks of this roster, and I’m pretty intrigued, the one thing it absolutely lacks is anyone at all whose experienced anything close to an IUBB-type environment and the accompanying expectations. Every one of these kids is moving up in weight class. The scrutiny. The fishbowl. The road atmospheres.The whole deal. Having a voice in the locker room who gets it and can convey it would have great, great value. 

[LamarCheeks]

Since Leal and Goode have applied for waivers, CDD apparently is fine with both returning. 

I'd be curious to see how it went with all the other guys. 

Were any welcomed back, but wanted to leave?

Did any want to come back, but CDD told them it'd be best to move along?

Don't wanna say a mutual parting -- that's too easy! Although I suppose many fell into that category.  

CDD said during his opening presser he'd sit down with everyone and if it was best for guys to move on -- no hard feelings. 

[Dillion]

I’m fine with whatever coach wants I just don’t see how leal moves the needle at all. If he is logging minutes we will not be very good. I’m having a hard time understanding what he actually brings to the team. I get it he’s a hometown kid who wants to play for Indiana but a lot of kids want to play for Indiana. If Leal were to enter the portal I have a hard time seeing big time programs wanting him. I just think there are a lot more needs on this team. Bring back Luke grab a big and let’s roll into the season.


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[RaceToTheTop]

IF Goode and Leal bother return and you add the per game numbers for each player on the roster (excluding Sisley since he'll be a freshman):

44% of the team's shots would have been three pointers.

As a group, they shot 50% from inside the arc and 38% on threes and 45% overall.  Effective shooting percentage was 53%.  Free throw percentage of 75%.

By means of comparison, last year's IU team:

33% of the team's shots were three pointers;  53% inside the arc, 32% on threes and 46% overall.  Effective shooting percentage was 50%.  Free throw percentage was 71%.

 

[Okram]

17 minutes ago, Dillion said:

I’m having a hard time understanding what he actually brings to the team. 


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Outside of experience, he brings an elite defensive BPM in 2025 that would have ranked first in the country for the 2023-2024 season. He’s obviously limited offensively (although if he played with 4 versatile offensive players and multiple guys that can make plays that may not stand out as much) outside of keeping the ball moving. And I’m not saying he would or should get starter minutes, but he’s an ultimate team player that makes lineups better while he’s on the floor. If he somehow gets another year, they might as well keep him around. 

Edited May 4 by Okram