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BLOOMINGTON – Securing a number of key returners from last year’s 19-win team, Indiana basketball coach Mike Woodson used last spring to reinforce his roster with key additions from both the high school ranks and the transfer portal.
The result was a roster on paper as talented as any in the Big Ten, perhaps capable of competing for a conference title and at the national level as well. How Woodson blends and deploys the remade rotations available to him will determine how high the Hoosiers climb in 2025, but this might be the best roster, front to back, he’s had in Bloomington, and it’s certainly packed with promise.
We’ll take a player by player look at that roster, starting at the top numerically and working our way down.
Jakai Newton, No. 0, redshirt freshman guard
Indiana’s Jakai Newton introduced during Hoosier Hysteria at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.
Newton’s entire outlook this winter revolves around his health. After missing last season due to the lingering effects of a knee injury suffered in high school, the Atlanta-area native is back on the floor and hoping to contribute this season.
Mike Woodson said at Big Ten media day IU’s staff is still limiting Newton in some respects, eager not to reaggravate his knee problem. But Woodson’s comments also suggest Newton might be as strong and athletic as any player on his team. With so much of his career still ahead of him, Indiana can afford to protect Newton, but not stifle his development.
Myles Rice, No. 1, redshirt sophomore guard
Indiana’s Myles Rice (1) directs the offense in the scrimmage during Hoosier Hysteria at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.
Perhaps Indiana’s highest-profile addition in the spring portal window, Rice brings immediate impact and an impressive resume. He was voted Pac-12 freshman of the year last season, steering Washington State to its first NCAA tournament appearance in well over a decade.
Rice actually got more effective distributing the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/meet-indiana-basketball-roster-breaking-085036311.html
Author : IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star
Publish date : 2024-10-28 08:50:00
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