April 23, 2025 • 45 mins
On this episode, Alex Bozich is joined by William McDermott to discuss IU basketball's seven transfer portal additions thus far.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
Welcome back to a new episode of podcast on the Brink.
It's Wednesday, April twenty third. The transfer portal officially closed
for new entries, but that doesn't mean the recruiting has
stopped for most schools, I would say at this point
around the country still putting together their rosters for next season.
On today's episode of Podcasts on the Break, we're gonna
be joined by an old friend. William McDermott, formerly Ev
(00:39):
Inside the Hall, is now doing a variety of different things.
Still writes a little bit about IU basketball on his
own sub stack, but his main gig is working on
the radio for the Louisville Sports Network. Get to William
in just a second. One to take a moment to
remind you of this episode of Podcasts on the Brink,
brought to you by Visit Bloomington. Just because the basketball
(01:01):
season is over doesn't mean the fun stops. Spring is
the perfect time to explore everything Bloomington has to offer,
like the trails at Griffey Lake, Nature Preserved and refuel
with local flavors on tap at upp and Brewing Company.
Don't forget about the mini music festivals coming to Bloomington
this spring. Whether you're into outdoor adventures, food, or just
relaxing in a vibrant college town. Visit Bloomington's got you covered.
(01:22):
Start planning your spring getaway now at visit Bloomington dot com. William,
last time we spoke it was before the Battle for Atlantis.
How the world has changed since then in terms of
Indiana basketball When you watch those games, How shocked were
you at just how that first game went in Atlantis?
Speaker 2 (01:46):
Well, I definitely shocked, but I think part of me also,
and I think a lot of people who follow I
you closely, they weren't that shocked. And to me, looking
back on the season, that game was kind of I
think it was just kind of an eye opening result
(02:07):
for a lot of people in the fan base. And
I think that was a big turning point for a
lot of people in the fan base if they hadn't
been turned off already on the Mike Woodson era. But
certainly it was a disastrous result from IU. And I
just remember the way that you know, you played them
close in the first half, and it kind of they
(02:29):
were teeter tottering, and then Louisville went on a little
bit of a push to end the first half and
then coming out of the locker room, I mean, it
was just like a bomb went off. Louisville they were
just they couldn't Miles Rice could not handle the pressure.
Indiana they looked lost, They couldn't get the ball up
the floor, lazy defensively. It just was a ridiculous, ridiculous
(02:52):
second half. One of the biggest implosions I can remember seeing,
at least following in terms of a covering basketball standpoint.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
Yeah, my dad wrote at some point after that game
that that was kind of the beginning of the end
for Mike Woodson, and I think some people responded to like, no,
he had still had a whole season. But if you
watch that game closely enough, it was foreshadowing of what
was to come. We saw so many performances, maybe not
to that level because then Zaga game was, I guess
a little bit better. But then but then you had
the performances against Illinois at home, and you had the
(03:23):
Iowa performance where it was it was basically a couple
of months later and it was the same thing. So
in many ways, you're right, it was kind of the
just a turning point, and it kind of also showed
just how much how shaky the ground was that Mike
Woodson was standing on in terms of the fan base
that it after what they did in the portal. It
basically just took getting blown out one time for most
(03:46):
of the people to be out on it. So again,
don't want to rehash to Mike Woodson's situation, but I
just thought it was funny to bring up because that
was the last time you got on the show. You've
done obviously a lot of work. I just want to
check on you write real quick professionally because you know
you have had, you know, a transition now to the
real world working down for the Louisville Sports Network. How
(04:07):
was that that first year for you do in football
and basketball?
Speaker 2 (04:10):
It was great. I mean, I think when you show
up every single day and you're at every single game
and you have a role in every single game, I
think you kind of develop a sense of appreciation for
the people that do show up every single day and
do it because I think you're working in sports media,
working and broadcasting like it's different. I mean, I had
(04:33):
to work on Thanksgiving Day, as did you. I had
to work on New Year's Day and stuff like that,
and that was all very different for me. But it's
also part of what comes with the job. And then
now it's the off season and can kind of sit
back and relax a little bit more. But I guess
with the portal open and everything now, there never really
is an off season. But it was a really fun
(04:55):
first year. I think I learned a lot, I got
a lot better, and definitely things that I'm going to
carry out with me on the rest of the way
through this journey.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
So so you've you've still stayed engaged with AU basketball.
I know you're still pretty active on x and you
write a lot of stuff on your sub sub stack.
What's kind of made you continue to stay drawn? Obviously
went to IU, you wrote Friendside the Hall, you worked
in other student media outlets. Why have you kind of
wanted to still stay engaged in terms of writing about
(05:24):
the team and a lot of the breakdowns you've been
doing recently been pretty in depth and you're you're taking
a lot of time doing that. So I'm just kind
of curious, you know why you still wanted to stay
engaged with that.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
I just love basketball. I love IU basketball. I think
anybody who's ever walked into Assembly Hall, I think knows
that that place just has a way of sucking you
in and getting underneath your skin, and it definitely did
that to me, and the program did even you know,
I covered the team for three years, two of them
(05:58):
with you, and I think, you know, being able to
be in the building and the places I got to
go is really cool. And I just wanted to keep
following it because I had a follower base that, you know,
I think that I developed that appreciated my content and
knew that if they were to look for IU basketball
stuff that I could provide that. And so I obviously
wanted to continue writing as well, and that was a
(06:20):
way that I can do that through the blog and
the newsletter. So yeah, good stuff.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
I've been enjoying following and good stuff. It's one reason
I want to have you, honest, because you have taken
a lot of time to look at a lot of
these players in Indiana's I just want to kind of
get your thoughts on some of these additions and what
you make of them and kind of how all these
pieces fit together. Starting with with Tucker Derees. Obviously, he's
kind of the name that a lot of people are
focused on. The highest rated player in terms of transfer,
(06:48):
Porter rankings, although we've kind of learned maybe not to
get too caught up in that after the experience of
last year. A lot of these guys maybe not from
high major programs really besides Degrees, I don't think any
of them have high major experience coming into the Indiana program.
But I think people are a lot more optimistic going
into next season given the regime change and just how
(07:08):
these pieces may fit together compared to last season. But
Devrees fair to call him that maybe the centerpiece of
what's going to be going on with Indiana basketball next season.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
I definitely think he's going to be one of the
center pieces, him and Lamar Wilkerson, especially on the offensive end.
And I think when you think of Tucker Dvrees, everybody
you know, it's the coach's son. Everybody expected him to
come to IU, and I think you know rightfully so,
but he's been a little bit under undervalued. I think
(07:39):
in this transfer portal. Hall only played in eight games
at West Virginia, but when he did play, he was
one of the better shooters in the nation, as he
always has been. Forty seven percent on fifty five attempts
in his eight games at West Virginia, and then even
dating back to his time at Drake, he knows the
Devres system obviously very well. He's willing defensively and he's
(08:02):
a guy who can do multiple things well in the
offensive end. A good rebounder at his size, and I
think a lot of people forget that he's six', seven,
Right So, indiana you look at their height on the
wing and rebounding. Ability that's definitely in length on the.
Wing that's definitely something that is improving on this roster
can in terms of based on the years prior that
(08:26):
we've seen Under Archie miller And Mike. Woodson So Tucker,
devrees it definitely starts with, Him but in, TOTALITY i
think the group That Darren DeVries has brought, in you're
seeing a plan and you're seeing a trend of the
kind of players that he's bringing, in And Tucker devrees
(08:47):
maybe an anomaly because he's his.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
Son, yeah you're. Right it's almost like any other time
there'd be like a huge celebration right when a player
of this caliber, Committed but it was, like you, know
HE'S i was there for the press conference and he
just walks into the press conference with HIS iu hoodie.
On SO i was, like all, right he's never actually
come out and said anything on social media that he's
committed or, anything but it just assumed that he's coming.
(09:11):
Along what about his offensive? Game maybe you talked about the.
Shooting is there anything maybe that you've seen of him
that that maybe's a little bit underrated OUT i was
looking at his assist. Numbers he actually seems to be
a pretty willing pastor and, distributor to which a guy
that scores that, much particularly at the level he he,
does you don't necessarily see the same assist numbers out
(09:33):
of guys like.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
That With West virginia last, season he definitely served more
as a primary spot up. GUY i, mean he only
attempted thirty two's and he attempted fifty five threes in
those eight, games and he was only thirty percent on those.
Two so him getting around the, BASKET i think at
the high major level it's not necessarily an issue for,
(09:57):
him but it's not a. Strength BUT i do think
you mentioned his. Passing he is a willing passer and
he makes good decision decisions. Too AND i also think
that has to go with playing under his dad and his.
System that is obviously heavily predicated on ball, movement, passing,
spacing opening up the. Floor but for, Me, alex if
(10:20):
you watch his tape as a, shooter his off ball
movement is really. Impressive he knows how to get, open
and he knows how to get to his spots on the,
perimeter and it also helps that he can hit shots
from twenty five plus feet.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
Out so, yeah you watch some of those clips From
battle For, atlantis and he was. Right he was way
beyond the. Line it wasn't even Was it wasn't like
he was a foot or two. Pie he was six
or seven feet and he was making the shots.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
Effortlessly and he's got the green light. TOO i, mean
if he's, open they want him to shoot it no
matter where he.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Is So Connor enwright was, ACTUALLY i guess the first
real commitment among this group coming over From De. Paul
but obviously the tie in there is he played two
seasons for the Reason, drake he's a guy maybe not
getting as much fanfare as as some of the other,
names but you look at what he's able to do
from a defensive, standpoint is assist straight was really good last.
(11:09):
Season he he and Maybe i'm. WRONG i only watched
him on, film BUT i get the feeling that he's
gonna be one of those guys in The Big ten
That indiana fans are gonna love having on their team
and that other teams are gonna hate. Him like some
of the players that over the years that have played
For wisconsin THAT i Know indiana fans, like when is
it like A ben like A Ben? Brust remember? HIM
(11:30):
i don't know if you maybe a little bit before
your time played For wisconsin FOR i, think, Yeah, Brad Brad,
davis those kind of guys where it was like they
were just a pest at all times out, there AND
i get the feeling that that's kind of the player
that he's gonna be For.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
INDIANA i, mean he's kind of he's like a little junkyard.
Dog he's six,' two just like one hundred and eighty,
five pounds but he really gets after it on the,
defensive end AND then i think he also provides something
on the. Offensive, END right i think a lot of
people when you have guys that come off, the bench
you need guys that can do multiple, things WELL and
(12:07):
I Think connor enright is one of. Those guys his.
ASSIST rate, i mean he only played in twenty three
games he had an Injury with DePaul, last year but
it was sixteenth in, the. COUNTRY right, i mean that's
pretty impressive for a guy who's not very, you know high,
ball usage a guy who's not gonna be a scoring threat.
(12:27):
As much and then he also is capable as an.
Outside shooter, but defensively he will get in. Your grill
he loves to take charges and that's SOMETHING that I can,
I mean i think both of us Know that indiana
fans are gonna love watching him get down in a
defensive stance and make some plays and wreck. Some HAVOC
(12:48):
and i think that couple's really well with the other
guards that they've, brought in In Particular, taton CONNORWAY who
i thought was one of the best defensive guards available
in the transfer portal this seaar And so enwright as
a guy who's not going to be, a starter but
maybe you have them, playing sixteen eighteen to twenty minutes,
a game can fill in when needed for foul trouble
(13:10):
and stuff. Like that he'll play, a role and he'll fill,
the role and he knows. His ROLE and i think
that's really important to have coming off. The bench.
Speaker 1 (13:19):
For Sure red BAILEY was, i think kind of going
in chronological order here to. The Guy red bailey was
the next, next commitment and, HE too i think has
maybe flown a little bit under. The radar just, you
know he was an outstanding player last Season. At davidson
he Was An All all League, first Player Our all
(13:39):
league first. Team player the one thing that you know
he stands out about him he can step out a
little bit at. His size it's a little. Bit unique
rebounding numbers not really a strength of his and that's
that's kind of ONE thing i want to bring up
and maybe talk a little bit about later in terms
of what they need maybe going forward to. The ROSTER
(14:00):
but i think he can play, some five play some four.
As well what stood Out About read bailey just from
watching his film.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
HIS passing i think he's one of the best passing
big men in. The. COUNTRY really i think some of
the angles that he finds and at, six ten he
doesn't play like he's, six' ten which i think that's
kind of what you're hitting at with. The REBOUNDING stuff
but i don't think that's necessarily going to be a
problem because he can, space the floor because he can,
(14:32):
pass so well and he was also really good at cutting.
OFF the, ball i mean this is a guy that
knows how to get, into THE lane and i don't
want to compare him to A Guy like molique reneu
when he does get around the basket, with his footwork
but he was pretty solid against a ten competition around
the basket. With his footwork he definitely struggled with the
(14:55):
more physically imposing big men that he faced at especially,
those you know. Really good athletes But his passing alex.
WAS just, outstanding i mean he is assist rate twenty
five point three for a six ten to two hundred
and thirty pounds. Center or forward that was one hundred
and eighty first in the country's sixth best assist rate
(15:17):
in the CONFERENCE in the a ten as a six,
to ten guy doesn't matter what conference you're in or
what team. You're playing for that's. Really Really impressive and
davidson the offense really. Ran through him that's not going
to be The. Case at indiana so if he can
play more of, an, off ball spacing cutting a passing
(15:38):
role as a six, to ten guy he's going to,
be REALLY valuable but i am really curious To See
how darren devrees uses him because he's kind he's kind
of in a unicorn at his position and A player
that i'm not sure how well He fits in davrez's
(15:59):
system based on, of years prior because he likes to,
have these athletic big rim runners who, can set screens
facilitate of, stuff, like that defend, protect the Rim and
then i'm immediately thinking About Like a Darnell brody At
Drake Or Amari hansbury Amoni Hansbury at west. Virginia last
(16:21):
season rebailly definitely is not that, kind of player but
he's going to be able to provide a lot on.
The offensive end and another thing. His foul rate he
knows how, to get fouled and he's a good free
throw shooter seventy seven percent on two hundred and twenty six.
Attempts last year his foul rate was eighth BEST In.
The a ten. That's pretty impressive and a guy who
(16:43):
knows how to get to his spots and be effective.
Around The rim so.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
I've been thinking a lot lately just about How many players,
indiana ULTIMATELY needs because i know a lot of, people,
are saying well you can have. Fifteen, SCHOLARSHIP players now
i think the idea of having fifteen players on a
college basketball team that atually expect to play is in
an era of player movement, THAT we're in i think
is a ridiculous idea because you're going to have immediately
(17:08):
four or five guys who are disgruntled from day one
that aren't getting a chance to. Play AT all and
i think you can take a couple of guys maybe
at the end, of your bench with the idea that
they're going to be development pieces for the end or.
For the future, BUT you know i would say the
best teams, in college, basketball you know play eight. Nine
guys regularly. That's your rotation indiana has already up to
(17:29):
eight scholarship players when You Figure, In Trin sicily so
i'm thinking two or three more guys that. They probably
need is you would you agree with that in terms
of the profile of what they? Need, MOVING forward obviously
i think they need a player who's at least six',
ten that you know can. Provide some rim protection not
saying it it has. To be a starter i'm not
saying it's actually someone has to play. Twenty twenty five
(17:50):
minutes but there are gonna Be nights in the big
ten where you're going up against the front line where
you have somebody that you need some physicality to throw
in there. And try to stop so that to me is.
The biggest clearing need just your thoughts on just the
overall number of players Maybe that you, expect india to
have and what the. NEEDS are Moving forward i.
Speaker 2 (18:11):
STILL i'm with you i think around twelve to thirteen
scholarship guys is, still the right number because then you
run into this problem, where you're you know, you're promising
guys' money and you're promising guys things in the portal
just for them, to, be the thirteenth. Fourteenth AND fifteenth
guys and i think that that just leaves a. LOT
(18:32):
up people unhappy i think could create some weird locker.
Room dynamics and problems so if you can, find like
ten guys nine ten guys that you, feel really good
about these, are going, to be you know the central.
Pieces of our rotation we feel good about them playing.
In any given game and then, maybe you have one,
(18:52):
two or three projects maybe a, guy you red shirt
a freshman coming in who has a little bit of
work to do before they. SEE high major basketball i
think that's kind of the good direction when it, comes
TO roster building and i do think That's the direction
that darren. Devrees is going in and you mentioned in terms,
(19:13):
OF what they need i do think it'll be around,
two three. More PLAYERS maybe four and i think the
biggest glaring weakness on the roster as of now is,
certainly the front court athleticism on the. Wing and rim
protection they don't really have that, physical enforcer Down Low and,
(19:35):
in darren devreeze's system they're not going to be the
focal point of the offense or the. Go to usage
guy he just needs somebody who, can run the, floor
protect the rim, be a lob threat. And BE physically
imposing and i, think they'll be okay and probably a.
COUPLE of, those guys i mean they only have one
(19:56):
forward on the roster in, my opinion Right. Now. AND
that's bailey.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
Yeah i mean they've got one player. TALLER than six, seven,
i don't. Know yeah and. HEIGHTS heights, Not everything i
mean hansbury played a Ton Last. YEAR at west virginia i,
Think He's six eight so i'm not saying the player
has to be six, eleven or six ten and they
could be Six eight if, they're if they're good they're
long and they play taller than then you know they're they're,
actually hot their height or, they rebound the. BALL they
block shots, i THINK that's fine but i agree with
(20:23):
you that they need someone who can provide some, resistance
In the rim because i'm Not sure against the michigan,
states of, the world you know produce maybe A. LITTLE
bit different michigan i don't know how you can survive
without having some type of. Presence at the rim.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
You can't Definitely not. IN the big ten I MEAN
you even and i think this is A Part where
maybe mike woodson and they they maybe had put an
over emphasis on it. IN the front court i think
we all we, all AGREE with that and I Do
worry that darren deriez maybe is putting an. Under emphasis on.
(21:01):
It but we'll see we don't know what the roster
is going to. Pan OUT to be but i think
if you can just find a guy that's going to,
do the dirty, work they'll set, screens they'll rebound well
they can, push the ball, quickly be, an outlet good,
conditioning run the, floor protect the rim and the be
a loab threat and solid in. THE pick and roll
(21:23):
i think they're going. To BE just fine and i
think if you can find a guy that you feel
comfortable pairing With the guards that, indiana has brought in
it could be. A really good fit and there are
plenty of those types. OF players, out there i mean
that's kind of the modern big man. In college basketball
nowadays but then You Also have the reed bailey post
(21:45):
player who can score in the post right and. Be
AN offensive threat so i think if you can, couple
those two together then you're kind of. Cooking, SOMETHING down low.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
Yeah i mean it's going To be adjustment for Indiana
Fans going From chase shackson To is To Khalil Ware
to umar. BOLLO welik were new i don't think you're
gonna have a player that obviously is has that much,
of A role offensively but i do think they are
gonna find some type of post presence just in terms
of rebounding and defense that they can. Put On this
(22:16):
roster lamar wilkerson OBVIOUSLY the highest profile i guess recruitment
of this portal Cycle, so far for indiana just because
we Had. The the visit indiana then we Had the
trip To kentucky with with lamar out on the on
the Worst Track, with with, mark pope you know, in
the winner circle and ye what a. What a weird.
Speaker 2 (22:39):
Scenario that was hilarious.
Speaker 1 (22:43):
It was just funny to see how it was basically
no Fanfare with, for his indiana visit like it was.
All under the Radar and then in kentucky they have
him Out in public at keeneland and they're taking. Pictures
just You know i'm. Sure lamar it was it. Was
fun for him but and then he goes home FOR
a Days and i think indiana FANS were unsure what.
I what to, Expect Any you know darren devrees flies
(23:05):
down there and talks to him. And get THE commitment
that was i think just A big moment for debrees
in this portal cycle to show that he could Win, A,
Recruitment against Kentucky AUBURN ole miss and i think when
you're getting a player that those are the. Schools That
want him you're you're you're going. In. The right waters
(23:26):
right THEY'LL look at the sec the, last couple of
years what they've done in college basketball compared. TO the
big ten i mean the fact that they're able to
land a player that THOSE schools wanted to i think
says a lot about what kind of Player They're. Getting.
WITH labar wilkerson.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
Yeah i MEAN you Look At, i, mean walter clayton
right they you see what HE Did In the ncaa
tournament florida. Winning the national Title, he was at iona
right for a couple of Years. Before going to florida
there's a certain Kind of Profile Chas lanier from North,
florida Going to tennessee even dalton connect. The year before that.
(24:03):
This is really good this is. A really good Sign
i think that indiana. Beat out those schools but certainly
there are no guarantees when IT. Comes to the porl
you don't know what a guy is going to be
able to produce when they get to, a high major
level especially Coming Up from. A sam houston state but
In The, CASE of lamar wilkerson i do think that
he's going to translate because this kid is about as
(24:25):
pure as it gets as a. SCORE in the country
i think he was thirteenth nationally in points per game
and in terms of shooting the basketball on two hundred.
And twenty six attempts he shot forty three percent. FROM
beyond the yard i mean that is a big. Breath
of fresh air.
Speaker 1 (24:43):
And everyone he played new he was going. To be
shooting right. Everyone was playing new everyone he played new
he was going.
Speaker 2 (24:49):
To be shooting exactly and still he found a. Way
to get open he found a way. To get his
shots and then he also shot fifty, Percent on twos
right so he's comfortable, getting to the lane. Getting around
the rim he's, fine as a facilitator but. HE'S definitely
score first i do think there's work for him to
be done, on THE defensive end but i think a
(25:09):
lot of people also forget, he's, six foot five right this.
Is a, big GUARD he's big and i think that
that trends positively when it comes to the defensive. Side
of the ball. GOOD free throw shooter i would like
for him to get to the foul line. A little
bit more just free throw rate was just. Twenty one
point eight he did only attempt, ninety seven free throws
(25:31):
but did shoot eighty. THREE percent on them i think
that he will get to the Line more, in the
big ten just because it's going to he's gonna have
a harder time getting to the rim and getting his shot.
Off without getting fouled but when you Can, beat out
of kentucky you Can beat out at auburn For A,
PLAYER like lamar wilkerson i think THAT'S really impressive and
(25:51):
i think IT also stood out i. THINK you listened
to i think it was in the interview that He
did with the field of sixty eight Where He said
that darren devrees flew down there to see, him before
he committed to basically make a final pitch or ploy
to get HIM. To COME to iu and i think
(26:13):
that's always really nice to see in a really good sign,
on the recruiting trail especially so early. ON in His
tenure i think devrees is putting IN the work and
i think they've kind of identified a certain archetype of.
THE player, they want i mean you're. Looking at these
guys all of them have this kind of chip. On
(26:35):
their shoulder mentality THREE of, them are juco guys One Of,
them Being Lamar wilkerson of jason drake who committed the
other day have SPENT, a year At Juco and Then Josi,
miles from north florida who we haven't talked, about yet AS. Well,
WAS at juco so i mean this is things are
(26:56):
trending in a positive direction with the. Recruiting side of
things it's always really nice to hear when you have
a head coach that goes out of their way to
prioritize a player and makes them feel comfortable and like
they're making a good decision in. Coming TO your School
And i think lamar wilkerson is going to be a
HOME run player. For. IU next year.
Speaker 1 (27:17):
Yeah i think that also resonated with the fan base
because it kind of seemed like the opposite of something
that the previous head coach would have done in terms
of going down. TO close, the deal i mean there
was obviously a lot Said And written about mike woodson
and kind of, his Approach to recruiting whereas derees seems
to be grinding it out on a day to day
basis as he. Builds OUT this roster so i think
(27:38):
that Excited a. LOT of indiana fans a couple more guys.
HERE to talk about i think going In Chronological order
to josiah. Miles was the next but. WE had a
situation i think it was what last was maybe we
could go today where we had a commitment at, nine
to twenty pm and then we had another one at
eleven twenty, Eight pm at night so it was it
was kind of succession two in A row There With.
(27:59):
Miles and tayton connor wait what just talking about? Both
of those guys what Do you Like? About miles and conorway.
Speaker 2 (28:06):
We, can START with connorway because, I. LOVE that, kid
alex i mean if, you WATCH his, tape he i
mean he is by far MY favorite edition for iu.
In the transfer portal We already talked, about Connor enright
defensively taking conorway was probably the best defensive guard available,
(28:27):
in the transfer Portal at least. When indiana got, him
in my opinion he, tastes takes some risk but at
six foot three hundred, and eighty six pounds He Was
a sun Belt. Player of the year he was third in.
The nation in steels, he's got, long arms he's, aggressive
and then offensively he's got, an excellent quick burst great,
(28:49):
north and south speed. He can get downhill he's not
the best spot up, shooter IN the world but i
you's not going to need him to be with the
type of. Player they've added around if you can just
get connorway into the lane and he, can make good
choices which. He did last year he's going to be
a really fun player for. These guys to play around
(29:10):
four point, eight assists per game he only turned it
over under, three times a game and they were also
fifty eight percent on twos for a skinny. Six y three.
GUARD that's, really impressive i mean you watch. Some of
his tape the way he's able to find some of
these angles around the basket and hang in the air
and lay something tough off the glass or. Make a tough,
(29:33):
pass IT'S really impressive and i think those kind of
things translate to high major play If You're the sun belt, player,
OF the YEAR right i mean I covered the sun
Belt player of the year. From The previous year Terrence
edwards junior at. Louisville this past Season He was at.
James madison before coming certainly there were, limitations to his
(29:56):
game but he Was a third, team all acc guy
second leading score, or on The, ROSTER and by march i,
mean he Was cookie especially when hepburn was kind of
dealing with a groin issue and he took over some of.
The point guard duties so that Is, A REALLY good
league and i think you Have a guy in connorway
who is the head. Of THE snake defensively if I
(30:17):
Know that's something mike woodson, will say a lot but
he will get after it and then he can. Also
RUN the show and i think if you, also watch
his tape you'll see a guy who plays with, a
lot of fire, a lot of passion and. He WANTS
to win and i think to be a Point Guard
in the big ten you.
Speaker 1 (30:33):
Have, To have that yeah and you saw what a
player who can control the game defensively could Do last
season At Louisville when when. Katy HEPBURN came over so
i think does that have a little bit to do
with why you're Excited in, TERMS of connorway's.
Speaker 2 (30:48):
IMPACT i THINK so i think i. Don't think he
may he may not have the Exact same production that
chuck he had defense that'd.
Speaker 1 (30:56):
Be, hard to do yeah fifteen player in, all of
college basketball you had. That type of production and Then
you're talking about indiana, as a you know a exact,
team or, beyond team.
Speaker 2 (31:05):
So Exactly but acc Defensive, player of the year a
guy who some players they just have, a, Knack for
it right they just have a really good, FEEL for,
the game i think especially you see in some, point
guards they do, and his Aggressiveness Defensively this is. Connorway
i'm talking about it can put him in some, difficult
(31:25):
spots at times but he loves a good pick pocket
and he's just so handsy and aggressive and he plays.
All the correct angles he's just really. Fun TO watch
defend and i think you watch a GUY like at
Least I did in, chucky heppern run, around defend multiple
positions be, so Aggressive And active and pat kelcey basically
(31:48):
let him roam free and just wreck havoc. AND it,
Worked right i mean louisville is a top thirty defensive,
team in The nation and if connorway has anywhere close
to that, kind of impact defensively it's going to be.
Really fun To Watch.
Speaker 1 (32:01):
WHAT about josiah miles i, like him a lot just
from the. Potential that he HAS it's a fifteen i
think point per game Score Last, year in north florida
and also the fact that he has. Multiple years of
eligibility that's not something that many of these guys that.
They've PICKED up have so i think he can be
a guy that whether he starts or comes off, the
bench next season he's a guy you. HAVE for two
years i. THINK that's, important too.
Speaker 2 (32:23):
I mean he took two hundred and Twenty Four. Threes
At North, florida IN north florida they i believe they
shot the highest volume. Right in the country so he's
obviously not going to shoot over two hundred Threes next
season at indiana with THE OTHER players, That i u
has but he was seventy seven percentile. And spot up
(32:47):
shooting and then you also. Look at his, frame he's,
pretty big six six. Two hundred five pounds you mentioned
that he has multiple. Years of eligibility left he had
a great improvement from his freshman To Sophomore year at
north florida nine point seven point average increase and a
(33:09):
lot of growth in. That year for HIM but the
thing i like most of all about him is. He's
a tenacious rebounder six point eight rebounds a game that
was second On The, team at north florida and at
his size, at six foot. Six that's really impressive and
if you can find a roll Off The bench for
josy miles as a knockdown three point shooter with some size.
(33:33):
And a good rebounder he's going to be hard to,
keep off the floor and he's going. TO find playing
time i think. His upside is there he's definitely got
room to improve. As a ball handler. The ball skills stuff,
HE'S not quite there i think at the high major
level in terms. Of playmaking for himself but he's not
going to have, to, BE next, year right i mean
(33:54):
he's got a, couple of years left so there's time
for him to figure these things out in A Conference.
Like the big ten and then also you talk about, the,
straight line drives right him just, cutting to, the basket
being physical being able to put the ball, down on
the floor and making aggressive. Play at the rim he.
Certainly can do that fifty five point six percent on
(34:16):
twos and the three. Point volume stands out you may
look at his, percentage, and you see okay he. Shot thirty,
three percent you know if we're if we WANT a
three and d guy, who's six foot six we could
do a little. Bit BETTER than that but i think
on two hundred and twenty four attempts and a lot of,
those coming you, know off the dribble which he's not
(34:39):
going to have As many opportunities. At indiana next season
it's definitely a good trajectory for. HIM to be on
i hate calling. GUYS like him projects i, think that's
an overstatement but out Of the guys that, indiana has
brought in he certainly is the biggest project of them
(35:01):
all because they're going to have to work with. Them
on some things but there's plenty of potential and room
for growth because he's not just going to be. There for.
ONE year, that's right.
Speaker 1 (35:13):
I mean a guy That scores, fifteen at division one
if that's kind of your your guy that you have
to work, with a little bit that's that's a pretty good.
Starting place to have the, other Thing about him and
i've talked to him and right in the next last
guy we're Going To. Talk about jason drake all, three
of those guys they genuinely seem excited and bought into
(35:34):
the idea of the team concept, just from you know
having a conversation with them And kind of. What derais
is building they want to be part of a team
that shares the, ball and, you know plays together and
they all kind OF said THAT when i when. I
spoke to him so that's the other, thing about, HIM
is you know i don't think he's going to average Fifteen.
A game in indiana but if he can be a
guy coming off the, bench that, gives you you know
(35:56):
six or seven points and has an occasional game, where
he you know he gets hot and hit, THREE or
four three's i think that's what you want. Out of
the him you can't, ever have enough offense. Particularly off the,
bench and who knows maybe he's a guy that. Does
start some. Games we don't know we got to see how.
This all pans out but HE'S a guy that i
think has.
Speaker 2 (36:12):
A TON of potential and i think he's another guy
when you talk about the kind of, chip on, their
shoulder blue collar lunch pale type player that is comfortable being.
PUT in a role i think that is an underrated
the aspect when it comes to modern day college basketball
(36:35):
and recruiting, a lot of, people, It's just talent right
let's just accumulate the most talent possible and then they
can we. Can, make it, work then you know that's not.
Always how it works sometimes you need a guy who's
comfortable just BEING a three and d and rebounding and
coming off the bench and being A defensive spark and
i Think you, look at connor enright And You. Look
(36:56):
at josy miles those guys, fit that perfectly well also
having room to improve and grow in their individual aspects.
As PLAYMAKERS and players so i think it's really important to.
IDENTIFY guys like that, i mean you look you look
at the guys that this fan base. CONNECTED with most
(37:18):
Recently I, THINK of anthony Leal I, THINK of luke
Goody I Think. OF tray jackson davis i Even think
of a, Miller, Cop At. Times galloway drey galloway those
are all guys who could, do multiple things well but
they fit A Role Besides maybe tray jackson davis of,
course in that conversation and, they fit a role and
(37:40):
they were, comfortable with that role and they knew what
they were supposed to do. And THEY did it and
i think this fan base has a certain appreciation for,
those kind of players and the Kind Of guys that darren,
DEVREZ is bringing in i think a lot of. Them
fit THAT standard.
Speaker 1 (37:56):
Last guy i want to want TO get to before,
I Let, you go jason drake who if we had
this conversation a week ago and no one would have
been talking about his news of his visit, broke earlier
this week and he gets on campus makes. A commitment
shortly after he's another guy that's kind of grinded his
way up through. The college Basketball Ranks, started at CLEVELAND state,
went the juco route then had a really solid Year.
(38:16):
Last year at drexel and he's, another guy, that has
you know a couple. Of years of eligibility so he's
a guy that you could maybe, say the, first year
you know this is going, to be your role but
you have a chance to step into a bigger role,
maybe in year two but already a guy that's Proven
himself at. THE division one level i think he averaged
over twelve points over three rebounds. OF her three assists
(38:38):
i know you did a breakdown, on him most recently
so sure he's still. Fresh in your mind what did
you like about his game and what you saw? From
him ON film.
Speaker 2 (38:46):
Biggest thing i liked. ABOUT it, his mentality i mean
this is a Kid He goes to cleveland. STATE for
a year i actually read the interview you, put out
with him and you know things don't. Go well for,
him he wasn't playing he didn't necessarily fit in with
the system, there then he's, Like you know what i'm.
(39:06):
Gonna take some time i'm Going To Go to butler Community,
college Out in kansas and i'm going to. Work on
my skills he only averaged nine points A game, at
the juco level but he did enough to prove to
people that he Could PLAY at. The division ie Level,
he goes to drexel A, team in the cia which
you know they've had, their ups and downs but a
(39:28):
program that has Produced Some guys a marii, williams came
from There who was at kentucky last season and was
one of the better rim. Runners in the country And You,
look at jason drake he's kind of that do it all.
Depth piece point guard he can run the. Pick and
roll effectively he's, effective on the perimeter shot just under
(39:50):
forty percent from three eighty seven percent, from the foul
line more than. Capable as a shooter and then he's
got a good assist rate twenty seven point six that
was SIXTH. Highest in the cia and then he's also
a bit of a bulldog in transition who loves. To
push the pace fourteen percent of his. BASKETS came in
(40:10):
transition i don't think When We're. Talking about jason drake,
we're not, talking about you know the Starting point guard.
IN indiana next season. I know we're not we're, not
talking about that. But you said it multiple years of
eligibility of REMAINING because, of the juco ruling he's got
to be. A valuable, depth piece and again you look
At The guards that darren, DeVries has brought in they
(40:31):
all kind of, fit. This certain mold right they've all got,
this good assist, rate low turnover rate can, Shoot the
basketball well, they're capable from distance and they've all kind
of got that underdog mentality and that little bit of.
An EDGE to them and i think to play point
(40:53):
guard At a school like Indiana And, in the big
ten that's. Kind Of A necessity and jason drake was
basically a. Do it all player he's got. A good
tool kit he's not going to. LIGHT it up offensively
i don't think he'll ever be that kind of player,
at the college level but another guy that you can,
fit into a role and he's comfortable. BEING in that role.
Speaker 1 (41:18):
I loved how HE talked about and i didn't. Even
bring this up he just brought it, Up on his
own like Growing up rooting for michigan and the fact
that he's going to be able to Now Play, in
the big ten like that was always. A dream of
it like, that's cool to hear, like because you know
covering recruiting FOR as, long as, I have you know
i've talked to plenty of kids like ranked, anywhere from
you know. THE five star kids i remember One Time.
(41:39):
TALKING to kyrie irving I Remember talking To tim priler when.
India Had recruited him so i've kind of talked to.
Every type of prospect but the fact that he brought
that up in terms of it being a dream for
him To Be, in the big ten you don't necessarily
hear that a lot from. A lot, of kids i
mean it's a lot of kids expect maybe that they're
going to be going to. The highest high level he
(42:02):
actually probably that was something he thought about as, a
high school kid and now he's actually going to get.
To live that out and He Mentioned playing against michigan
State And walking into assembly. HALL and, That feeling i mean,
i'm sure You Know, playing at Cleveland, state playing At,
juco playing At Drexel walking into assembly hall was special for,
him because you know he's felt. Like HE finally arrived
(42:23):
and i feel like just all of these guys coming
from where they all have, their own different path. Their
OWN different story but i think a, lot most of
them if, not all of them are going to feel
appreciative just for the opportunity to play At, a PROGRAM
like indiana whereas i don't necessarily think we could say
that about everyone that's come in the. Last couple of
years and this is.
Speaker 2 (42:42):
Where you go back And You listen to darren. Devreeze's
introductory press, conference you, talked about you know when it comes,
to assembling a roster there's certain things besides player talent
level and role that. You have to consider what kind of?
People are they are what kind of guy are they
(43:03):
going to be? In the locker room are they gonna
love playing? In the candy stripes is that something that's going?
To MATTER to them and i think you look across
the board at the kind of players that, THEY'VE gotten so,
far i think most if not all of them. Fit
INTO that mold and i think that's a really underrated
valuable aspect when it, Comes to acquiring, players because, you
(43:28):
mentioned you know guys who they love, playing for a
team right they want to be. In a team environment
they want to be at a place where the team
is above all and, you share the basketball, play for,
each other play together play for the name on the, front.
OF the jersey right i mean That's kind of what
indiana is about and has been about in the entire.
(43:50):
History OF the program and i think you know that
he identifies that that's important to people, in this fan
base and he's finding players where that's important.
Speaker 1 (43:59):
To, Them, for sure well duram where can people read?
Your your stuff now?
Speaker 2 (44:06):
And get YOUR newsletter go on x At eight or,
four duram as always and Then the Newsletter On substack
Inside indiana. BASKETBALL with william McDermott i probably need to
come up with a. Little, bit, of matter yeah shorter.
Shorter name than that maybe you'll work on that in the.
(44:27):
Next COUPLE of weeks but. I post the breakdowns I've
got little Videos i'll post on twitter and in the
sub stack as well on each of these guys, that that,
are about you know one to two minutes, long on
their film post some column type STUFF on there where
i give, my take, on things and uh if you
want to check, IT out And join i think i'm
(44:50):
just a few subscribers, away from one hundred which is. Always,
A big milestone hu i've only been doing, it for
you know seven eight months, since the season started so it's,
been it's been FUN and it's always I love talking
About iu basketball and i'm always gonna follow the team no,
matter where i am so IT'S always something that. I,
(45:10):
love talking about well.
Speaker 1 (45:12):
It's good, to, Talk to you man proud of everything
that you've been able to accomplish and just a little
less than a year, ago what you're graduating so. How
time flies now awesome that you've had success. WITH the
radio stuff i know you have a, huge passion for
broadcasting so hopefully your role will continue to grow in
that realm and you'll continue to SHARE your thoughts. On
(45:34):
i you basketball thanks for taking the Time to come On.
Podcasts on the brink always good to see you.
Speaker 2 (45:38):
And talk, To, you thank. You alex appreciate you thanks.
Speaker 1 (45:43):
Everybody as Always for listening To. Podcast on the brank if,
you enjoy the show please leave us a rating in
A Review, over on apple podcasts preferably five stars, if
you don't Mind and over. On spotify as well leave
us a Five star review and we'll be back soon
With another episode Of. Podcast on the break
Welcome back to a new episode of podcast on the Brink.
It's Wednesday, April twenty third. The transfer portal officially closed
for new entries, but that doesn't mean the recruiting has
stopped for most schools, I would say at this point
around the country still putting together their rosters for next season.
On today's episode of Podcasts on the Break, we're gonna
be joined by an old friend. William McDermott, formerly Ev
(00:39):
Inside the Hall, is now doing a variety of different things.
Still writes a little bit about IU basketball on his
own sub stack, but his main gig is working on
the radio for the Louisville Sports Network. Get to William
in just a second. One to take a moment to
remind you of this episode of Podcasts on the Brink,
brought to you by Visit Bloomington. Just because the basketball
(01:01):
season is over doesn't mean the fun stops. Spring is
the perfect time to explore everything Bloomington has to offer,
like the trails at Griffey Lake, Nature Preserved and refuel
with local flavors on tap at upp and Brewing Company.
Don't forget about the mini music festivals coming to Bloomington
this spring. Whether you're into outdoor adventures, food, or just
relaxing in a vibrant college town. Visit Bloomington's got you covered.
(01:22):
Start planning your spring getaway now at visit Bloomington dot com. William,
last time we spoke it was before the Battle for Atlantis.
How the world has changed since then in terms of
Indiana basketball When you watch those games, How shocked were
you at just how that first game went in Atlantis?
Speaker 2 (01:46):
Well, I definitely shocked, but I think part of me also,
and I think a lot of people who follow I
you closely, they weren't that shocked. And to me, looking
back on the season, that game was kind of I
think it was just kind of an eye opening result
(02:07):
for a lot of people in the fan base. And
I think that was a big turning point for a
lot of people in the fan base if they hadn't
been turned off already on the Mike Woodson era. But
certainly it was a disastrous result from IU. And I
just remember the way that you know, you played them
close in the first half, and it kind of they
(02:29):
were teeter tottering, and then Louisville went on a little
bit of a push to end the first half and
then coming out of the locker room, I mean, it
was just like a bomb went off. Louisville they were
just they couldn't Miles Rice could not handle the pressure.
Indiana they looked lost, They couldn't get the ball up
the floor, lazy defensively. It just was a ridiculous, ridiculous
(02:52):
second half. One of the biggest implosions I can remember seeing,
at least following in terms of a covering basketball standpoint.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
Yeah, my dad wrote at some point after that game
that that was kind of the beginning of the end
for Mike Woodson, and I think some people responded to like, no,
he had still had a whole season. But if you
watch that game closely enough, it was foreshadowing of what
was to come. We saw so many performances, maybe not
to that level because then Zaga game was, I guess
a little bit better. But then but then you had
the performances against Illinois at home, and you had the
(03:23):
Iowa performance where it was it was basically a couple
of months later and it was the same thing. So
in many ways, you're right, it was kind of the
just a turning point, and it kind of also showed
just how much how shaky the ground was that Mike
Woodson was standing on in terms of the fan base
that it after what they did in the portal. It
basically just took getting blown out one time for most
(03:46):
of the people to be out on it. So again,
don't want to rehash to Mike Woodson's situation, but I
just thought it was funny to bring up because that
was the last time you got on the show. You've
done obviously a lot of work. I just want to
check on you write real quick professionally because you know
you have had, you know, a transition now to the
real world working down for the Louisville Sports Network. How
(04:07):
was that that first year for you do in football
and basketball?
Speaker 2 (04:10):
It was great. I mean, I think when you show
up every single day and you're at every single game
and you have a role in every single game, I
think you kind of develop a sense of appreciation for
the people that do show up every single day and
do it because I think you're working in sports media,
working and broadcasting like it's different. I mean, I had
(04:33):
to work on Thanksgiving Day, as did you. I had
to work on New Year's Day and stuff like that,
and that was all very different for me. But it's
also part of what comes with the job. And then
now it's the off season and can kind of sit
back and relax a little bit more. But I guess
with the portal open and everything now, there never really
is an off season. But it was a really fun
(04:55):
first year. I think I learned a lot, I got
a lot better, and definitely things that I'm going to
carry out with me on the rest of the way
through this journey.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
So so you've you've still stayed engaged with AU basketball.
I know you're still pretty active on x and you
write a lot of stuff on your sub sub stack.
What's kind of made you continue to stay drawn? Obviously
went to IU, you wrote Friendside the Hall, you worked
in other student media outlets. Why have you kind of
wanted to still stay engaged in terms of writing about
(05:24):
the team and a lot of the breakdowns you've been
doing recently been pretty in depth and you're you're taking
a lot of time doing that. So I'm just kind
of curious, you know why you still wanted to stay
engaged with that.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
I just love basketball. I love IU basketball. I think
anybody who's ever walked into Assembly Hall, I think knows
that that place just has a way of sucking you
in and getting underneath your skin, and it definitely did
that to me, and the program did even you know,
I covered the team for three years, two of them
(05:58):
with you, and I think, you know, being able to
be in the building and the places I got to
go is really cool. And I just wanted to keep
following it because I had a follower base that, you know,
I think that I developed that appreciated my content and
knew that if they were to look for IU basketball
stuff that I could provide that. And so I obviously
wanted to continue writing as well, and that was a
(06:20):
way that I can do that through the blog and
the newsletter. So yeah, good stuff.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
I've been enjoying following and good stuff. It's one reason
I want to have you, honest, because you have taken
a lot of time to look at a lot of
these players in Indiana's I just want to kind of
get your thoughts on some of these additions and what
you make of them and kind of how all these
pieces fit together. Starting with with Tucker Derees. Obviously, he's
kind of the name that a lot of people are
focused on. The highest rated player in terms of transfer,
(06:48):
Porter rankings, although we've kind of learned maybe not to
get too caught up in that after the experience of
last year. A lot of these guys maybe not from
high major programs really besides Degrees, I don't think any
of them have high major experience coming into the Indiana program.
But I think people are a lot more optimistic going
into next season given the regime change and just how
(07:08):
these pieces may fit together compared to last season. But
Devrees fair to call him that maybe the centerpiece of
what's going to be going on with Indiana basketball next season.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
I definitely think he's going to be one of the
center pieces, him and Lamar Wilkerson, especially on the offensive end.
And I think when you think of Tucker Dvrees, everybody
you know, it's the coach's son. Everybody expected him to
come to IU, and I think you know rightfully so,
but he's been a little bit under undervalued. I think
(07:39):
in this transfer portal. Hall only played in eight games
at West Virginia, but when he did play, he was
one of the better shooters in the nation, as he
always has been. Forty seven percent on fifty five attempts
in his eight games at West Virginia, and then even
dating back to his time at Drake, he knows the
Devres system obviously very well. He's willing defensively and he's
(08:02):
a guy who can do multiple things well in the
offensive end. A good rebounder at his size, and I
think a lot of people forget that he's six', seven,
Right So, indiana you look at their height on the
wing and rebounding. Ability that's definitely in length on the.
Wing that's definitely something that is improving on this roster
can in terms of based on the years prior that
(08:26):
we've seen Under Archie miller And Mike. Woodson So Tucker,
devrees it definitely starts with, Him but in, TOTALITY i
think the group That Darren DeVries has brought, in you're
seeing a plan and you're seeing a trend of the
kind of players that he's bringing, in And Tucker devrees
(08:47):
maybe an anomaly because he's his.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
Son, yeah you're. Right it's almost like any other time
there'd be like a huge celebration right when a player
of this caliber, Committed but it was, like you, know
HE'S i was there for the press conference and he
just walks into the press conference with HIS iu hoodie.
On SO i was, like all, right he's never actually
come out and said anything on social media that he's
committed or, anything but it just assumed that he's coming.
(09:11):
Along what about his offensive? Game maybe you talked about the.
Shooting is there anything maybe that you've seen of him
that that maybe's a little bit underrated OUT i was
looking at his assist. Numbers he actually seems to be
a pretty willing pastor and, distributor to which a guy
that scores that, much particularly at the level he he,
does you don't necessarily see the same assist numbers out
(09:33):
of guys like.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
That With West virginia last, season he definitely served more
as a primary spot up. GUY i, mean he only
attempted thirty two's and he attempted fifty five threes in
those eight, games and he was only thirty percent on those.
Two so him getting around the, BASKET i think at
the high major level it's not necessarily an issue for,
(09:57):
him but it's not a. Strength BUT i do think
you mentioned his. Passing he is a willing passer and
he makes good decision decisions. Too AND i also think
that has to go with playing under his dad and his.
System that is obviously heavily predicated on ball, movement, passing,
spacing opening up the. Floor but for, Me, alex if
(10:20):
you watch his tape as a, shooter his off ball
movement is really. Impressive he knows how to get, open
and he knows how to get to his spots on the,
perimeter and it also helps that he can hit shots
from twenty five plus feet.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
Out so, yeah you watch some of those clips From
battle For, atlantis and he was. Right he was way
beyond the. Line it wasn't even Was it wasn't like
he was a foot or two. Pie he was six
or seven feet and he was making the shots.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
Effortlessly and he's got the green light. TOO i, mean
if he's, open they want him to shoot it no
matter where he.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Is So Connor enwright was, ACTUALLY i guess the first
real commitment among this group coming over From De. Paul
but obviously the tie in there is he played two
seasons for the Reason, drake he's a guy maybe not
getting as much fanfare as as some of the other,
names but you look at what he's able to do
from a defensive, standpoint is assist straight was really good last.
(11:09):
Season he he and Maybe i'm. WRONG i only watched
him on, film BUT i get the feeling that he's
gonna be one of those guys in The Big ten
That indiana fans are gonna love having on their team
and that other teams are gonna hate. Him like some
of the players that over the years that have played
For wisconsin THAT i Know indiana fans, like when is
it like A ben like A Ben? Brust remember? HIM
(11:30):
i don't know if you maybe a little bit before
your time played For wisconsin FOR i, think, Yeah, Brad Brad,
davis those kind of guys where it was like they
were just a pest at all times out, there AND
i get the feeling that that's kind of the player
that he's gonna be For.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
INDIANA i, mean he's kind of he's like a little junkyard.
Dog he's six,' two just like one hundred and eighty,
five pounds but he really gets after it on the,
defensive end AND then i think he also provides something
on the. Offensive, END right i think a lot of
people when you have guys that come off, the bench
you need guys that can do multiple, things WELL and
(12:07):
I Think connor enright is one of. Those guys his.
ASSIST rate, i mean he only played in twenty three
games he had an Injury with DePaul, last year but
it was sixteenth in, the. COUNTRY right, i mean that's
pretty impressive for a guy who's not very, you know high,
ball usage a guy who's not gonna be a scoring threat.
(12:27):
As much and then he also is capable as an.
Outside shooter, but defensively he will get in. Your grill
he loves to take charges and that's SOMETHING that I can,
I mean i think both of us Know that indiana
fans are gonna love watching him get down in a
defensive stance and make some plays and wreck. Some HAVOC
(12:48):
and i think that couple's really well with the other
guards that they've, brought in In Particular, taton CONNORWAY who
i thought was one of the best defensive guards available
in the transfer portal this seaar And so enwright as
a guy who's not going to be, a starter but
maybe you have them, playing sixteen eighteen to twenty minutes,
a game can fill in when needed for foul trouble
(13:10):
and stuff. Like that he'll play, a role and he'll fill,
the role and he knows. His ROLE and i think
that's really important to have coming off. The bench.
Speaker 1 (13:19):
For Sure red BAILEY was, i think kind of going
in chronological order here to. The Guy red bailey was
the next, next commitment and, HE too i think has
maybe flown a little bit under. The radar just, you
know he was an outstanding player last Season. At davidson
he Was An All all League, first Player Our all
(13:39):
league first. Team player the one thing that you know
he stands out about him he can step out a
little bit at. His size it's a little. Bit unique
rebounding numbers not really a strength of his and that's
that's kind of ONE thing i want to bring up
and maybe talk a little bit about later in terms
of what they need maybe going forward to. The ROSTER
(14:00):
but i think he can play, some five play some four.
As well what stood Out About read bailey just from
watching his film.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
HIS passing i think he's one of the best passing
big men in. The. COUNTRY really i think some of
the angles that he finds and at, six ten he
doesn't play like he's, six' ten which i think that's
kind of what you're hitting at with. The REBOUNDING stuff
but i don't think that's necessarily going to be a
problem because he can, space the floor because he can,
(14:32):
pass so well and he was also really good at cutting.
OFF the, ball i mean this is a guy that
knows how to get, into THE lane and i don't
want to compare him to A Guy like molique reneu
when he does get around the basket, with his footwork
but he was pretty solid against a ten competition around
the basket. With his footwork he definitely struggled with the
(14:55):
more physically imposing big men that he faced at especially,
those you know. Really good athletes But his passing alex.
WAS just, outstanding i mean he is assist rate twenty
five point three for a six ten to two hundred
and thirty pounds. Center or forward that was one hundred
and eighty first in the country's sixth best assist rate
(15:17):
in the CONFERENCE in the a ten as a six,
to ten guy doesn't matter what conference you're in or
what team. You're playing for that's. Really Really impressive and
davidson the offense really. Ran through him that's not going
to be The. Case at indiana so if he can
play more of, an, off ball spacing cutting a passing
(15:38):
role as a six, to ten guy he's going to,
be REALLY valuable but i am really curious To See
how darren devrees uses him because he's kind he's kind
of in a unicorn at his position and A player
that i'm not sure how well He fits in davrez's
(15:59):
system based on, of years prior because he likes to,
have these athletic big rim runners who, can set screens
facilitate of, stuff, like that defend, protect the Rim and
then i'm immediately thinking About Like a Darnell brody At
Drake Or Amari hansbury Amoni Hansbury at west. Virginia last
(16:21):
season rebailly definitely is not that, kind of player but
he's going to be able to provide a lot on.
The offensive end and another thing. His foul rate he
knows how, to get fouled and he's a good free
throw shooter seventy seven percent on two hundred and twenty six.
Attempts last year his foul rate was eighth BEST In.
The a ten. That's pretty impressive and a guy who
(16:43):
knows how to get to his spots and be effective.
Around The rim so.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
I've been thinking a lot lately just about How many players,
indiana ULTIMATELY needs because i know a lot of, people,
are saying well you can have. Fifteen, SCHOLARSHIP players now
i think the idea of having fifteen players on a
college basketball team that atually expect to play is in
an era of player movement, THAT we're in i think
is a ridiculous idea because you're going to have immediately
(17:08):
four or five guys who are disgruntled from day one
that aren't getting a chance to. Play AT all and
i think you can take a couple of guys maybe
at the end, of your bench with the idea that
they're going to be development pieces for the end or.
For the future, BUT you know i would say the
best teams, in college, basketball you know play eight. Nine
guys regularly. That's your rotation indiana has already up to
(17:29):
eight scholarship players when You Figure, In Trin sicily so
i'm thinking two or three more guys that. They probably
need is you would you agree with that in terms
of the profile of what they? Need, MOVING forward obviously
i think they need a player who's at least six',
ten that you know can. Provide some rim protection not
saying it it has. To be a starter i'm not
saying it's actually someone has to play. Twenty twenty five
(17:50):
minutes but there are gonna Be nights in the big
ten where you're going up against the front line where
you have somebody that you need some physicality to throw
in there. And try to stop so that to me is.
The biggest clearing need just your thoughts on just the
overall number of players Maybe that you, expect india to
have and what the. NEEDS are Moving forward i.
Speaker 2 (18:11):
STILL i'm with you i think around twelve to thirteen
scholarship guys is, still the right number because then you
run into this problem, where you're you know, you're promising
guys' money and you're promising guys things in the portal
just for them, to, be the thirteenth. Fourteenth AND fifteenth
guys and i think that that just leaves a. LOT
(18:32):
up people unhappy i think could create some weird locker.
Room dynamics and problems so if you can, find like
ten guys nine ten guys that you, feel really good
about these, are going, to be you know the central.
Pieces of our rotation we feel good about them playing.
In any given game and then, maybe you have one,
(18:52):
two or three projects maybe a, guy you red shirt
a freshman coming in who has a little bit of
work to do before they. SEE high major basketball i
think that's kind of the good direction when it, comes
TO roster building and i do think That's the direction
that darren. Devrees is going in and you mentioned in terms,
(19:13):
OF what they need i do think it'll be around,
two three. More PLAYERS maybe four and i think the
biggest glaring weakness on the roster as of now is,
certainly the front court athleticism on the. Wing and rim
protection they don't really have that, physical enforcer Down Low and,
(19:35):
in darren devreeze's system they're not going to be the
focal point of the offense or the. Go to usage
guy he just needs somebody who, can run the, floor
protect the rim, be a lob threat. And BE physically
imposing and i, think they'll be okay and probably a.
COUPLE of, those guys i mean they only have one
(19:56):
forward on the roster in, my opinion Right. Now. AND
that's bailey.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
Yeah i mean they've got one player. TALLER than six, seven,
i don't. Know yeah and. HEIGHTS heights, Not everything i
mean hansbury played a Ton Last. YEAR at west virginia i,
Think He's six eight so i'm not saying the player
has to be six, eleven or six ten and they
could be Six eight if, they're if they're good they're
long and they play taller than then you know they're they're,
actually hot their height or, they rebound the. BALL they
block shots, i THINK that's fine but i agree with
(20:23):
you that they need someone who can provide some, resistance
In the rim because i'm Not sure against the michigan,
states of, the world you know produce maybe A. LITTLE
bit different michigan i don't know how you can survive
without having some type of. Presence at the rim.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
You can't Definitely not. IN the big ten I MEAN
you even and i think this is A Part where
maybe mike woodson and they they maybe had put an
over emphasis on it. IN the front court i think
we all we, all AGREE with that and I Do
worry that darren deriez maybe is putting an. Under emphasis on.
(21:01):
It but we'll see we don't know what the roster
is going to. Pan OUT to be but i think
if you can just find a guy that's going to,
do the dirty, work they'll set, screens they'll rebound well
they can, push the ball, quickly be, an outlet good,
conditioning run the, floor protect the rim and the be
a loab threat and solid in. THE pick and roll
(21:23):
i think they're going. To BE just fine and i
think if you can find a guy that you feel
comfortable pairing With the guards that, indiana has brought in
it could be. A really good fit and there are
plenty of those types. OF players, out there i mean
that's kind of the modern big man. In college basketball
nowadays but then You Also have the reed bailey post
(21:45):
player who can score in the post right and. Be
AN offensive threat so i think if you can, couple
those two together then you're kind of. Cooking, SOMETHING down low.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
Yeah i mean it's going To be adjustment for Indiana
Fans going From chase shackson To is To Khalil Ware
to umar. BOLLO welik were new i don't think you're
gonna have a player that obviously is has that much,
of A role offensively but i do think they are
gonna find some type of post presence just in terms
of rebounding and defense that they can. Put On this
(22:16):
roster lamar wilkerson OBVIOUSLY the highest profile i guess recruitment
of this portal Cycle, so far for indiana just because
we Had. The the visit indiana then we Had the
trip To kentucky with with lamar out on the on
the Worst Track, with with, mark pope you know, in
the winner circle and ye what a. What a weird.
Speaker 2 (22:39):
Scenario that was hilarious.
Speaker 1 (22:43):
It was just funny to see how it was basically
no Fanfare with, for his indiana visit like it was.
All under the Radar and then in kentucky they have
him Out in public at keeneland and they're taking. Pictures
just You know i'm. Sure lamar it was it. Was
fun for him but and then he goes home FOR
a Days and i think indiana FANS were unsure what.
I what to, Expect Any you know darren devrees flies
(23:05):
down there and talks to him. And get THE commitment
that was i think just A big moment for debrees
in this portal cycle to show that he could Win, A,
Recruitment against Kentucky AUBURN ole miss and i think when
you're getting a player that those are the. Schools That
want him you're you're you're going. In. The right waters
(23:26):
right THEY'LL look at the sec the, last couple of
years what they've done in college basketball compared. TO the
big ten i mean the fact that they're able to
land a player that THOSE schools wanted to i think
says a lot about what kind of Player They're. Getting.
WITH labar wilkerson.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
Yeah i MEAN you Look At, i, mean walter clayton
right they you see what HE Did In the ncaa
tournament florida. Winning the national Title, he was at iona
right for a couple of Years. Before going to florida
there's a certain Kind of Profile Chas lanier from North,
florida Going to tennessee even dalton connect. The year before that.
(24:03):
This is really good this is. A really good Sign
i think that indiana. Beat out those schools but certainly
there are no guarantees when IT. Comes to the porl
you don't know what a guy is going to be
able to produce when they get to, a high major
level especially Coming Up from. A sam houston state but
In The, CASE of lamar wilkerson i do think that
he's going to translate because this kid is about as
(24:25):
pure as it gets as a. SCORE in the country
i think he was thirteenth nationally in points per game
and in terms of shooting the basketball on two hundred.
And twenty six attempts he shot forty three percent. FROM
beyond the yard i mean that is a big. Breath
of fresh air.
Speaker 1 (24:43):
And everyone he played new he was going. To be
shooting right. Everyone was playing new everyone he played new
he was going.
Speaker 2 (24:49):
To be shooting exactly and still he found a. Way
to get open he found a way. To get his
shots and then he also shot fifty, Percent on twos
right so he's comfortable, getting to the lane. Getting around
the rim he's, fine as a facilitator but. HE'S definitely
score first i do think there's work for him to
be done, on THE defensive end but i think a
(25:09):
lot of people also forget, he's, six foot five right this.
Is a, big GUARD he's big and i think that
that trends positively when it comes to the defensive. Side
of the ball. GOOD free throw shooter i would like
for him to get to the foul line. A little
bit more just free throw rate was just. Twenty one
point eight he did only attempt, ninety seven free throws
(25:31):
but did shoot eighty. THREE percent on them i think
that he will get to the Line more, in the
big ten just because it's going to he's gonna have
a harder time getting to the rim and getting his shot.
Off without getting fouled but when you Can, beat out
of kentucky you Can beat out at auburn For A,
PLAYER like lamar wilkerson i think THAT'S really impressive and
(25:51):
i think IT also stood out i. THINK you listened
to i think it was in the interview that He
did with the field of sixty eight Where He said
that darren devrees flew down there to see, him before
he committed to basically make a final pitch or ploy
to get HIM. To COME to iu and i think
(26:13):
that's always really nice to see in a really good sign,
on the recruiting trail especially so early. ON in His
tenure i think devrees is putting IN the work and
i think they've kind of identified a certain archetype of.
THE player, they want i mean you're. Looking at these
guys all of them have this kind of chip. On
(26:35):
their shoulder mentality THREE of, them are juco guys One Of,
them Being Lamar wilkerson of jason drake who committed the
other day have SPENT, a year At Juco and Then Josi,
miles from north florida who we haven't talked, about yet AS. Well,
WAS at juco so i mean this is things are
(26:56):
trending in a positive direction with the. Recruiting side of
things it's always really nice to hear when you have
a head coach that goes out of their way to
prioritize a player and makes them feel comfortable and like
they're making a good decision in. Coming TO your School
And i think lamar wilkerson is going to be a
HOME run player. For. IU next year.
Speaker 1 (27:17):
Yeah i think that also resonated with the fan base
because it kind of seemed like the opposite of something
that the previous head coach would have done in terms
of going down. TO close, the deal i mean there
was obviously a lot Said And written about mike woodson
and kind of, his Approach to recruiting whereas derees seems
to be grinding it out on a day to day
basis as he. Builds OUT this roster so i think
(27:38):
that Excited a. LOT of indiana fans a couple more guys.
HERE to talk about i think going In Chronological order
to josiah. Miles was the next but. WE had a
situation i think it was what last was maybe we
could go today where we had a commitment at, nine
to twenty pm and then we had another one at
eleven twenty, Eight pm at night so it was it
was kind of succession two in A row There With.
(27:59):
Miles and tayton connor wait what just talking about? Both
of those guys what Do you Like? About miles and conorway.
Speaker 2 (28:06):
We, can START with connorway because, I. LOVE that, kid
alex i mean if, you WATCH his, tape he i
mean he is by far MY favorite edition for iu.
In the transfer portal We already talked, about Connor enright
defensively taking conorway was probably the best defensive guard available,
(28:27):
in the transfer Portal at least. When indiana got, him
in my opinion he, tastes takes some risk but at
six foot three hundred, and eighty six pounds He Was
a sun Belt. Player of the year he was third in.
The nation in steels, he's got, long arms he's, aggressive
and then offensively he's got, an excellent quick burst great,
(28:49):
north and south speed. He can get downhill he's not
the best spot up, shooter IN the world but i
you's not going to need him to be with the
type of. Player they've added around if you can just
get connorway into the lane and he, can make good
choices which. He did last year he's going to be
a really fun player for. These guys to play around
(29:10):
four point, eight assists per game he only turned it
over under, three times a game and they were also
fifty eight percent on twos for a skinny. Six y three.
GUARD that's, really impressive i mean you watch. Some of
his tape the way he's able to find some of
these angles around the basket and hang in the air
and lay something tough off the glass or. Make a tough,
(29:33):
pass IT'S really impressive and i think those kind of
things translate to high major play If You're the sun belt, player,
OF the YEAR right i mean I covered the sun
Belt player of the year. From The previous year Terrence
edwards junior at. Louisville this past Season He was at.
James madison before coming certainly there were, limitations to his
(29:56):
game but he Was a third, team all acc guy
second leading score, or on The, ROSTER and by march i,
mean he Was cookie especially when hepburn was kind of
dealing with a groin issue and he took over some of.
The point guard duties so that Is, A REALLY good
league and i think you Have a guy in connorway
who is the head. Of THE snake defensively if I
(30:17):
Know that's something mike woodson, will say a lot but
he will get after it and then he can. Also
RUN the show and i think if you, also watch
his tape you'll see a guy who plays with, a
lot of fire, a lot of passion and. He WANTS
to win and i think to be a Point Guard
in the big ten you.
Speaker 1 (30:33):
Have, To have that yeah and you saw what a
player who can control the game defensively could Do last
season At Louisville when when. Katy HEPBURN came over so
i think does that have a little bit to do
with why you're Excited in, TERMS of connorway's.
Speaker 2 (30:48):
IMPACT i THINK so i think i. Don't think he
may he may not have the Exact same production that
chuck he had defense that'd.
Speaker 1 (30:56):
Be, hard to do yeah fifteen player in, all of
college basketball you had. That type of production and Then
you're talking about indiana, as a you know a exact,
team or, beyond team.
Speaker 2 (31:05):
So Exactly but acc Defensive, player of the year a
guy who some players they just have, a, Knack for
it right they just have a really good, FEEL for,
the game i think especially you see in some, point
guards they do, and his Aggressiveness Defensively this is. Connorway
i'm talking about it can put him in some, difficult
(31:25):
spots at times but he loves a good pick pocket
and he's just so handsy and aggressive and he plays.
All the correct angles he's just really. Fun TO watch
defend and i think you watch a GUY like at
Least I did in, chucky heppern run, around defend multiple
positions be, so Aggressive And active and pat kelcey basically
(31:48):
let him roam free and just wreck havoc. AND it,
Worked right i mean louisville is a top thirty defensive,
team in The nation and if connorway has anywhere close
to that, kind of impact defensively it's going to be.
Really fun To Watch.
Speaker 1 (32:01):
WHAT about josiah miles i, like him a lot just
from the. Potential that he HAS it's a fifteen i
think point per game Score Last, year in north florida
and also the fact that he has. Multiple years of
eligibility that's not something that many of these guys that.
They've PICKED up have so i think he can be
a guy that whether he starts or comes off, the
bench next season he's a guy you. HAVE for two
years i. THINK that's, important too.
Speaker 2 (32:23):
I mean he took two hundred and Twenty Four. Threes
At North, florida IN north florida they i believe they
shot the highest volume. Right in the country so he's
obviously not going to shoot over two hundred Threes next
season at indiana with THE OTHER players, That i u
has but he was seventy seven percentile. And spot up
(32:47):
shooting and then you also. Look at his, frame he's,
pretty big six six. Two hundred five pounds you mentioned
that he has multiple. Years of eligibility left he had
a great improvement from his freshman To Sophomore year at
north florida nine point seven point average increase and a
(33:09):
lot of growth in. That year for HIM but the
thing i like most of all about him is. He's
a tenacious rebounder six point eight rebounds a game that
was second On The, team at north florida and at
his size, at six foot. Six that's really impressive and
if you can find a roll Off The bench for
josy miles as a knockdown three point shooter with some size.
(33:33):
And a good rebounder he's going to be hard to,
keep off the floor and he's going. TO find playing
time i think. His upside is there he's definitely got
room to improve. As a ball handler. The ball skills stuff,
HE'S not quite there i think at the high major
level in terms. Of playmaking for himself but he's not
going to have, to, BE next, year right i mean
(33:54):
he's got a, couple of years left so there's time
for him to figure these things out in A Conference.
Like the big ten and then also you talk about, the,
straight line drives right him just, cutting to, the basket
being physical being able to put the ball, down on
the floor and making aggressive. Play at the rim he.
Certainly can do that fifty five point six percent on
(34:16):
twos and the three. Point volume stands out you may
look at his, percentage, and you see okay he. Shot thirty,
three percent you know if we're if we WANT a
three and d guy, who's six foot six we could
do a little. Bit BETTER than that but i think
on two hundred and twenty four attempts and a lot of,
those coming you, know off the dribble which he's not
(34:39):
going to have As many opportunities. At indiana next season
it's definitely a good trajectory for. HIM to be on
i hate calling. GUYS like him projects i, think that's
an overstatement but out Of the guys that, indiana has
brought in he certainly is the biggest project of them
(35:01):
all because they're going to have to work with. Them
on some things but there's plenty of potential and room
for growth because he's not just going to be. There for.
ONE year, that's right.
Speaker 1 (35:13):
I mean a guy That scores, fifteen at division one
if that's kind of your your guy that you have
to work, with a little bit that's that's a pretty good.
Starting place to have the, other Thing about him and
i've talked to him and right in the next last
guy we're Going To. Talk about jason drake all, three
of those guys they genuinely seem excited and bought into
(35:34):
the idea of the team concept, just from you know
having a conversation with them And kind of. What derais
is building they want to be part of a team
that shares the, ball and, you know plays together and
they all kind OF said THAT when i when. I
spoke to him so that's the other, thing about, HIM
is you know i don't think he's going to average Fifteen.
A game in indiana but if he can be a
guy coming off the, bench that, gives you you know
(35:56):
six or seven points and has an occasional game, where
he you know he gets hot and hit, THREE or
four three's i think that's what you want. Out of
the him you can't, ever have enough offense. Particularly off the,
bench and who knows maybe he's a guy that. Does
start some. Games we don't know we got to see how.
This all pans out but HE'S a guy that i
think has.
Speaker 2 (36:12):
A TON of potential and i think he's another guy
when you talk about the kind of, chip on, their
shoulder blue collar lunch pale type player that is comfortable being.
PUT in a role i think that is an underrated
the aspect when it comes to modern day college basketball
(36:35):
and recruiting, a lot of, people, It's just talent right
let's just accumulate the most talent possible and then they
can we. Can, make it, work then you know that's not.
Always how it works sometimes you need a guy who's
comfortable just BEING a three and d and rebounding and
coming off the bench and being A defensive spark and
i Think you, look at connor enright And You. Look
(36:56):
at josy miles those guys, fit that perfectly well also
having room to improve and grow in their individual aspects.
As PLAYMAKERS and players so i think it's really important to.
IDENTIFY guys like that, i mean you look you look
at the guys that this fan base. CONNECTED with most
(37:18):
Recently I, THINK of anthony Leal I, THINK of luke
Goody I Think. OF tray jackson davis i Even think
of a, Miller, Cop At. Times galloway drey galloway those
are all guys who could, do multiple things well but
they fit A Role Besides maybe tray jackson davis of,
course in that conversation and, they fit a role and
(37:40):
they were, comfortable with that role and they knew what
they were supposed to do. And THEY did it and
i think this fan base has a certain appreciation for,
those kind of players and the Kind Of guys that darren,
DEVREZ is bringing in i think a lot of. Them
fit THAT standard.
Speaker 1 (37:56):
Last guy i want to want TO get to before,
I Let, you go jason drake who if we had
this conversation a week ago and no one would have
been talking about his news of his visit, broke earlier
this week and he gets on campus makes. A commitment
shortly after he's another guy that's kind of grinded his
way up through. The college Basketball Ranks, started at CLEVELAND state,
went the juco route then had a really solid Year.
(38:16):
Last year at drexel and he's, another guy, that has
you know a couple. Of years of eligibility so he's
a guy that you could maybe, say the, first year
you know this is going, to be your role but
you have a chance to step into a bigger role,
maybe in year two but already a guy that's Proven
himself at. THE division one level i think he averaged
over twelve points over three rebounds. OF her three assists
(38:38):
i know you did a breakdown, on him most recently
so sure he's still. Fresh in your mind what did
you like about his game and what you saw? From
him ON film.
Speaker 2 (38:46):
Biggest thing i liked. ABOUT it, his mentality i mean
this is a Kid He goes to cleveland. STATE for
a year i actually read the interview you, put out
with him and you know things don't. Go well for,
him he wasn't playing he didn't necessarily fit in with
the system, there then he's, Like you know what i'm.
(39:06):
Gonna take some time i'm Going To Go to butler Community,
college Out in kansas and i'm going to. Work on
my skills he only averaged nine points A game, at
the juco level but he did enough to prove to
people that he Could PLAY at. The division ie Level,
he goes to drexel A, team in the cia which
you know they've had, their ups and downs but a
(39:28):
program that has Produced Some guys a marii, williams came
from There who was at kentucky last season and was
one of the better rim. Runners in the country And You,
look at jason drake he's kind of that do it all.
Depth piece point guard he can run the. Pick and
roll effectively he's, effective on the perimeter shot just under
(39:50):
forty percent from three eighty seven percent, from the foul
line more than. Capable as a shooter and then he's
got a good assist rate twenty seven point six that
was SIXTH. Highest in the cia and then he's also
a bit of a bulldog in transition who loves. To
push the pace fourteen percent of his. BASKETS came in
(40:10):
transition i don't think When We're. Talking about jason drake,
we're not, talking about you know the Starting point guard.
IN indiana next season. I know we're not we're, not
talking about that. But you said it multiple years of
eligibility of REMAINING because, of the juco ruling he's got
to be. A valuable, depth piece and again you look
At The guards that darren, DeVries has brought in they
(40:31):
all kind of, fit. This certain mold right they've all got,
this good assist, rate low turnover rate can, Shoot the
basketball well, they're capable from distance and they've all kind
of got that underdog mentality and that little bit of.
An EDGE to them and i think to play point
(40:53):
guard At a school like Indiana And, in the big
ten that's. Kind Of A necessity and jason drake was
basically a. Do it all player he's got. A good
tool kit he's not going to. LIGHT it up offensively
i don't think he'll ever be that kind of player,
at the college level but another guy that you can,
fit into a role and he's comfortable. BEING in that role.
Speaker 1 (41:18):
I loved how HE talked about and i didn't. Even
bring this up he just brought it, Up on his
own like Growing up rooting for michigan and the fact
that he's going to be able to Now Play, in
the big ten like that was always. A dream of
it like, that's cool to hear, like because you know
covering recruiting FOR as, long as, I have you know
i've talked to plenty of kids like ranked, anywhere from
you know. THE five star kids i remember One Time.
(41:39):
TALKING to kyrie irving I Remember talking To tim priler when.
India Had recruited him so i've kind of talked to.
Every type of prospect but the fact that he brought
that up in terms of it being a dream for
him To Be, in the big ten you don't necessarily
hear that a lot from. A lot, of kids i
mean it's a lot of kids expect maybe that they're
going to be going to. The highest high level he
(42:02):
actually probably that was something he thought about as, a
high school kid and now he's actually going to get.
To live that out and He Mentioned playing against michigan
State And walking into assembly. HALL and, That feeling i mean,
i'm sure You Know, playing at Cleveland, state playing At,
juco playing At Drexel walking into assembly hall was special for,
him because you know he's felt. Like HE finally arrived
(42:23):
and i feel like just all of these guys coming
from where they all have, their own different path. Their
OWN different story but i think a, lot most of
them if, not all of them are going to feel
appreciative just for the opportunity to play At, a PROGRAM
like indiana whereas i don't necessarily think we could say
that about everyone that's come in the. Last couple of
years and this is.
Speaker 2 (42:42):
Where you go back And You listen to darren. Devreeze's
introductory press, conference you, talked about you know when it comes,
to assembling a roster there's certain things besides player talent
level and role that. You have to consider what kind of?
People are they are what kind of guy are they
(43:03):
going to be? In the locker room are they gonna
love playing? In the candy stripes is that something that's going?
To MATTER to them and i think you look across
the board at the kind of players that, THEY'VE gotten so,
far i think most if not all of them. Fit
INTO that mold and i think that's a really underrated
valuable aspect when it, Comes to acquiring, players because, you
(43:28):
mentioned you know guys who they love, playing for a
team right they want to be. In a team environment
they want to be at a place where the team
is above all and, you share the basketball, play for,
each other play together play for the name on the, front.
OF the jersey right i mean That's kind of what
indiana is about and has been about in the entire.
(43:50):
History OF the program and i think you know that
he identifies that that's important to people, in this fan
base and he's finding players where that's important.
Speaker 1 (43:59):
To, Them, for sure well duram where can people read?
Your your stuff now?
Speaker 2 (44:06):
And get YOUR newsletter go on x At eight or,
four duram as always and Then the Newsletter On substack
Inside indiana. BASKETBALL with william McDermott i probably need to
come up with a. Little, bit, of matter yeah shorter.
Shorter name than that maybe you'll work on that in the.
(44:27):
Next COUPLE of weeks but. I post the breakdowns I've
got little Videos i'll post on twitter and in the
sub stack as well on each of these guys, that that,
are about you know one to two minutes, long on
their film post some column type STUFF on there where
i give, my take, on things and uh if you
want to check, IT out And join i think i'm
(44:50):
just a few subscribers, away from one hundred which is. Always,
A big milestone hu i've only been doing, it for
you know seven eight months, since the season started so it's,
been it's been FUN and it's always I love talking
About iu basketball and i'm always gonna follow the team no,
matter where i am so IT'S always something that. I,
(45:10):
love talking about well.
Speaker 1 (45:12):
It's good, to, Talk to you man proud of everything
that you've been able to accomplish and just a little
less than a year, ago what you're graduating so. How
time flies now awesome that you've had success. WITH the
radio stuff i know you have a, huge passion for
broadcasting so hopefully your role will continue to grow in
that realm and you'll continue to SHARE your thoughts. On
(45:34):
i you basketball thanks for taking the Time to come On.
Podcasts on the brink always good to see you.
Speaker 2 (45:38):
And talk, To, you thank. You alex appreciate you thanks.
Speaker 1 (45:43):
Everybody as Always for listening To. Podcast on the brank if,
you enjoy the show please leave us a rating in
A Review, over on apple podcasts preferably five stars, if
you don't Mind and over. On spotify as well leave
us a Five star review and we'll be back soon
With another episode Of. Podcast on the break
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