When asked about plans for his future with Indiana men’s basketball after the Hoosiers’ 93-66 loss to Nebraska in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals, sophomore forward Malik Reneau said he needed time to think and reevaluate the season.
Just four days after the defeat, sophomores CJ Gunn and Kaleb Banks and junior Payton Sparks announced their plans to enter the transfer portal. With zero commitments in the high school class of 2024 and much of Indiana’s roster uncertain, head coach Mike Woodson could ill afford to lose another piece.
Though Indiana will need to make considerable progress in recouping its roster and adding outside shooting threats, Reneau announced his intention to remain with the program Thursday afternoon on the Hoosiers Hysterics Podcast.
After serving as the backup to now Golden State Warriors’ forward Trayce Jackson-Davis his freshman year, Reneau took a step forward as a starter this season. In his freshman campaign, Reneau started just three games and averaged 6.1 points and 3.7 rebounds.
With an enhanced role in 2023-24, Reneau started 33 games and notched 15.4 points and six rebounds per contest. While foul trouble — an issue that plagued the Miami native as a freshman — persisted, Indiana’s post-heavy offense gave him ample opportunity to shine with the ball.
RelatedRelated: COLUMN: Malik Reneau stars, Indiana men’s basketball’s offense has more options than believedWhen senior forward Anthony Walker knocked down a jumper from the left corner, he extended Indiana’s second-half lead to 81-71 over Kennesaw State University.
Reneau finished 14th in the Big Ten in scoring and third in field goal percentage at 55.8%, just behind sophomore center Kel’el Ware. Headlined by a 34-point effort against Kennesaw State University, Reneau scored 20 or more points seven times.
While Indiana still has a ways to go in shaping the rest of the 2024-25 roster, it can take solace in the return of Reneau for a third season.
Follow reporters Will Foley (@foles24) and Matt Press (@MattPress23) and columnist Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) for updates throughout the Indiana men’s basketball offseason.
