It's a forgone conclusion that Eric Gordon will be a force to reckon with next season. Arguably the best freshman in the nation, Gordon is expected to be IU's go-to-guy next season.
But outside of Gordon, which incoming recruit do you think will have the greatest impact? Let's breakdown the candidates...
Jamarcus Ellis - The reigning Junior College Player of the Year is the favorite in this competition. Ellis is the basketball-version of a four-tool baseball player, with perimeter shooting being the missing link. Ellis can get to the rim, rebound and defend. And he will most likely be doing all three from the starting line-up.
Jordan Crawford - The 6-foot-5 point guard has impressed many this summer during open gym scrimmages. Is there a chance Crawford could develop into IU's best pure point guard since Tom Coverdale? Crawford has great ball-handling skills and court vision and could make an impact if he gains Kelvin Sampson's trust to run the offense.
DeAndre Thomas - If Thomas can lose the necessary weight and stay on the hardwood, he might be the Big Ten's second coming of Robert "Tractor" Traylor. He is shockingly agile for a guy his size (6-foot-8 320+? lbs.) and should thrive playing alongside D.J. White.
Eli Holman - The 6-foot-9 center from California has as much athletic ability as anyone on the team, maybe in the conference. If his academics don't get in the way, Holman should be rejecting opponent's shots into the Assembly Hall bleachers all winter.
Brandon McGee - The dark horse candidate of the five remaining recruits. McGee is a small forward from Chicago who might see Xavier Keeling-type minutes thanks to the Hoosier's depth. McGee can play both inside and outside and could find his way into the rotation if other players struggle or become injured.
Who do you think will help the Hoosiers the most next season? I look forward to hearing your responses.
Hoosiers Still Cruisin' to the Bahamas When IU students are completing their first week of classes this fall, the IU basketball team will be arriving in Nassau for their basketball tour of the Bahamas.
If you think this is an excuse for Lance Stemler to get some sun, guess again. The reason Sampson and his staff are looking forward to the tour is because of the 10 practice days they are allotted before their departure. This will give the six incoming recruits a better chance to become cohesive with the rest of the team.
It hasn't been announced who the Hoosiers will be playing in Nassau yet, but the dates are below. All of the games will be played in Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. I hear it's the Boston Garden of the tropical islands.
- Aug. 31 (8:00 PM) - Sept. 1 (Noon) - Sept. 1 (8:00 PM) - Sept. 2 (2:00 PM)
Our picnic baskets are safe Unlike Josh Smith, Eshaunte Jones will not always be a part of the Hoosier basketball family. After backing out of his verbal commitment to IU earlier this month, Bear Jones announced his new top four schools.
Believe it or not, the Hoosiers did not make the cut.
So long, Bear Jones.
Coming soon: Lewis Jackson quotes... Finally, I'm hoping to track down Lewis Jackson this weekend and speak to him about his college decision. Jackson is playing for the Indiana Elite this weekend in an AAU tournament in Las Vegas.
