I've been interviewing, writing about and researching IU's six incoming recruits since last November, but Wednesday night was my first opportunity to see several of the recruits playing in person.
Most Hoosier fans have some familiarity with the recruits, but not a whole lot. The only exception is Eric Gordon, whom most fans have seen play for North Central or in All-Star games.
If you can't make it to the Bahamas later this month (like me), here are my scouting reports for half of the 2007 class: Eli Holman, DeAndre Thomas and Brandon McGee.
Eli Holman - 6-9, 210 pounds* -- No. 32 I give Holman the "Bondsasterisk" because when I talked to him Wednesday night he said he had bulked up to 240 pounds since arriving in Bloomington.
Scouting Report: The California native's biggest asset is his length. His 7-7 wingspan makes him a nightmare to shoot over. The shots he doesn't block he most likely alters. His long arms also help him offensively when it comes to dunking and rebounding. Holman's immediate success at IU will depend on his assertiveness and defensive ability. Off the ball, Holman is a terrific defender and his presence is felt in the paint. But he'll have to be able to body bigger defenders to remain on the court when Big Ten season rolls around. Practicing against wide bodies such as D.J. White and DeAndre Thomas should help.
DeAndre Thomas - 6-8, 320 pounds - No. 2 Can I officially start referring to Thomas and Holman as "Thunder 'n Lightning?" There hasn't been a duo more deserving of that nickname since Ron Dayne and Tiki Barber.
Scouting Report: Okay, he is big. But Thomas is also very quick. Baseline to baseline, Thomas struggles, but when it comes to quickness with the ball and around the rim Thomas is above satisfactory. He's one of those big guys who is comfortable handling the ball and even playing with his face to the basket (may not be a good thing). Thomas will definitely contribute to the Hoosiers offensively this season; he's a good rebounder and a better finisher. He has a shooting guard's touch around the basket when he's not dunking. His conditioning is a serious issue, but if he is able to get down to 290 by the time the season starts (his goal) he will be much improved. My favorite part of Thomas's game is his passing. He won't get many chances to show his open court vision like he did Wednesday night in Noblesville, but he is very effective passing out of double and triple teams.
(On double teams): "I'm used to it from high school because I was the only big guy on my team, that's why I know how to pass the ball so well. If you have other skills than scoring in your game then you can stay out on the floor and contribute." - Thomas
Brandon McGee - 6-7, 220 pounds - No. 24 McGee was hobbled by a knee injury when I saw him Wednesday night. After the game I asked him about it and he said it was just a bit banged up and was fine. Since I only caught McGee on the court for about 10 minutes I had him break down his game.
McGee's self-Scouting Report:: "Versatility. I can step out and hit an open shot, but at the same time I think I can go down and bang with the big men. I'm big on rebounding and doing the little things to make our team better." - McGee
Scouting Report: I think McGee described his game perfectly. The Crane Tech graduate could be the small forward of the future for the Hoosiers. When Sampson elects to play only a two-guard lineup this winter, expect McGee to be the man coming in for his smaller teammate. One reason why McGee is valuable to the Hoosiers is that he is a humble player. He isn't looking for his own shot constantly or to handle the ball, he is "doing the little things to make our team better." His jump shot doesn't exactly resemble Ray Allen's, but there is a lot of potential for McGee in the cream and crimson.
Tomorrow: Getting to know: Eric Gordon, Jamarcus Ellis and Jordan Crawford.
