Per Jody Demling of the Louisville Courier Journal IU has offered 2013 forward Derek Willis of Mt. Washington, Ky.
Adding to the intrigue for IU fans is the fact that Willis was previously committed to Purdue. The 6'9" forward is ranked No. 23 in the Class of 2013 by Rivals.com and as the No. 10 power forward.
The commitment to Purdue came very early in the recruiting process for Willis and after blowing up on the AAU circuit for the BA Hoyas this past summer, the family decided to weigh their options.
Along with IU, Louisville has also recently offered and according to his high school coach Troy Barr the top five for Willis includes Bellarmine (the defending National Champions in Division II), Kentucky and Purdue.
My Thoughts: Obviously IU fans are licking their chops thinking about getting a major talent that was once committed to Purdue. Matt Painter and his staff got on Willis early and secured the commitment before he began to gain national prominence.
The IndyStar's Kyle Neddenreip broke down how the process of Willis changing his mind unfolded last month.
It looks to me to be a three-team race with the two state schools and IU jockeying for Willis. I don't think the local factor of playing for Bellarmine, a school located 30 minutes from his hometown, coming into play as Louisville is also within the same distance.
IU currently has two scholarships remaining for the 2013 class with 6'6" forwards Devin Davis and Colin Hartman already in the fold.
Willis seems to be the ideal fit for Tom Crean's offense as a forward who can step out and shoot the ball, similar to junior Christian Watford and former Marquette and current San Antonio Spurs forward Steve Novak.
One would have to think with Hartman, a guy with a similar game to that of Willis, already committed that IU would look for a true post player along with a point guard to fill out the 2013 class.
However, a talent like Willis is just too good to pass up and IU will make room for him if needed.
The Hoosiers also seem to be very high on 2013 Wisconsin forward Luke Fischer who holds an IU offer. I think the IU staff will take either Fischer or Willis (not both) and then move its attention elsewhere with the final scholarship.
With Yogi Farrell the only scholarship point guard scheduled to be on the roster come the fall of 2013, a point guard would seem to also be a priority even with 2014 point guard James Blackmon Jr. committed.
