IUProfessor

2022-23 was widely considered a Top 10-12 team preseason.

That is some next level scouting.

Is that because IU prioritized Carlyle over Conwell? Or did IU prioritize Carlyle only once it was apparent there wasn't going to be traction with Conwell?

I thought I remembered reports early his freshman year that he was extremely skilled passing out of the post. I'm assuming he's just doing what he's been coached to do. Which is also why I don't find the volume of 3s that potential transfers shot elsewhere to be particularly important.

It's a US student visa issue. Your income earned in the U.S. is limited for student visas. That's why Purdue went to Canada last year for Edey, and Kentucky did something similar (Caribbean?) for one of their guys a year or two before.

I really don't mean to be a buzzkill, so I'll leave it here. But there hasn't been a year in recent memory where the on court results matched the pre-season hype for IU. All I'm saying is that I see no reason to believe next year will be any different. Yes, there was a talent deficiency last year in the backcourt, but the bigger issue is a schematic deficiency that isn't going away. Again, happy to be proven wrong in time. But I don't think I will be.

Time will tell. Conwell is a more proven, well rounded talent IMO, but I suspect Carlyle will prevent us from landing him. Meanwhile, IU's ceiling is severely limited running a two low post offense. But I've been wrong before...

I don't think Rice-Carlyle-Ballo is a better infusion of talent than Mgbako and Ware were last year, and look how that ended.

In my mind, that's what a starting lineup of Rice-Carlyle-Mgbako-Reneau-Ballo would represent. Just to be clear, I think Rice is a great target, and expect that he will improve his 3 point shooting in time. I don't see Carlyle as a great fit with this roster, especially at the expense of a great all-around talent like Conwell. Ballo is a pass for me, I don't think he and Reneau will pair well together for a coherent, high level offense.

I agree playmakers are important. But while I hate to rain on the parade, a starting lineup with Reneau and Ballo, and only one proven shooter in Mbgako, won't correct the offensive issues IU has had the last few years. Issues which derive from the scheme Woodson insists on playing. And none of this even begins to address the defensive end, which, per advanced metrics, has dropped considerably each year of Woodson's tenure. Every year people get excited about an infusion of talent this time of year, only to be deeply disappointed come January or February. Not sure Rice/Carlyle/Ballo meaningfully changes that.

I don't think that starting back court provides nearly enough 3 point shooting, especially with Tucker at the 3. I also think they'll both expect to run the show, and have the ball in their hands a good share of the time. Could be wrong, but unless both are simply looking for a pay day, I don't see why they'd sign up to play together. Could certainly be wrong, though.

I can't see Perkins and Thornton co-existing.

Guessing this means Thornton fell through?

UofM is playing catch up on NIL for football. Basketball is a distant second in terms of priority (maybe even third behind hockey). So I wouldn't assume the NIL package May will be working with is great.

Thanks, you too!