While questions and concerns surround Indiana’s back-court next season, there is nothing to worry about for their loaded front-court. Thomas Bryant, Juwan Morgan, OG Anunoby, and Collin Hartman are all well-known in the Hoosier community, but some may not know the potential of incomers De’Ron Davis and Freddie McSwain Jr.
Freddie McSwain Jr.
Coming from Neosho Community College in Chanute, Kansas, McSwain Jr. is a proven scorer and rebounder. Last year as a sophomore, he averaged over 14 points and 8 rebounds per game, leading his school to a 30 win season.
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McSwain had been on Tom Crean’s radar for quite some time, his senior of high school to be exact. He is the type of player that would fit right in to Indiana’s offensive scheme. He is an explosive player that can quickly get to the basket and help out on the boards.
Having spent some time in Kansas, he was also considering Kansas State, but Indiana’s big program mentality was enough to win him over. Crean is notorious for developing and improving players so it is a no brainer that someone with McSwain’s raw talent and only two years left of eligibility would want to join the team. Even with all the competition at his position, he should still see plenty of minutes because a vast majority of the players on this lineup are capable, and probably will, play at many different spots on the court.
If there were any doubts about McSwain’s talent, take a look at this video tweeted by IU basketball:
— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) August 5, 2016
De’Ron Davis
Indiana’s top recruit this season, coming in at 51st on ESPN’s top 100, is De’Ron Davis. The 6’9, 230 lb forward is an impressive prospect and an all-around player. He can score, rebound, pass, and has the size to body up opponent’s big men.
Davis was a back-to-back 5A state champ with Overland High School in Aurora, Colorado, and also earned the title of Mr. Basketball for the state. He was considered the top recruit in the nation as an eighth-grader, but saw his position slip due to numerous reasons. Crean’s loyalty seemed to win Davis over, as he had offers from other top schools such as Arizona, Connecticut, UCLA, and many others – but Crean was there since day one, and never stopped believing in him.
The only thing in Davis’ way is himself. He has yet to arrive to Bloomington because of Academic issues but if everything goes as planned, will be here within the month and ready to play when the season starts.
However, Indiana does not have a solidified power forward. Juwan Morgan is showing much improvement, having been just named Indiana’s “Warrior of the Summer” and feeling good as new after his shoulder surgery, but could be pushed out of the lineup by someone of Davis’ caliber. My guess is that Davis will enter the season as a back-up, having missed a lot of off-season training sessions, but could end up as a starter somewhere down the line.
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Indiana has one of the most impressive front-courts in the nation. Anyone would be hard-pressed to find a weakness. Despite the situation, Indiana should never have to put in anyone that could not hold their own. There have been plenty of great players that have come through the program, but I cannot think of another time where they were as deep at the forward position.