Indiana Basketball: Hoosiers look to gain ground on 2021 recruits

The Indiana basketball program is looking to ramp up their recruiting efforts in their future classes, starting with these 2021 prospects.

Indiana is looking to make a big splash in its future recruiting classes, especially in their 2021 class.

With many big time prospects on their radar in the sophomore and junior classes,  there are some big time names that have Indiana high on their list.

Let’s take a look at this weeks’ recruiting roundup.

Colson Montgomery (Southridge HS; CG, 6-4)

Coming off of a huge week in which he averaged 31 points and 8.5 rebounds, including a game-winning three, Montgomery is an intriguing prospect, who happens to play three sports.

Someone who MLB scouts are drooling over, with already multiple D-1 offers, Montgomery is interested in being a dual sport athlete in college. Since it is still so early on in his recruitment, it’s unclear if that will end up being the case, or if he will stick to just one sport.

A smooth lefty, Montgomery is a terrific shooter but his biggest strength is driving the lane. The combination of an exceptional first step plus his good size, makes him a tough matchup once he gets a step on a defender in the paint.

With a good ability to create for teammates, he is still best at creating opportunities for himself. A great rebounder, Montgomery often leads the break and excels in the open floor.

In Bloomington on Sunday for the Ohio State game, Montgomery’s recruitment will be a slow one and his ability to potentially play baseball wherever he goes may play a role in where he ends up.

Season Averages:  20.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 39% 3pt FG

Pierce Thomas (Brownsburg HS; SF, 6-5)

A freak athlete, Pierce Thomas has the ability to jump out of the gym. Only 6-foot-5 on the wing, his athleticism makes up for it in a huge way.

The best part about his game is his slashing ability, although he is getting more comfortable shooting the ball. An awkward release, where he seemingly pushes it out from his chest, Thomas’ athleticism makes the defense play off of him, allowing for the shooting release to work. With a great IQ, he loves ball screens, rolling into a pull-up jumper around 17 feet.

Not only can he play off the ball, but Thomas is a great playmaker, making it easy for teammates to play with him. Though he isn’t a great ball handler, affecting his ability to be a consistent on ball player, his vision and passing ability make up for it.

Overall, Thomas is still very raw, but has athleticism that you can’t teach. His recruitment is something to watch as he has already been on Indiana’s campus but is coming off of a “great visit” to Iowa.

Flying under the radar as of now, there hasn’t been a lot of recent film on him, so check out his Hudl highlights here.

Season Averages: 9.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.6 steals