Indiana Basketball: Does IU have a real shot with DJ Steward?

Indiana basketball made the top-8 for 2020 four-star DJ Steward, but do they actually have a legit shot to land him?

Archie Miller and the Indiana basketball program got some more good news on Thursday afternoon when 2020 four-star prospect DJ Steward named the Hoosiers among his eight finalists.

Joining Indiana included DePaul, Duke, Illinois, Iowa State, Louisville, North Carolina and Texas. The Chicago native plays for Whitney Young High School and spent his time with MeanStreets (IL) on the Nike EYBL AAU circuit.

Steward has only visited one school to this point in his recruitment, Texas, and that was during his junior year, meaning he still has all five of his senior year officials to take. Doest that mean the Hoosiers could secure one?

Looking at his list, the two teams that stand head and shoulders above the rest are Duke and Louisville, while Illinois still plays into his recruitment being the better of the two programs from his state. North Carolina and Duke are the schools that stand out on his list, but he may not be as quick as some think to jump ship to a Blue Blood.

"“I have to value those schools that were on me pretty early because they have been on me and recruiting me hard for a long time,” Steward told Rivals.com’s Eric Bossi. “I have to look at that and put value in it.”"

Rivals’ Corey Evans went into detail about Steward’s recruitment.

"“While Duke and UNC were his two most recent offers and some would be swayed by the blue blood appeal of each, Steward is the type that will thoroughly think out his decision with the best fit.”"

Indiana offered Steward in early May and have been on him ever since. Despite Indiana’s early involvement, Louisville was involved a couple of weeks prior than the Hoosiers and have even received an unofficial visit from the 6-foot-3 guard, making him a big priority in 2020.

"“Louisville wants me to come in and score and fill it up for them,” Steward said. “Louisville is making me feel like a priority and I really like the message they have been telling me. They want me to come in and help right away.”"

When it’s all said and done, while Indiana is on Steward’s list, Louisville and Duke will be two teams very difficult to beat out.