Indiana Basketball: Newly offered 2021 target mulling possible reclassification

Indiana basketball recently offered a 2021 big man who is considering reclassifying to 2020, which could be a huge help for the Hoosiers.

While Archie Miller and the Indiana basketball program continue to be deeply involved with multiple 2020 targets, a new one may be on the horizon.

2021 big man Javonte Brown-Ferguson has seen his recruitment take off in the past couple of months and was extended an offer from Indiana last week. After receiving multiple high-major offers, programs are trying to make a push to get him to move into the 2020 class.

One of the main suitors is Indiana. Brown-Ferguson recently told Zagsblog.com that the Hoosiers along with UConn, Texas A&M, and Marquette are the schools recruiting him the hardest.

He detailed what Indiana’s message to him was.

"“They’re saying that they’ve been watching me since the live period in July in Atlanta. They were saying that they liked how hard I played, and they’re very interested in me coming to play in the 2020 class.”"

Playing for Canada Elite on the Under Armour Circuit, Brown-Ferguson flashed his potential at times and showed why so many high-major programs are in pursuit of him. He averaged 5.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and .8 blocks in over 19 minutes per game.

Brown-Ferguson is a high reward type player if he moves to the 2020 class. At 6-foot-11, he is still growing into his body and frame. His best assets are around the rim on both ends of the floor. His length gives the defense a legitimate shot blocker while his touch around the rim allows him to rarely miss from inside the free throw line.

Back in July during one of the live evaluation periods, 247Sports Evan Daniels broke down Brown-Ferguson’s game.

"“Brown is an impressive post prospect who has a tremendous frame including very good size for the position, wide shoulders and long arms. He is a mobile kid who is a decent athlete and should only improve as he adds strength to a body that should be able to carry plenty of it. Brown has soft touch around the basket, while he has the physical tools to be a legitimate rim protector and area rebounder as he gains strength and experience. There is definitely a high upside here.”"

Right now, Indiana is lacking ideal size with the targets they are actively pursuing and will be losing De’Ron Davis after this year, and Joey Brunk and the chance of Trayce Jackson-Davis after next season. While Javonte Brown-Ferguson won’t be a huge contributor in 2020, getting him under the direction of strength coach Cliff Marshall would help him tremendously moving into the 2021 season which they would expect him to play more significant minutes.

Brown-Ferguson is ranked No. 104 in the 2021 class as a three-star prospect by 247Sports.