Indiana Basketball: Future IU target impresses at USA Basketball
By Alec Lasley
One Indiana basketball target continued to impress scouts at USA Basketball minicamp over the weekend.
While Archie Miller and the Indiana basketball program are deeply invested in the remaining 2020 and 2021 classes, it’s never too early to build relationships with future targets, and one IU recruit continues to impress.
The in-state class for 2021 has long been talked about as one of the best classes in Indiana state history but it is one 2022 target that is turning heads with his play, something that has helped him land multiple power-5 offers already.
Jalen Washington is one of the best players in the 2022 class and showed why over the weekend at the USA Basketball mini camp.
light. Related Story. Scoring Commitment From Five-Star Target 'In Hoosiers' Grasp'
Rivals’ Eric Bossi named Washington as one of his underclassmen standouts at the event and talked a little about his development.
"“I first saw Jalen Washington back in April playing 15U grassroots ball for Chicago-based Meanstreets and was struck by his size, length and the skill he had. Since then he’s looking like he has grown a couple of inches and he’s more aggressive and has some confidence from added strength.”"
The Gary native holds offers from Michigan State, Purdue, DePaul, Indiana, and most recently Iowa, and is ranked as the No. 7 best player in the 247Sports 2022 class rankings, including the top ranked player in Indiana.
Offered by Indiana in June, Washington averaged over 12 points and 8 rebounds per game as a sophomore after missing most of his freshman season due to a shoulder injury.
Bossi had this to say about Washington after watching him for the first time back in the spring.
"“Washington is about 6-foot-7, has skill, moves well and has long arms. He doesn’t force things and seems pretty comfortable on both ends of the floor. I don’t know if he will continue to grow like Kevon Looney did, but I heard a few comparisons to him and I can see that. No matter who he compares to, he’s one whose development will be watched closely.”"
Next. 5 Most Important Players For IU This Season. dark
It is still a long time before getting heavily involved in the 2022 class, but with De’Ron Davis graduating this year, Joey Brunk and Justin Smith leaving after the following year, and Trayce Jackson-Davis most likely leaving early, the front court is slim looking at the future roster makeup, making Washington a major target for Archie Miller down the road.