Indiana Basketball: 2021 five-star target the answer to offensive struggles

The Indiana basketball program hosted a flurry of targets and commits over the weekend, but none more important than one 2021 star.

This past weekend was not only an important one on the court, but also off of it as well. Archie Miller and the Indiana basketball program played host to a handful of future recruits as well as commits on Sunday, trying to take the next step in the 2021 class as well as finish off 2020 in style.

The highest profile visitor out of the group was class of 2021 target Aminu Mohammed. The five-star wing is one of the most talented players in the country, ranked No. 14 in the 2021 class, and is a projected first round draft pick in the near future.

Reportedly having a ‘great visit’ according to Jeff Rabjohns, the Hoosiers need to build on the visits’ momentum and take the next step in his recruitment.

Indiana offered Mohammed in the summer and is one of a handful of programs that are vested for an important recruitment that will shape the 2021 class for any program he chooses. Out of those other programs, Louisville and Maryland seem to be near the top along with Indiana.

Moving from the D.C. area to Missouri, the Greenwood Laboratory (Mo.) product is exactly what the Hoosiers are missing; a wing who can score in bunches. Mohammed not only averaged 34.2 points as a sophomore, but also did it efficiently as he shot over 50 percent from the field and even reached 57 percent on the Nike EYBL summer circuit.

With Indiana’s guards and wings inability to create for themselves at a consistent rate, Mohammed fills that need immediately and can score anywhere on the court.

247Sports Director of Basketball Scouting Jerry Meyer broke down Mohammed’s game, highlighting is scoring prowess.

"Not long for a wing but has a big, strong build. Can overwhelm opponents with strength and athleticism. Plays with great energy. Competes everywhere on the court. Good ball handler and passer. Scoring off the dribble is his greatest strength. Developing long range shooter. Quality rebounder and defender. Should develop into an first-round NBA draft choice."

Big, physical, athletic wings are the future of the game and Indiana has struggled with securing commitments from them in the past, but can’t miss this time. Mohammed also averaged 17.5 rebounds, 2.9 steals, and 2.3 assists per game last year, showing off his well-rounded game.

With the new rules allowing juniors in high school to take five official visits before their five as a senior, schools push more and more to land both a junior and senior year visit. So far, Mohammed has taken just one junior year visit, with that being to Maryland.

Indiana is currently involved heavily with in-state products Khristian Lander, Trey Kaufman, and Caleb Furst amongst many others, but Mohammed is one prospect that should and needs to be at the top of the list moving forward.