Indiana Basketball: Class of 2020(1) Breakdown – Khristian Lander

In a new series, we give you an in-depth breakdown of every member of Indiana basketball incoming recruiting class. Last but not least, Khristian Lander.

When Archie Miller arrived in Indiana, he vowed to prioritize in-state kids during the recruiting process. Miller has made good on that promise and has certainly proven his ability to recruit the state by landing Romeo Langford, Trayce Jackson-Davis, etc.

This year, however, was different. Miller landed a great in-state talent with Anthony Leal, sure, but the biggest recruiting coup of Miller‘s tenure has been Khristian Lander.

It had been obvious that there was something special brewing at Reitz High School since Lander was 15. Many coaches had been in contact with him over his high school career, but it was Miller who built the strongest relationship.

The number one point guard in his class, Lander was a must-have for Miller and staff as he was the best prospect in an absolutely loaded 2021 in-state class.

Upon announcing his commitment, Lander stated that he was most likely going to reclass and be on campus this fall. According to his camp, we should expect confirmation on his decision in June.

The only thing that would hold back this move would be if he couldn’t complete his course load but the kid has a 3.8 GPA so I’m not too worried about that. For all intents and purposes, Khristian Lander will be joining the class of 2020.

Lander has been on the radar of high-major basketball programs for a long time. In the summer going into his sophomore year, he received his first offer from Illinois. Last summer, Lander starred for an Indiana Elite AAU team that featured Leal and Trey Galloway. They won multiple tournaments throughout the summer and that opened the floodgates as Indiana, Purdue, Louisville, Michigan, Memphis and many more came calling.

It was apparent that Lander had arrived. What also became apparent during Indiana Elite’s AAU season was that Leal, Galloway, and Lander play with great chemistry together. Lander has said that the connection he has with Leal and Galloway went a long way toward his college decision.

In his junior season at the Reitz School in Evansville, Indiana, Lander maintained the momentum he had gained in this past summer and led Evansville Reitz to a 17-7 record. He led his team in points (17.7) and assists (5.7) while also chipping in with around three rebounds and three steals. He was also named to the all-state second team.