Indiana Basketball: The importance of securing Trey Kaufman

It’s hard to find a more natural fit for modern basketball than Trey Kaufman. At 6’8,” 210 lbs, Kaufman has a coveted blend of size and athleticism that allows him to guard almost anyone on defense. He is so light on his feet that he can guard quicker players with ease and can just as easily guard the other team’s center in the low post. Kaufman’s masquerade as a Swiss army knife would make him one of the better defenders in the Big Ten with a little coaching.

The Silver Creek forward averaged 1.8 blocks per game last season, which demonstrates his ability to protect the rim in addition to his potential as an on-ball defender. Help side rim protection is an extremely valuable asset at every level of basketball.

Kaufman has explosive athleticism to pair with his impressive frame and defensive skills. Just take a look at this picture of him performing the vertical jump test during quarantine:

That kind of athletic ability gives Kaufman a chance to be a lockdown defender at the collegiate level. It also opens the door for a potential NBA career.

That leaping ability also gives him an uncanny ability to pull down rebounds. Kaufman reeled in 9.1 rebounds per game last season. If he was paired with Trayce Jackson-Davis in Indiana’s frontcourt, there wouldn’t be any rebounds left for the rest of the NCAA. They’d steal them all.

For all the excitement and potential that Kaufman brings on the defensive side of the ball, he can match it on the offensive side of things.