Hoosier State of Mind
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Indiana Basketball: The importance of securing Trey Kaufman

By Trevor Gersmehl

BLOOMINGTON, IN - JANUARY 14: A rack of basketballs at the Indiana Hoosiers games against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Assembly Hall on January 14, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - JANUARY 14: A rack of basketballs at the Indiana Hoosiers games against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Assembly Hall on January 14, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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BLOOMINGTON, IN – JANUARY 15: A Indiana Hoosiers cheerleader performs during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Assembly Hall on January 15, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN – JANUARY 15: A Indiana Hoosiers cheerleader performs during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Assembly Hall on January 15, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

It’s not an understatement to say that Trey Kaufman doesn’t have a single weakness on the offensive side of the ball. He averaged just shy of 15 points per game as a junior and showed he can score in just about any way he wants.

Kaufman uses his size and athleticism to slither around defenders in the post and has the strength to finish at the rim. However, he isn’t just limited to the paint. Kaufman can get to the rim from the perimeter, especially out of the triple threat. He can’t break his man down off of the dribble, but that isn’t essential to the kind of player he is.

One of the main reasons Kaufman is able to beat his man to the rim is his shooting ability. Kaufman hit 40% of his threes last season. He has a smooth stroke and won’t hesitate to make defenders pay for giving him too much space from outside. It’s a lose-lose situation for the defense.

Kaufman’s fit with the Indiana roster is arguably the main reason to be excited about his potential commitment. He’d come to Bloomington and could start immediately. If Trayce Jackson-Davis stayed for his junior season, the combination of Khristian Lander, Jackson-Davis, and Trey Kaufman would wreak havoc on the Big Ten.

Just imagine a lineup of Khristian Lander, Anthony Leal, Jerome Hunter, Kaufman, and Jackson-Davis. The shooting … the athleticism … the defense. I’m getting basketball nerd goosebumps just thinking about it.

Next. Indiana Basketball: Recruits to watch for in the class of 2020. dark

Let’s hope the stars align that way and we get to see that team in two seasons. If it happens, Indiana could make a run at a championship. It’s all contingent on Trey Kaufman coming to Indiana, which is why wooing him is such a point of emphasis for Archie Miller.

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