Another member of Mike Woodson’s 11th ranked incoming freshman class for the 2023-2024 campaign, Gabe Cupps was another high quality addition to the squad. While he officially signed with the Hoosiers last winter, he has been verbally committed since the winter of 2021:
Committed. Let’s get it!⚪️🔴 @IndianaMBB @IUHoosiers pic.twitter.com/z9e9bgBVRO
— Gabe Cupps (@CuppsGabe) November 16, 2021
The 6’1″ point guard joined a strong overall cast of Hoosier reinforcements after a strong senior season in which he averaged 15.4 points, 6.2 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. He also shot 49.5 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from 3 in 2022-2023. Cupps has made headlines even years before his high school career when he played on the same AAU team as Bronny James. The Ohio product has maintained a playful relationship with his former teammate’s legendary father.
In his short time suiting up with the Hoosiers so far in 2023, it is clear that he has absorbed some wisdom from the King. The numbers have been minuscule, but the maturity he has radiated has been a pleasant surprise. His points on offense have been microscopic, but his peskiness on defense has been magnificent. He has not sparkled from an optical perspective, but he has undoubtedly been a spark from an operational perspective. He may seem a bit timid with the ball as of this moment, but that is frequently the case during a freshman’s initial adjustment period (just ask Mackenzie Mgbako). The young floor general’s level of aggression should only increase as he continues to adapt to collegiate competition.
With his classmate Jakai Newton still rehabbing from offseason surgery and mentor Xavier Johnson’s health currently in question, Cupps may have a heavy load of responsibility thrust upon him sooner than anticipated. He made the first start of his college career in the Big Ten opener, and all signs would seem to indicate that again being the case in Tuesday’s contest at Michigan if Johnson is ruled out once again.
While his temporary promotion may have been unplanned, he is gaining precious hands on experience that will only stand to benefit him and the team in the long run. It would be quite refreshing for Hoosier Nation to witness him “grow up right in front of our eyes” this season, but everyone must stay patient with him. It may take some time, but Gabe Cupps should grow into something greater in Bloomington (as he continues to grow into his body).