Another day, another major addition to an Indiana Hoosier depth chart that is getting better and better with time.
As we approach the completion of a major recruiting weekend for Mike Woodson and his colleagues, the commitment of reigning Pac-12 Freshman of the Year Myles Rice ensures IU will not come away from these efforts empty handed. After a battle with a form of lymphoma sidelined him throughout the 2022-2023 season, the 6'3", 180 pound guard started all 35 of Washington State's games in 2023-2024. He averaged 33.2 MPG, 14.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.8 APG (2.6 TOPG), 0.2 BPG, and 1.6 SPG while shooting 43.9% FG/27.5% 3/81.1% FT.
His numbers are impressive, but it is the resilience he showed in bouncing back from a major health concern which should yield the most excitement in the hearts of the Hoosier faithful. This guy obviously has a genuine love for the game of basketball, and the state of Indiana is renowned for our adoration for the sport. Needless to say, this should be a match made in heaven.
With the Xavier Johnson era officially over, the only other true point guard on the roster is Gabe Cupps. With all due respect to Cupps, Rice should instantly supplant him in the starting backcourt next to Trey Galloway. The shooting could get a bit shaky (Rice shot 27.5% from 3 this season and Galloway shot an even worse 26.0% from deep), but Rice projects as a better threat from outside with another year of maturation. Galloway should be able to raise his connection rate at least a hair as well.
With those things in mind, the team's updated depth chart with the addition of Rice should resemble something in the form of the following:
PG | Myles Rice (6'3", 180 lbs | Sophomore), Gabe Cupps (6'2", 175 lbs | Sophomore)
SG | Trey Galloway (6'5", 205 lbs | Senior), Jakai Newton (6'3", 205 lbs | Sophomore)
SF | Bryson Tucker (6'7", 185 lbs | Freshman), Anthony Leal (6'5", 200 lbs | Senior)
PF | Mackenzie Mgbako (6'8", 220 lbs | Sophomore)
C | Malik Reneau (6'9", 235 lbs | Junior)
This is a team that is looking scarier and scarier by the second, and the crystal ball is telling us that it could get even further frightening in the foreseeable future.
Welcome to the cream and crimson family, Myles!