2024-2025 IUBB Updated Depth Chart Featuring Dallas James

When Oumar Ballo committed to Indiana back in April, it was a major move for a team void of any traditional centers. But even Ballo's arrival was not enough for this staff/team/fanbase/program to feel 100% confident in the rotation at the 5 spot looking ahead to the 2024-2025 NCAA season.

In May, it was Langdon Hatton's turn to inject some depth into beloved big man mastermind Mike Woodson's frontcourt rotation. The 6'10", 240 pound big fella from Bellarmine certainly added a layer of comfort for those who still had concerns about the team's size, and it does not hurt knowing that Malik Reneau has the frame and rugged style of play to soak up a decent chunk of minutes at the 5 spot next season.

Yet it still felt as though this newly renovated roster could use a little more size (and shooting), and some wondered if the coaching staff would elect to bring in another big body for insurance-type purposes.

Yesterday, the program made an announcement to address those wandering thoughts (and possible concerns).

Dallas James comes over to Indiana after spending his inaugural quartet of collegiate campaigns as a member of the South Carolina State Bulldogs. The 7-footer boasts an extremely slender physique (listed at just 200 pounds), but utilizes his lanky arms to make things difficult for opposing penetrators and big men alike. James's combination of height and wingspan alone yield intimidation/second thoughts from those who consider challenging him in the paint/at the rim.

Through his first 4 seasons, the product of California has suited up in a total of 70 games (including 34 starts) and amassed nightly averages of 7.5 MPG, 1.4 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 0.1 APG, 0.7 BPG (3.7 per-40 minutes!!!) and 0.1 SPG on 56.2% shooting from the field and 51.5% from the charity stripe.

Offensively, the big man lives almost exclusively off of lobs, putbacks, and dump-offs. He has never attempted a triple throughout this point in his career, and there is no indication of that changing in the foreseeable future. Regardless of his limitations, he should serve as a viable vertical threat for Indiana's penetrators (Myles Rice, Trey Galloway, Kanaan Carlyle, etc.) to look to on their relentless runs to the rim.

We already noted his defensive potential, and he has certainly showcased an ability to make his presence felt on the less glamorous end of the court. However, he has also showcased an inability to stay out of foul trouble (averages a whopping 8 fouls per-40 minutes!!!), which does not bode well for his odds of obtaining a consistent role. Regardless, his addition should solidify a heightened sense of tranquility for anyone who held previous worries about this rotation's size.

Speaking of this team's rotation, here is how we project things will shake out with regards to that now that Woody's offseason roster overhaul has reached it's conclusion:

PG | Myles Rice (6'3", 180 lbs | Sophomore), Gabe Cupps (6'2", 175 lbs | Sophomore)

SG | Trey Galloway (6'5", 205 lbs | Senior), Kanaan Carlyle (6'3", 185 lbs | Sophomore), Jakai Newton (6'3", 203 lbs | Sophomore)

SF | Mackenzie Mgbako (6'8", 217 lbs | Sophomore), Bryson Tucker (6'6", 180 lbs | Freshman), Anthony Leal (6'5", 200 lbs | Senior)

PF | Malik Reneau (6'9", 233 lbs | Junior), Luke Goode (6'7", 210 lbs | Senior)

C | Oumar Ballo (7'0", 260 lbs | Senior), Langdon Hatton (6'10", 240 lbs | Senior), Dallas James (7'0", 200 lbs | Senior)

At first glance, that is a depth chart that looks pretty dang dangerous on paper. Dallas James is no needle mover, but he adds a lot of experience and much-needed stature to this rotation. Mike Woodson and his staff could have done a lot worse than him with their 13th and final scholarship.

Welcome aboard, Dallas. Keep going!