With word that highly touted 5-star in-state wing recruit Bryson Tucker has committed to Indiana, Mike Woodson has officially reminded everyone why patience is always a virtue.
5⭐️ Bryson Tucker (no. 17 ESPN 💯) has committed to Indiana ⚪️🔴 #IUBB@BrysonTucker3_ | @IndianaMBB pic.twitter.com/M5AM29y2HN
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) March 28, 2024
A few weeks back, the shot caller and program were collectively hit with a haymaker upon the development of news that Liam McNeeley had decided to decommit from the cream and crimson. Tucker's pact signals a shift in momentum, and should serve as a symbol of Woody's fight back against any type of downfall stemming from that upper-cut.
With the news of Tucker's acquisition breaking today, here is who we currently know will be sporting the candy stripes alongside the #17 recruit in 2024-2025: Jakai Newton, Anthony Leal, Trey Galloway, Malik Reneau, and Gabe Cupps. Aside from those guys, the only other key piece from this year's team who is still on the fence regarding a return is Mackenzie Mgbako. While he could test the NBA waters (odds of getting drafted are not great) or the transfer portal, Mgbako would be wise to run it back in B-Town.
If we assume that Mgbako is back in Bloom for next season, that would leave Mike Woodson with a present depth chart of:
PG | 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)
Right off the bat, it should go without saying that this team needs a big man. Reneau played ample minutes at the 5 this year, but looked largely miscast in that realm during those minutes. After the ascension of Kel'el Ware that accompanied his arrival at IU, it would not be shocking if there is heavy interest among the top free agent frontcourt players in the transfer portal. Woodson has shown a clear ability to aid in the development of bigs, with Ware resembling a potential future NBA star.
Beyond that, this is a team that NEEDS shooters. Luckily for them, there is no shortage of marksman available in the portal, and the sudden snatching of one of the more prized incoming freshman could mean Woodson has some magic up his sleeves in the freshman recruiting department either.
Obtaining the versatile services of the 6'7", 185 pound wing was nothing shy of a power move in what was expected to be a dreadful offseason. The next play should be retaining Mgbako, and then filling out the rest of this roster with high quality, energetic role players who can defend, shoot, and rebound. There is a strong nucleus in place, now it is all about refining the edges.
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