As the 2024-2025 NCAA season draws nearer and nearer, Indiana University men's basketball fans will become more and more familiar with the names of the 13 players who will be suiting up in the cream and crimson this year. Once the season officially kicks off and fans have a chance to familiarize themselves with the game of each respective name, the birth names of each hooper will quickly transition to nicknames as the fanbase's level of comfort with this team gains traction.
With these things being stated, here is an initial nickname for each and every 2024-2025 Indiana University men's basketball player.
Mackenzie Mgbako = Monster Mack
It took Mgbako some time to gain his footing as a freshman, but once he found his rhythm all of the preseason hype surrounding his arrival made clear sense. Simply put, the 6'8" combo forward seems primed for a monster sophomore season.
Malik Reneau = Nothin' Neau
Through Reneau's first 2 seasons at Indiana, the lethal lefty has grown his game in seemingly all areas. By now, we should all simply accept the fact that the big man is going to produce at a high rate while he simultaneously continues to expand his game.
Malik Reneau is the best passing big in the Big Ten
— Joe Jackson (@joejacksonCBB) August 2, 2024
When looking at who he assisted to last season, 34 went to Kel'el Ware. The next closest was 24 to Mackenzie Mgbako
A lot of the high low looks or passes out of the post will need to Oumar Ballo pic.twitter.com/sBl9TIXv13
Myles Rice = Survivorman
If you are not familiar with the trials and tribulations which Myles Rice has endured/overcome in the last few years, do yourself a favor and do your diligence on his journey. The floor general is a warrior both on and off the court, and this Indiana program is incredibly fortunate to have him on board.
Oumar Ballo = The Bully
This one does not require much elaboration. Oumar Ballo is a tank, and he brings a ton to the table via his brute force and physical intimidation factor.
Kanaan Carlyle = Heat Wave
Kanaan Carlyle not only has a case as this team's most electric scoring threat, but that case extends across the entire Big Ten conference. The transfer from Stanford is the definition of a microwave scorer, and once he gets rolling it can be nearly impossible to slow him down.
Bryson Tucker = The Prodigy
Perhaps he is not quite ready to assume the label of this team's best overall player, but Tucker probably has the most NBA potential of any player on this roster. Get used to the name Bryson Tucker, because our crystal ball is telling us that he has some major moments ahead of him on both ends of the court.
Trey Galloway = Energizer Bunny
Trey Galloway is one of those basketball players who is "everywhere" on the court, and his infectious energy is a true treat to watch. Gallo maneuvers his way to the rim mercilessly on the offensive end and GETS AFTER IT defensively. His status as a fan favorite should be a surprise to no one.
Luke Goode = The Splasher
Anytime that Luke Goode hoists a triple try, the assumption should almost always be that it will tickle the twine. His textbook jumper resembles some form of poetry in motion, and his primary responsibility for this team is to let it fly with confidence whenever he has the chance to do so.
Gabe Cupps = The Chef
Cupps did not turn in an out of this world freshman season, but did an admirable job on both ends of the court throughout his true freshman season. This offseason, the Ohio product has clearly been cooking in both the weight room/gym and his personal business ventures off the court.
Jakai Newton = Bounce Back
After missing his entire freshman season while recovering from a pre-existing knee ailment, watch out for Jakai Newton looking ahead to this upcoming season. It should be a given that Newton is anxious to get his feet back on the floor, and surely he is on a mission to show the candy stripe faithful that he was the missing piece from a season ago.
Anthony Leal = Big Bro
Anthony Leal may or may not be in store for a prominent role promotion this season, but either way having him back in B-Town will serve to benefit all of the incoming transfers/freshman. He has a heaping of experience playing with this program, and should serve as a vocal leader on this team who his new teammates can look to as a source of wisdom.
Langdon Hatton = Mad Hatter
Langdon Hatton seems like a genuinely nice guy character wise, and surely that sentiment rings true or he would not be a part of this team. However, his coaches and teammates are going to need Hatton to flip the ferocity switch whenever he checks into a ball game this season. The bouldering big fella may not get a ton of run, but when he is on the court his matchup's should view him as anything but a nice guy.
Dallas James = The Fire Extinguisher
Adding Dallas James into the mix was a solid way to cap off an extremely impressive offseason for Mike Woodson and his staff. His size and stature will serve as a strong option for his coaches to look to in the event that the big fellas ahead of him on this depth chart (Ballo, Reneau, Hatton) fall prey to foul/injury troubles *knocks on wood*.