Indiana University Basketball Transfer Portal Buzz

Hoosiers Lose Key Players to Transfer Portal

Indiana University's men's basketball team has been hit hard by the transfer portal this offseason, losing several key players including starting guard Rob Phinisee and forward Jerome Hunter. Phinisee, a four-year starter, averaged 11.1 points and 4.8 assists per game last season, while Hunter, a 6-foot-7 forward, averaged 9.1 points and 5.8 rebounds.

The departures of Phinisee and Hunter leave a big hole in Indiana's lineup, and new head coach Mike Woodson will have to find ways to replace their production. The Hoosiers have added some players via the transfer portal, including guard Xavier Johnson from Pittsburgh and forward Miller Kopp from Northwestern, but it remains to be seen if they can fill the void left by Phinisee and Hunter.

What's Next for Indiana?

With the transfer portal window now closed, Indiana will have to turn its attention to preparing for the upcoming season. Woodson has a lot of work to do to get the Hoosiers back on track after a disappointing 2021-22 season, but he has a talented roster to work with.

In addition to Johnson and Kopp, Indiana returns several key players from last season's team, including All-Big Ten guard Trayce Jackson-Davis. Jackson-Davis averaged 18.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season, and he will be counted on to be the leader of the Hoosiers this year.

Indiana also has a number of promising young players who could step into bigger roles this season, including guards Tamar Bates and Khristian Lander. With a talented roster and a new head coach, the Hoosiers have the potential to be a surprise team in the Big Ten this season.

Key Players to Watch

Here are some key players to watch for Indiana this season:

• Trayce Jackson-Davis: The All-Big Ten forward will be the leader of the Hoosiers this season and will be counted on to carry the scoring load.
• Xavier Johnson: The transfer guard from Pittsburgh will be expected to step into a starting role and provide leadership in the backcourt.
• Miller Kopp: The transfer forward from Northwestern will be counted on to provide shooting and defense on the wing.
• Tamar Bates: The sophomore guard is a talented scorer who could have a breakout season this year.
• Khristian Lander: The sophomore guard is a dynamic playmaker who could be a major contributor this season.

Schedule and Outlook

Indiana's non-conference schedule includes games against Xavier, Kansas, and North Carolina. The Hoosiers will open their Big Ten schedule on the road against Purdue on Dec. 3.

Indiana has a tough schedule this season, but they have the talent to be a competitive team in the Big Ten. If Jackson-Davis can stay healthy and the young players step up, the Hoosiers could be a surprise team this season.