Indiana could still use a center for Darian DeVries’ first roster. Here’s a few potential candidates.
Darian DeVries has gotten off to a pretty hot start as Indiana’s newest men’s basketball coach. His first roster is looking pretty set as far as a projected rotation goes in the backcourt, with future additions depending on how he sees Reed Bailey.
Bailey was Davidson’s center this past season, but he has enough versatility to play on the perimeter and could slide over to the four with Tucker DeVries starting at the three.
If DeVries sees Bailey as a center, he just needs to worry about frontcourt depth. If he’s looking to play him at power forward, he’ll need a five. If so, I think the priority should be on defense given all of the offensive talent that’s already been added.
And if he needs a five, here’s three options for the program to pursue:
Moustapha Thiam – UCF
Thiam averaged 10.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 0.7 assists and 2.6 blocks in 28.7 minutes per game for UCF this past season as a freshman and entered the transfer portal last week. At 7’2”, he has beyond ideal length and size for the position and would be a tremendous boost to Indiana’s current starting lineup.
One issue: he’s already been crystal balled to Cincinnati on 247Sports. Might be too late for Indiana to get in on this one but you simply don’t know unless you try.
Fridrik Leo Curtis – CATS Academy
Here’s an interesting one. Curtis is originally from Iceland and transferred to the United States to play high school ball during his recruitment.
He received interest from Indiana under Mike Woodson and West Virginia under DeVries, visiting both programs before ultimately committing to Arizona State. But he decommitted from the Sun Devils last week.
There’s already a pre-existing relationship with DeVries, so that could help Indiana get a foot in the door in what is likely to be a pretty quick recruiting process. He’s a modern big man with a versatile offensive skillset who can protect the rim, which would be ideal for the Hoosiers.
Adrame Diongue – San Jose State
Diongue is originally from Senegal, attended AZ Compass Prep for high school and has spent the past two seasons with San Jose State. He averaged 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 1.5 blocks in 16.4 minutes per game for the Spartans this past season.
Indiana would have to bet on the 7-footer’s defense with this one. He has plenty of room to grow, but would be on the floor as a defensive piece unless his offensive game continues coming along.