Indiana University Women’s Basketball receives verbal commitment from Maya Makalusky for 2025
The Indiana women’s basketball team landed its first 2025 commitment in Hamilton Southeastern guard Maya Makalusky. The Fishers, Ind., native chose the Hoosiers over offers from DePaul, Maryland, Oregon, Florida, Alabama, Kentucky and others. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 15.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game last season while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range. She attends Hamilton Southeastern High School the same school that produced current Hoosier Sydney Parrish.
Makalusky made her mind up at IU team camp on Saturday. “When I went there, it just felt like where I was supposed to be,” Makalusky said. “I really felt like they were a second family. One of the big conversations I had was with Mackenzie Holmes. She was saying the same things that I was thinking when it came to comparing it to other schools, so that’s when I knew I was supposed to be here.” Being from Indiana, meeting head coach Teri Moren was a really special moment for Makalusky. “As a kid growing up in Indiana, it’s a surreal moment,” Makalusky said. “I was geeking out the whole time because it’s just so cool.”
Makalusky’s game has always revolved around her perimeter shot, something she excels at. However, she said she’s been dedicated to improving her versatility by focusing on her defensive abilities, rebounding and aggressiveness on both ends of the court. Makalusky’s recruitment has been hectic, as she’s garnered attention and offers from some of the top programs in the country. But Indiana was always on her mind because it’s so close to home and the connection with fellow Hamilton Southeastern product Parrish now at IU. She and Parrish have become friends after Makalusky’s older sister and Parrish were teammates for a season. “She’s just never changed as a person,” Makalusky said. “She and her family have always had our backs.”
Basketball hasn’t always been an easy road for Makalusky. Originally from Colorado, she was told by doctors that a heart condition would prevent her from participating in basketball and cross-country. Even during her freshman year of high school, she continued to confront obstacles. There were people who treated her and her sister poorly, making it hard for Makalusky to enjoy the sport. Malalusky persevered and will join her mother and older sister, Riley, in playing college basketball. Her mother, Jenn, played at Villanova and her sister will play at Butler next season.
Makalusky won’t arrive in Bloomington for two years, but she’s looking forward to keeping the Hoosiers, who have reached new heights the last few seasons, at the highest level. “Not only are they helping IU as a college, but the amount of people that are now supporting women’s basketball is amazing,” Makalusky said. “They’re selling out games, setting records – they’re building the brand of women’s basketball, not only in Indiana but in basketball, period. They’re making the difference.”
Indiana University Men’s Basketball players Jalen Hood-Schifino and Trayce Jackson Davis selected in the 2023 NBA Draft
Former Indiana guard Jalen Hood-Schifino was selected with the 17th pick by the Los Angeles Lakers, while forward Trayce Jackson-Davis was picked with the 57th pick by the Washington Wizards and traded to the Golden State Warriors, pending league approval, in the 2023 NBA Draft. The Hoosiers have had a Big Ten-best 79 players (Michigan ranks second with 78) selected in the NBA Draft since the inception of the event in 1947. Of the 79 players selected, 27 have heard their name called during the first round. The draft marked the first time since 2017 in which two Hoosiers earned selections. Both O.G. Anunoby (23rd overall by Toronto) and Thomas Bryant (42nd overall by Utah) were picked in ’17. Indiana has produced multiple draft picks in the same class on 14 occasions, including a program record five selections in 1983.
Jalen Hood-Schifino, G-Los Angeles Lakers -Hood-Schifino, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, averaged 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in his lone season with the Cream and Crimson. He finished fourth on the all-time Hoosier freshman assists list with 117. JHS ranked third in the Big Ten in scoring among freshmen players, fourth in rebounds, and second in assists. He produced three 20-point games and two 30-point outings, including a career-best 35 points at No. 5 Purdue on Feb. 25. The Pittsburgh native earned second team All-Big Ten plaudits, was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team, earned a spot on the USBWA All-District V list, and was a Kyle Macy National Freshman of the Year finalist. He also claimed Big Ten Freshman of the Week four times and was named the league’s Player of the Week on Feb. 27.
Trayce Jackson-Davis, F-Golden State
Jackson-Davis, a consensus All-American, led the Hoosiers in points (20.9), rebounds (10.8), assists (4.0), and blocks (2.9) per game during his senior season to become the first player in over 25 seasons of NCAA basketball to averaged 20/10/4/2 in the same season. He posted the highest scoring average by an IU player since 2008 (Eric Gordon), highest rebounding rate since 1972 (Steve Downing), and highest block production since 1988 (Dean Garrett). He finished his career as the school record holder in career rebounds (1,143) and career blocks (270), while claiming the third spot in both career points (2,258) and career double-doubles (50). TJD tallied 11 30-point games, 24 games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, 112 games with double-digit scoring performances (including 45-straight to end his career), 105 games with at least one block, and 78 games with two-or-more blocks. The former Mr. Basketball in the state of Indiana won the Karl Malone Award for the nation’s best power forward, was selected to the John R. Wooden Award Men’s national ballot, earned a semifinalist spot for the Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year, earned All-District honors from both the NABC and USBWA, was unanimously selected first team All-Big Ten by both the coaches and the media, made both the All-Big Ten Defensive Team and the Big Ten All-Tournament Team, and was named the league’s player of the week on five occasions.
Indiana Pacers add four players in the 2023 NBA Draft
The Indiana Pacers added four players during Thursday night’s NBA Draft. The Pacers entered the week with five selections (No. 7, No. 26, No. 29, No. 32 and No. 55) but made moves by trading picks with the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers before the draft. They ended up with four picks. Here’s a look at the newest Pacers.
Jarace Walker SF/PF-Houston -The team wasn’t done dealing on draft night, swapping their No. 7 pick with the Washington Wizards’ No. 8 pick. While the team technically selected Bilal Couibaly at No. 7, they surrendered his draft rights to Washington for Houston’s Jarace Walker and a pair of second-round 2028 draft picks. “His defense is very good, his rebounding is good,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said of Walker. “Those are areas where we need to improve [as a team]. He played in a great system at the University of Houston for Kelvin Sampson, who’s done an amazing job there. His teams are always known for hard, unselfish play.” Walker averaged 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists during his sole season in Houston. Measured at 6’6.50” (without shoes) and 248 pounds with a 7’2.50” wingspan at the combine, Walker is expected to play power forward. He could also find himself at center when the Pacers use a smaller lineup. Walker’s most tantalizing potential comes on the defensive end. He’s an athletic shot blocker with the ability to guard on and off the ball, adding some defensive punch to a Pacers team sorely in need of a boost on that end of the floor. The Pacers, after all, finished 26th in defensive rating last season. His versatility and athleticism he boasts a 38-inch vertical leap make him a welcome addition to the lineup. He can switch and guard on the perimeter. From an offensive standpoint, he offers a good midrange touch and an eye for passing. He’s expected to make an ideal pick-and-roll partner for Tyrese Haliburton.
Ben Sheppard SG Belmont- In today’s NBA, you can’t have enough shooters. Wing Ben Sheppard brings a solid perimeter game to Indiana and was picked 26th overall. During his senior season at Belmont University, the Atlanta native averaged 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He shot 47.5 percent from the field, including 41.5 percent from 3-point range. Sheppard worked out with the Pacers on June 8 and impressed the staff. Carlisle said Sheppard “showed out” during the workout and “played great” on both ends. His stock began rising after the NBA Scouting Combine. He measured at 6’5.25″ (without shoes) and 194 pounds with a 6’7.75″ wingspan. Sheppard’s all-around game his ability dribble, pass, shoot and defend made him an intriguing prospect for the team. “It appears to me that he could play some point guard in a pinch, but his natural position is two and three,” Carlisle said. “But that kind of versatility is very important in today’s game.” Carlisle described both first-round picks as “energetic basketball junkies” with “high basketball intelligence.”
Mojave King SG NBA G League Ignite-The 21-year-old New Zealand product has already played his fair share of professional basketball. As a teen, he played competitive basketball for the Brisbane Capitals of NBL1 North, a semi-professional league based in Australia. At the age of 17, he turned down Division I offers from the NCAA, signing instead with the developmental National Basketball League (NBL) as part of the Next Stars program. He played in that league from March 2020 through September 2022, when he signed with the NBA G League Ignite. He made the G League’s inaugural Next Up Game during the 2022-2023 season.
His averages in the G League won’t turn any heads—8.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists while playing 25.1 minutes per game. His athleticism (including a 42” vertical leap) gives him the versatility to play guard or wing. He measured at 6’3.75″ (without shoes) and 200 pounds with a 6’8″ wingspan at the combine. He’s widely considered to be a developmental prospect, according to the recruiting profile on NBA.com. Analysts peg him as a potential two-way role player who needs to work on his perimeter game. He worked out for the Pacers on June 10. The Pacers acquired the pick they used to draft King in a trade with the Lakers. L.A. received the Pacers’ 40th pick (acquired in an earlier trade with Denver) in exchange for cash considerations and the 47th pick, according to ESPN.
Isaiah Wong PG Miami (Florida)-The Pacers used their final pick at number 55 on Isaiah Wong, who led Miami in scoring while winning a record 29 games and leading the Hurricanes to their first Final Four. During his final year at Miami, Wong averaged 16.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. He shot 44.5 percent from the field, including 38.4 percent from 3-point range. The New Jersey native was the ACC Player of the Year. Wong worked out with the Pacers on May 31, participating in one of the team’s early workout sessions. He measured 6’2.50″ (without shoes) and 178 pounds with a 6’6.75″ wingspan at the combine.
Bloomington South’s Happy Gilmore is headed to Ball State University to play Golf in 2024
Happy Gilmore will be golfing for Ball State University in 2024. Yes, you read that correctly. Bloomington South golfer Happy Gilmore who made the All-State Team two years in a row has committed to continuing his golfing career as a member of the Ball State Men’s Golf Team. Born Landon James Gilmore, the young golfer said he’s had a love for the game since he was old enough to swing a club. Gilmore was bestowed the nickname “Happy” in reference to the famous 1996 comedy starring Adam Sandler by a heckler after Gilmore won a long drive competition at age 9. Bloomington’s own Happy Gilmore has been competing under the name ever since. But don’t worry, Gilmore only busts out the “Happy Gilmore Swing” for fun. Never in a competition.
Gilmore spent his youth playing in golf tours including the U.S. Kids Tour where he played in the championship in 2015, 2018 and 2019. He also competed in the Hurricane National Championships and was named the National Hurricane Player of the Year in 2020 and played in the World Stars of Golf in Las Vegas in 2022, among his many accomplishments. During Gilmore’s sophomore season at Bloomington South, the golfer with the famous name averaged 73 strokes per 18 holes and was named the Herald Times area player of the year. Gilmore took to Twitter to announce his commitment to Ball State where he said he was grateful for the opportunity to play with Coach Mike Fleck. Adam Sandler lent his support, tweeting “Go get em Happy. Pulling for you” to Gilmore’s announcement. Outside of golf, Gilmore said he likes basketball, bowling, swimming and going to Olive Garden.
Indiana University Men’s Basketball to host Morehead State as part of the 2023-24 Non-Conference Schedule
A ninth non-conference game for Indiana’s 2023-24 schedule has been revealed. The Hoosiers will host Morehead State next season at Assembly Hall, according to Rocco Miller but no official date has been announced. It will be the second straight season the Hoosiers have hosted the Eagles in Bloomington. Indiana beat Morehead State 88-53 last November in the season-opener at Assembly Hall.
Morehead State, a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, finished last season 22-12 and lost to UAB in the second round of the NIT. The Eagles finished last season ranked 237th in the KenPom ratings and are currently 224th in Bart Torvik’s preseason rankings for next season. Indiana is 6-0 all-time against Morehead State.
Indiana Fever win third straight road game
The Indiana Fever (5-7) defeated the Seattle Storm on the road 80-68, after closing out the game holding Seattle to 3-of-22 shooting from the floor in the final ten minutes. Following wins at Minnesota and Chicago, The win for Indiana marked the first time winning three straight road games for the franchise since July 2016. Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell led all scorers in the matchup as she contributed a season-high 25 points and knocked down a season-high seven three-pointers. NaLyssa Smith followed behind as she recorded her sixth double-double of the season with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Smith also set a new career-high with 12 defensive rebounds. Fever rookie forward Aliyah Boston had nine points and 11 rebounds on the night, while Erica Wheeler pitched in 10 points. Boston, Wheeler and Kristy Wallace each distributed five assists. Emma Cannon also provided support off the bench as she recorded a near double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds, which were both season-highs. Former Indiana University Star Grace Berger missed the game due to a left ankle injury.
To open the game, five players contributed in the scoring effort in the first quarter and were guided by Mitchell who pitched in eight points. In addition, Smith and Wallace both pulled down four rebounds each. The Fever gained a small lead as they pulled away midway through the quarter, but a Storm 6-0 scoring run erased the gap as the first frame ended with a tie game, 23-23. The back-and-forth play continued throughout the second quarter, as the first five minutes of the quarter featured four lead changes. After being held scoreless during the first ten minutes, Smith rattled off 10 points in the second frame on 4-of-5 shooting and pulled down five rebounds. Indiana took possession of the lead with roughly six minutes remaining in the half and sustained it to go into halftime ahead, 48-44.
In the third quarter, Mitchell shot 3-of-4 from behind the three-point arc as she pitched in six points within the quarter. A completed three-pointer from Mitchell with seconds to go gave the Fever an eight-point lead and entered the final minutes of the game, 67-59. Indiana extended its lead with a 17-0 scoring run that started midway through the third quarter and stretched into the first six minutes of the fourth quarter. During the scoring drought beginning with 4:11 left in the third quarter, Seattle did not score over the next 10:23 of game action and went 0-for-22 during the stretch. The Storm was held to 3-of-22 shooting and nine points total in the fourth quarter.
For Seattle, the Storm were led by guard and former Notre Dame star Jewell Loyd with 19 points and Ezi Magbegor with 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting. Ivana Dojkíc added 11 points and dished out a team-high six assists. The Storm offense was held to 29.7 percent shooting (22-of-74) and Loyd, who was averaging 26.2 points per game entering Thursday, was held to 5-of-21 shooting. Indiana, the league’s third-best rebounding team, recorded a season-high 47 total rebounds as they outrebounded Seattle, 47-29, in the win.
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