[6BS] Hatton Commits To Hoosiers
[6BS] Hatton Commits To Hoosiers
IU Schedules Eastern Illinois For Next Season
Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, where we highlight the five most essential IU basketball stories of the past week, plus take a look at how the other IU sports programs are doing.
The likely final piece to the roster was announced with another transfer portal commit this week. This should round out spring recruiting with a talented slate of players for 2024-2025.
Besides this, a piece of next year’s schedule was revealed, Hoosiers in the NBA, and weekly shows round out the basketball portion of 6-Banner. We will as usual conclude with a look at other Indiana sports led by softball being in the NCAA Tournament.
Here is what’s in this week’s edition:
Hatton Commits To Hoosiers
Spring Recruiting Recap
IU To Host Eastern Illinois
Hoosiers In The NBA
Weekly Shows
Hoosier Roundup-Softball Makes Second Straight NCAA Tournament
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Banner #1: Hatton Commits To Hoosiers
The Hoosiers had all but two of their roster spots filled when the week started. However, that number became one a few days ago when former Bellarmine player Langdon Hatton announced on social media he was coming to Bloomington after visiting campus.
IU then confirmed the signing the next day. Hatton averaged 10.5 points and 7.1 rebounds for the Knights in 2023-2024. He will serve as newcomer Oumar Ballo’s backup at center come the fall.
This addition likely closes spring recruiting for now. With only a single scholarship open and every position accounted for with multiple bodies, the Hoosiers go into next year with high expectations.
Banner #2: Spring Recruiting Recap
The reason for the sudden hype is due to a spring where Indiana cleaned up in the transfer portal and added a five-star freshman. As a result, a squad that limped to a 19-14 finish with no postseason is now among the league favorites in 2024-2025.
Besides Ballo and Hatton, the Cream and Crimson shored up a shallow backcourt with the additions of Kanaan Carlyle and Myles Rice. This trio will likely pair with returnees Mackenzie Mgbako and Malik Reneau in a revamped starting lineup. They will be joined by blue-chip prospect Bryson Tucker, former Illinois sharpshooter Luke Goode, and returning senior Trey Galloway to form a formidable rotation.
Inside the Hall recapped IU’s roster moves this spring. They also looked at where other Big Ten teams stand following changes for everyone since the offseason began.
Banner #3: IU To Host Eastern Illinois
It is already known that IU will head to the premier Battle of Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas over Thanksgiving for three games. This competition will highlight the team’s pre-Big Ten slate.
Besides this though, nothing else was announced as to who Indiana would play in November and December. That changed this week when it was confirmed the Hoosiers would host nearby Eastern Illinois on Sunday, November 10.
The Panthers will be paid $100,000 to come to Bloomington. They finished 2023-2024 with a 14-18 record and were no. 320 in KenPom. IU has easily dispatched EIU in both previous meetings. Also, the Panthers are coached by former Hoosier player Marty Simmons who has deep ties to the state of Indiana.
Banner #4: Hoosiers In The NBA
The one prominent Hoosier contributor not returning in 2024-2025 is Kel’el Ware. This is because he is off to the NBA Draft.
Almost all sources have Ware in the back half of the first round following the NBA combine. Ware himself participated in the combine as well where he had measurements done on his body and was interviewed.
As for former Indiana players already in the NBA, OG Anunoby continues to be the last one still alive in the playoffs. He is out with an injury but could return for today’s decisive game seven.
Anunoby’s Knicks are still trying to disperse the local NBA team in the Indiana Pacers. It has been a thrilling series so far with each team winning at home in all six contests. The winner-take-all match will be today at Madison Square Garden with a 3:30 pm start time on ABC.
Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel
Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.
The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both
and have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?
Banner #5: Weekly Shows
Podcast on the Brink and The Back Home Network had several new shows in the last few days. POTB discussed the Hatton addition with Greg Waddell.
Meanwhile, Assembly Call had AC Radio on Thursday to talk about the Hatton commitment as well. Finally, TBH had new episodes of Crimson Cast, Xs and Joes, and Right Up Meridian.
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Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Softball Makes Second Straight NCAA Tournament
Softball made their second straight NCAA Tournament as one of the last four teams in the field. The Hoosiers fell 7-6 in their opener and 5-1 in an elimination game to close a very successful season at 40-19 overall. Also, four players were honored as all-region.
Baseball lost the series finale to Nebraska last weekend. However, they took two of three from Michigan to close the regular season and keep their slim postseason hopes alive. They obtained the three-seed for the Big Ten Tourney where they open with a showdown against Purdue at 11 am Tuesday on BTN. Also, their midweek game against Louisville was rained out.
Men’s golf finished 8th at the NCAA Tournament to conclude their season.
Track and field competed at the Big Ten Championships with the men finishing fifth and the women 12th.
Women’s Soccer added a staff member.
Field Hockey announced its schedule for next fall.
Thanks for your continued support for The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall. We’ll be back next weekend with a new roundup.
Now go enjoy yourself a 6-banner Sunday.
Aaron (Ari) Shifron
Assembly Call Contributor