The Indiana Hoosiers find themselves in a precarious position as the NCAA Tournament looms. With a challenging season under their belt, losing six of the last seven games, first-year head coach Darian DeVries is navigating a tough initiation into the Big Ten. The Hoosiers’ struggles can be traced to a glaring issue: a lack of size and consistent front court play.
Without a true center, Indiana has faced difficulties competing against the physicality of Big Ten opponents. DeVries, experiencing the conference's intensity for the first time, acknowledges the need to bolster the front court as a top priority for his second year. Enter Moustapha Thiam, a potential game-changer on the transfer watch list.
Following Cincinnati's decision to part ways with head coach Wes Miller, speculation is rife about player movements, and Thiam's name is buzzing among Hoosier fans. Standing at an impressive 7'2" and weighing 250 pounds, Thiam could provide the much-needed size Indiana craves.
With two seasons of collegiate experience, Thiam has shown significant growth. After averaging 10.4 points and 6.4 rebounds at UCF, he upped his game at Cincinnati, posting 12.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. His shooting has improved to 52.5%, and he boasts an average of 2.1 blocks per game.
Originating from Dakar, Senegal, Thiam has consistently started all 65 games in his college career, showcasing a trajectory of improvement. Should he decide to enter the transfer portal, DeVries would do well to consider him seriously. Adding Thiam could address Indiana's size deficit and inject much-needed talent into their roster.
Beyond size, the Hoosiers face the challenge of replacing their top-five scorers for the upcoming season. This offseason, DeVries and his team have their work cut out for them in reconstructing a competitive squad. A player like Thiam could be pivotal in reshaping Indiana's fortunes.