Indiana Hoosiers Eyeing Brant Byers to Bolster Scoring Depth
The Indiana Hoosiers are looking to revamp their scoring lineup after a challenging season, and Miami's Brant Byers could be the answer they need. With top scorers graduating, Indiana's head coach, Darian DeVries, is likely to explore the transfer portal to fill the scoring void left by stars like Lamar Wilkerson and Tucker DeVries.
Last season, the Hoosiers leaned heavily on Wilkerson, who averaged 20.9 points per game, ranking him second in the Big Ten. However, beyond Wilkerson and DeVries, who added 13.7 points per game, Indiana struggled to find consistent scoring options. This lack of depth contributed to their absence from the NCAA Tournament for the eighth time in a decade.
With the departure of key players, including Wilkerson, DeVries, Tayton Conerway, Sam Alexis, Reed Bailey, and Conor Enright, Indiana is losing nearly 78% of their minutes and 84.1% of their scoring. This exodus makes the recruitment of a player like Brant Byers crucial for the Hoosiers' offensive aspirations.
Byers, a standout guard from Miami (OH), recently announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. His sophomore season was nothing short of impressive, as he played a pivotal role in Miami's perfect 31-0 regular season and their First Four victory over SMU in the NCAA Tournament. Averaging 14.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, Byers showcased his shooting prowess with a 47.8% field goal percentage and a 39.2% success rate from beyond the arc.
For Indiana, which ranked 11th in the Big Ten with a 34.7% three-point shooting percentage, Byers' ability to shoot from deep could be a game-changer. His 6'8", 200-pound frame also adds a physical presence that can stretch defenses.
In Miami's 89-79 win over SMU, Byers' 19 points and four three-pointers highlighted his potential impact. His performance helped Miami achieve a historic feat in the NCAA Tournament by scoring over 80 points, dishing out 20+ assists, hitting 15+ three-pointers, and committing fewer than five turnovers in a single game.
Darian DeVries, known for his offensive schemes that emphasize ball movement and high-volume three-point shooting, could find Byers to be a perfect fit for his system. Byers' quick release and ability to find rhythm seamlessly align with the style of play DeVries aims to implement in Bloomington.
As the Hoosiers prepare for the upcoming season, adding a player like Byers could be pivotal in transforming their offensive capabilities and returning to NCAA Tournament contention.