When it comes to college sports, recruiting is the name of the game. While the Indiana Hoosiers are making waves in college football under Curt Cignetti, the basketball scene under Darian DeVries is facing challenges.
A tough home loss to Northwestern might just keep them out of the NCAA Tournament. However, there's a silver lining on the horizon for Hoosiers fans: Trevor Manhertz.
Manhertz has been turning heads with his standout performances at Christ School in North Carolina, particularly in the EYBL Scholastic league. Averaging 20 points per game and shooting 43% from beyond the arc, he's a player to watch. His commitment to Indiana over powerhouse programs like Duke and Louisville speaks volumes.
According to 247Sports Composite rankings, Manhertz is the top player from North Carolina, the 39th-ranked small forward nationally, and sits at No. 100 in the 2026 recruiting class. Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 185 pounds, he brings the athleticism and shooting range the Hoosiers need on the wing.
The pressing question is: how soon can Manhertz make an impact for Indiana?
His highlight reel showcases three standout qualities. First, his smooth shooting stroke from deep is a thing of beauty, suggesting his three-point prowess will translate well to the Big Ten. Second, his court awareness is impressive-whether he's blocking shots, attacking the rim, or distributing the ball, he consistently makes smart plays.
Lastly, Manhertz's presence on the court is undeniable. Opponents seem to struggle to contain him, and while he'll face tougher competition in the Big Ten, his confidence shines through.
Indiana could use more players like Lamar Wilkerson to develop under DeVries, but with Wilkerson potentially finishing his college career, their paths might not cross. The current team struggles with too much isolation play, which contributes to their tournament woes. The top-tier Big Ten teams aren't intimidated by them.
Manhertz's arrival in Bloomington in a few months could mark the beginning of a new era for Indiana basketball. With his talent and potential, he might just be the spark the Hoosiers need.