IU Basketball Recruiting Update Hoosiers Fall Short in Landing 2026 5-star Prospect Anthony Thompson

Anthony Thompson, a highly regarded 5-star prospect for the class of 2026, has officially committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes. His decision was announced on Tuesday morning, marking the end of a lengthy recruitment process that spanned nearly two years across two different coaching staff tenures for the Indiana Hoosiers.
IU Basketball Recruiting Update: Focus Shifts After Losing Thompson
Thompson, hailing from Lebanon, Ohio, is the first 5-star player to commit to Ohio State since 2014. His choice underscores Indiana’s challenge in securing top talent, as they currently have only one commitment in their class: combo guard Prince-Alexander Moody.
What’s Next for the Hoosiers?
The Hoosiers now need to reassess their recruitment strategies. Recently, they hosted several players who could fill the void left by Thompson’s commitment. Notably, Vaughn Karvala, a Wisconsin-based wing with a skill set similar to Thompson’s, is reportedly considering Indiana, California, and Xavier. A decision from Karvala is expected soon.
- Recent Visitors:
- 7-foot center Arafan Diane
- 7-footer Ethan Taylor, who visited earlier
- Recruitment Updates:
- Jordan Smith, Jr.: Currently in IU’s final six but has not scheduled an official visit.
- International forwards: Miikka Muurinen, Luigi Suigo, and Sayon Keita are also on the radar.
To address their roster needs, Indiana may also explore options in the transfer portal. A proactive approach in the spring could lead to additional commitments that strengthen their lineup for 2026.
For ongoing updates on IU basketball’s future prospects and recruitment efforts, fans can stay tuned to Emegypt for the latest information on the Hoosiers’ 2026 through 2028 targets.