- Indiana
MIDWEST RECRUITING: Marian’s Jaden Ivey picks Purdue, Ben Davis’ Jalen Windham headed to Creighton
A pair of Hoosierland’s most fierce competitors on the boys hardwood found their respective spots at the next level this past week.
Score one for the Big Ten and one for the Big East.
Mishawaka Marian junior combo guard Jaden Ivey committed to Purdue Tuesday and Ben Davis senior wing guard Jalen Windham signed with Creighton Wednesday afternoon after recently de-committing from Georgia State.
Ivey (6-foot-3) poured in 25 points per night for Marian in 2019. He comes from an accomplished bloodline — his mom (Niele Ivey) played in the WNBA, his dad (Javin Hunter) and grandpa (James “Hound Dog” Hunter) logged time in the NFL. Niele Ivey is an assistant coach for Notre Dame’s woman’s hoop program. She starred for the Fighting Irish in college, as did his pops on the gridiron, and many had viewed the young Ivey as a surefire future Golden Domer. But in the end, the sweet-stroking gunner who finishes strong above the rim showed loyalty to the first school to offer him. Purdue offered Ivey last summer, while Notre Dame didn’t extend a bid until the fall. Butler also offered.
The court savvy, silky-smooth Windham led his Ben Davis club on a magical run into the 4A state championship game last month. He averaged 18 points a night in the regular season, shooting 40 percent from 3-point range. Going BONKERS in the Big Dance, he tickled the twine for 22 points per game and connected on 46 percent of his 3-bombs in the postseason. When Georgia State’s head coach Ron Hunter headed for Tulane following the 2019 campaign, Windham reopened his recruitment.
About to be "Bash Brothers"
Pike senior forward Ahmoni Jones and Indianapolis Cathedral shooting guard Justin Hensley both committed to Wabash College this week too. Jones had a breakout season shooting the rock and attacking the tin in 2019. He was one of the Indy area’s most improved players without question. Hensley has made a name for himself around the Circle City the last two seasons as an elite net ripper from downtown, shooting better than 45 percent from long distance in his varsity career. Wabash went 21-6, 13-0 at home, back in the winter.
Balling out
Jeffersonville junior forward Tre Coleman picked up a Ball State offer Monday. The lanky 6-foot-6 Coleman could be a possible sleeper in the Mr. Basketball race next year. Nebraska delivered Coleman his first high-major offer last summer. He recorded 17 points and seven rebounds per game as a junior.
