Indiana Basketball Recruiting: Four Key 2026 Targets to Watch
Indiana head coach Darian DeVries, despite only being in Bloomington for less than six months, has already secured a commitment for the class of 2026 from Prince-Alexander Moody. But DeVries and his staff aren’t stopping there—they’re looking to further strengthen their 2026 recruiting class in the upcoming weeks and months. Here’s a look at four top prospects to keep an eye on:
Tay Kinney and Deron Rippey Jr. 
Both Kinney and Rippey are elite lead guards, but it’s unlikely that DeVries will be able to bring both aboard, as he can probably only land one of these five-star talents. Regardless, each would be a significant addition to the Hoosiers’ backcourt.
- Tay Kinney
Kinney stands out as the more traditional point guard of the two. A true playmaker, Kinney excels at running the offense and setting up his teammates with precision. At 6-foot-1, he’s a top-tier ball-screen handler and a gifted decision-maker. Whether it’s a lob, skip pass, or pocket pass, Kinney can deliver any type of pass. He also has a versatile offensive game, from driving to the rim to pulling up in the midrange or hitting step-back threes. Kinney’s shooting range extends beyond the arc, and he has the burst to attack the basket and finish over defenders. - Deron Rippey Jr.
While Rippey may not be as adept at facilitating as Kinney, he is arguably the more dynamic scorer. A 6-foot-2 explosive athlete, Rippey uses his quickness and change of pace to attack the rim, finishing through or over defenders with ease. His leaping ability and efficiency around the basket make him a potent downhill threat. Though he doesn’t often showcase a midrange jumper, Rippey is an excellent pull-up shooter from deep. As a passer, he’s unselfish, but he tends to distribute the ball only when his own scoring efforts are shut down.
Anthony Thompson
Thompson is a versatile wing/forward who can stretch the floor with his smooth lefty jump shot or finish plays in the dunker spot. Standing above 6-foot-8, he uses his length effectively and excels in transition, running the floor and finishing at the rim. Thompson’s ball-handling isn’t spectacular, but his crafty footwork—featuring spin moves, pull-ups, and subtle steps—allows him to get good looks near the basket. He’s a strong downhill player with an advanced understanding of how to create his own offense.
Ethan Taylor
At 7 feet tall with an impressive wingspan, Taylor is a nightmare matchup for defenders. He positions himself well in the post, sealing and posting up effectively. His nimble feet allow him to execute an array of drop steps, making him difficult to stop around the basket. Taylor is a relentless offensive rebounder and a dominant shot-blocker, using his size and high motor to control both ends of the floor. What sets him apart, however, is his ability to facilitate from the post. Always keeping his head up, Taylor consistently finds cutters and is adept at hitting spot-up shooters on the perimeter.
These four prospects—Kinney, Rippey, Thompson, and Taylor—are all high-priority targets for Indiana, and they could play significant roles in shaping the future of the Hoosiers’ basketball program.
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