To say that this was a down year for IU basketball would be an understatement. The team went from a fringe top 25 school last year to missing March Madness all together this year. The team lost their two most valuable players in Trayce Jackson-Davis and Jalen Hood-Schifino both going to the NBA. While the team brought in center Kel'el Ware from Oregon and added five-star forward Mackenzie Mgbako, the lack of talent at guard along with injuries at that position derailed their season. With Ware being a potential first round pick in this year’s NBA draft and no incoming recruits, coach Mike Woodson is going to need to look to the transfer portal to acquire talent for the upcoming season. Bringing in talent at guard should be the main focus, and because of that these are the players that Woodson should focus on in the portal.

1: Kanaan Carlyle, G, Stanford

Carlyle averaged 11.5 PPG along with 2.7 APG for the Cardinals this year as a freshman. Carlyle was a four-star player coming out of Atlanta, Georgia and would be a perfect fit to join the Hoosiers. Carlyle is a raw talent at guard that bring a lot of scoring and three point shooting to a team that is desperately lacking in those areas. Carlyle would be an instant starter on this team and a needed upgrade over current starter Gabe Cupps. The Hoosiers have already been in talks with Carlyle and are a strong candidate to land the talented young guard.

2: Dug McDaniel, G, Michigan

You may be noticing a trend with this list. McDaniel averaged 16.3 PPG and 4.7 APG last year as a sophomore for a Michigan team that finished last in the Big Ten. McDaniel was a bright spot on a team with many issues and would provide the Hoosiers with a formidable scoring and passing threat at point guard. His only issue is his small frame at 5’11” and 160 pounds. He is a career 36.3% three point shooter in his two seasons at Michigan and would help space the floor for a team that desperately needs it.

3: Jordan Sears, G, UT Martin

Perhaps the most interesting prospect on this list is Sears. Sears averaged 21.6 PPG and 4.5APG while shooting 43.2% on three pointers last year for the Skyhawks. He improved radically from his sophomore season and led the Skyhawks to a 21-11 record. He has developed into an elite shooter from deep and is exactly the type of player that could come off the bench and provide scoring and playmaking for the Hoosiers.