BLOOMINGTON – IU reached again into the appreciable expertise pool of one of many nation’s most-prominent prep applications for a fourth dedication within the 2022 class Monday.
Malik Reneau, a top-30 energy ahead and Montverde Academy teammate of Indiana signee Jalen Hood-Schifino, introduced his dedication to Indiana on through social media. He turns into the Hoosiers’ second highest-rated dedication within the incoming freshman class, behind his prep faculty teammate.
Reneau fortifies a powerful class for IU coach Mike Woodson, close to the top of what’s Woodson’s first full recruiting cycle as a university coach. A five-star prospect per the 247Sports Composite, Reneau strengthens a frontcourt already bolstered by Race Thompson’s determination to return for a sixth yr at Indiana, however one additionally steeling itself for the potential for shedding Trayce Jackson-Davis to the NBA draft.
A 4 positionally, Reneau is listed at 6-8. The Composite charges him No. 28 general in his class, simply behind Hood-Schifino at No. 21, and that very same rating slots Reneau in because the No. 4 energy ahead within the nation in 2022.
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His dedication vaults the Hoosiers previous Illinois, Michigan and Ohio State to No. 1 within the Big Ten within the 247Sports Composite 2022 class rankings, and lands the Hoosiers within the high 5 nationally as properly.
Reneau turns into the third participant ranked No. 30 or higher by the Composite to decide to Indiana since Woodson’s arrival, following Hood-Schifino in 2022, and Tamar Bates in 2021. He provides frontcourt depth to an incoming freshman class that already deepens IU at level guard (Hood-Schifino), two guard (Lawrence North standout CJ Gunn) and on the wing, the place hybrid ahead Kaleb Banks might develop right into a game-changing participant in faculty.
Reneau’s dedication does create a possible scholarship logjam, although one which most likely falls within the class of excellent issues for Woodson to have.
With Jackson-Davis at the moment testing the NBA draft waters whereas retaining his eligibility, and Thompson again for a sixth season, Reneau nominally fills the area Jackson-Davis would go away ought to he stay within the draft. If Jackson-Davis elects to return to Indiana, the Hoosiers shall be on the scholarship restrict for 2022-23.
But they can even boast not simply enviable depth within the frontcourt, but in addition versatility, with as many as 5 gamers — Jackson-Davis, Thompson, Reneau, Banks and Jordan Geronimo — in a position to play both of Woodson’s ahead positions.
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Follow IndyStar reporter Zach Osterman on Twitter: @ZachOsterman.
This article initially appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana basketball recruiting: Malik Reneau picks Hoosiers