Indiana talent, targets all over ESPN's new Class of 2017 rankings

Today, ESPN updated its 2017 player rankings in its' much-improved recruiting database, and there is plenty to like as an Indiana fan. As usual, Tom Crean and his staff have planted seeds all throughout the country and in all shapes and forms, which when put together into a comprehensive rankings, the full scope of his methods are on display. Let's get to it:

5-stars

(Italics = serious recent interest)

#3 Mohamed Bamba - IU in the thick of things with Bamba, due partly to increased recruitment this spring, and mostly due to Thomas Bryant.

"His motor is incredible," Bamba said. "If I can emulate his motor to get to where his is, it’d be crazy. To see that he’s going to stay at Indiana another year means that he really loves the program." (Source)

#4 Michael Porter - Top-ranked SF has Indiana ties and recently put IU in his final five.

#8 Nick Richards - Like Thomas Bryant, Chuck Martin has made inroads with this big-man from NY, who says Indiana is one of schools recruiting him the hardest.

#10 Brian Bowen - Plays for Hanner Perea's alma mater La Lumiere. One of the top players in the region who has everybody's interest.

#11 Kris Wilkes - Nothing much to say here, you know the deal. Everyone wants the best player in Indiana.

#20 Jarred Vanderbilt - Indiana has just recently got involved with the rising big man, who has dominated EYBL play this spring.

#25 Jaren Jackson Jr. - The PF from Indianapolis has skyrocketed in the rankings over the past year, and Indiana's early interest should continue to pay dividends as he moves closer to a decision.

4-Stars

#27 Matt Coleman - Hoosier connections galore as Coleman plays for Oak Hill and Boo Willams AAU, both of which have produced major talent for Indiana recently.

#33 Paul Scruggs - Powerful PG out of Indy will have his choice of schools, all the while with Indiana sitting, watching, and waiting.

#35 Jordan Tucker - Recent interest includes an unofficial visit to Bloomington in May.

#42 Malik Williams - Versatile big-man from Fort Wayne has been on IU"s radar for years.

#76 Justin Smith - Longtime recruit from the suburbs of Chicago has visited IU on multiple occasions.

#79 Derek Culver - Simmering mutual interest between Culver and IU for the time being. Culver visited Bloomington unofficially last summer.

As always, keep up to date with our ever-changing recruiting board.