Indiana Basketball: Breaking down the 2018 recruiting class

Damezi Anderson – South Bend, IN

Forward | 6-foot-6 | 175 lbs | No. 123 overall

Arguably the best shooter in this Indiana recruiting class, Damezi Anderson fits the mold of a solid future forward for the team. Head coach Archie Miller loves to run an inside-out balanced offensive attack with plenty of shooters along the perimeter. Anderson, at 6-foot-6 with a smooth jumper, should fit this system like a glove. However, nobody is rated in the top-150 of a recruiting class because they are just a shooter.

Anderson is also an above-average athlete with a well-built frame. These two attributes give him a relatively high floor as a rebounder and on the defensive end of the floor with the potential to defend positions 2-through-4 when necessary. Offensively, Anderson is also developing as a driver. With his shooting ability, Anderson has the potential to use aggressive closeouts to his advantage in attacking the basket with strength.

Even though the starting small forward spot is likely to be held down by senior Zach McRoberts, who is one of the best (and most underrated) defenders in the Big Ten, Anderson could fill out a reserve role at the position. There will be plenty of competition for minutes, though, as Anderson will need to compete with Jerome Hunter (more on him soon) and sophomore Justin Smith, among others. Every team in the country needs more shooters in today’s era of basketball and Anderson is an elite one. His 3-point shooting alone should net him some minutes but the development of his all-around game is what could allow him to take on more consistent playing time.