Indiana Basketball: Projected starting lineup and depth chart for 2023-24 season

Power Forward

Starter – Malik Reneau (27 mpg)

Malik Reneau is another returning name for Indiana that should grow into a bigger role this upcoming season. Reneau put up solid numbers in his debut season with Hoosiers in 2022-23, with 6.1 ppg and 3.7 rpg on 55.3 percent from the field. He’s a paint presence that doesn’t try to overdo things with his size at 6-foot-9.

Reneau should also take a lot more shots from deep with the departure of key shooters from last year’s squad. He’s capable of doing so, as he went 2-of-8 this past season. His development in the frontcourt will be a key to the Hoosiers’ success. He posted 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal in his best performance off the bench against Ohio State in conference action back on Jan. 28.

Bench – Payton Sparks (7 mpg), Mackenzie Mgbako (6 mpg)

Mackenzie Mgbako could get the bulk of his minutes at the power-forward spot. It wouldn’t be surprising if he shared the floor with Ware off the bench or even move into a starting role here. It’ll be tough, though, with Payton Sparks and Reneau both in the rotation.

Payton Sparks is another transfer portal acquisition that should play big minutes off the bench for Indiana. He’s a menace in the painted area that averaged 13.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg and 1.9 apg on 58.8 percent from the field in the MAC at Ball State in 2022-23. He was a second-team All-MAC performer that finished third in offensive rebounds (98) and should really bolster the Indiana frontcourt in the Big Ten in 2023-24.