IU BASKETBALL WELCOMES REED BAILEY, WHO BRINGS A MODERN EDGE TO THEIR REBUILT FRONTCOURT
BLOOMINGTON, IN — Indiana basketball’s offseason makeover took another promising step forward this week with the commitment of 6-foot-10 forward Reed Bailey, a skilled and versatile addition who fits perfectly into head coach Mike Woodson’s vision for a modern, stretch-capable frontcourt.
Bailey, a transfer from Charleston and a former four-star recruit out of New England, brings a blend of size, shooting touch, and high basketball IQ that has drawn the attention of Big Ten analysts and Hoosier fans alike. After a productive sophomore campaign in which he averaged 11.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and shot an impressive 38.9% from three, Bailey hit the portal with a clear intent: find a program that valued his perimeter skill set and offered a bigger stage. Indiana, with its deep tradition and a retooled offensive scheme, was the ideal fit.
“Reed gives us a ton of flexibility,” Coach Woodson said in a statement. “He can step out and shoot, handle the ball, and guard multiple positions. He’s a tough kid with a high motor and a great feel for the game. He’s the kind of player who makes the guys around him better.”
Bailey’s arrival comes amid a broader transformation of the Hoosiers’ frontcourt. With the departures of Malik Reneau to the NBA Draft and Payton Sparks to graduation, the coaching staff has pivoted toward a more positionless, floor-spacing style of play. Bailey, with his ability to stretch defenses and facilitate from the high post, is expected to be a central figure in that evolution.
What separates Bailey from many forwards in today’s college game is his feel for offensive flow. At Charleston, he was frequently used as a point forward in five-out sets, initiating offense from the top of the key and punishing slower defenders off the dribble. His court vision and unselfishness made him a fan favorite — and a headache for opposing coaches. Now, with a roster around him that includes high-octane guards like Gabe Cupps and dynamic wings like Mackenzie Mgbako, the spacing and playmaking possibilities are endless.
“Indiana’s playing style is evolving, and I want to be part of that,” Bailey said in an introductory interview. “They’re blending old-school toughness with a modern, NBA-style offense. Coach Woodson has coached at the highest level, and I trust that he can get me to where I want to be — winning games and preparing for the next level.”
IU fans are already buzzing on social media about the addition, with some comparing Bailey’s impact potential to past hybrid forwards like Christian Watford or OG Anunoby. But insiders suggest Bailey may bring an even more refined perimeter game, with deeper shooting range and a smoother handle.
Defensively, Bailey will be counted on to switch across multiple positions, especially in a conference stacked with physical bigs and agile forwards. While he’ll need to bulk up to handle the rigors of Big Ten play, the coaching staff is confident that his instincts and length will help him hold his own early in the season.
“He’s only scratched the surface,” said assistant coach Kenya Hunter. “Once he’s in our system, with our conditioning and player development, I think people are going to be surprised how good he really is.”
With Bailey’s addition, the Hoosiers continue to reshape their identity — one that blends traditional grit with a modern tempo and versatility. As the Big Ten braces for another competitive season, one thing is certain: Indiana basketball is not standing still. And with Reed Bailey donning the Cream and Crimson, the Hoosiers just got a whole lot harder to guard.
