Top 5-Star Recruit Lamar Wilkerson Flips to Indiana, Spurning Auburn, Kentucky, and Ole Miss
In a major recruiting shakeup, five-star basketball prospect Lamar Wilkerson has officially flipped his commitment to the Indiana Hoosiers, choosing the Big Ten powerhouse over previous frontrunners Auburn, Kentucky, and Ole Miss. The announcement, made via Wilkerson’s social media channels late Friday night, sent shockwaves through the college basketball world and marked a major recruiting win for head coach Mike Woodson and his staff.
Wilkerson, a 6-foot-7 versatile forward out of Atlanta, Georgia, had been heavily linked to Auburn for months. Bruce Pearl’s Tigers were widely viewed as the favorites to land the explosive athlete, who has been turning heads with his elite scoring ability, court vision, and defensive versatility. Kentucky and Ole Miss were also in serious contention, with both programs pitching early playing time and NBA development pipelines.
But in the end, it was Indiana that made the biggest impression.
“After a lot of thought and prayer, I’ve decided to commit to Indiana University,” Wilkerson wrote on Instagram. “Coach Woodson’s vision for me, both as a player and a young man, really stood out. I believe in the program, and I’m excited to be a part of something special in Bloomington.”
Wilkerson’s commitment is the latest high-profile win for the Hoosiers, who have made serious recruiting waves under Woodson’s leadership. Known for his NBA pedigree and player development focus, Woodson has now secured back-to-back five-star commitments, signaling a resurgence for Indiana’s basketball program, which is aiming to return to national prominence.
Wilkerson’s impact is expected to be immediate. As a top-10 national prospect in the Class of 2025, his athleticism and basketball IQ make him a projected one-and-done talent with NBA lottery potential. Scouts have praised his ability to create off the dribble, knock down perimeter shots, and defend multiple positions. At the high school level, he averaged 23.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game this past season, dominating competition across the board.
For Indiana fans, the flip is a statement that the Hoosiers are not only back on the national recruiting map, but ready to contend with the top-tier programs in the country. It also reinforces the program’s ability to recruit elite talent from outside the Midwest, a goal Woodson has consistently emphasized.
On the flip side, the news is a bitter blow to Auburn, Kentucky, and Ole Miss, all of whom invested significant time and resources in Wilkerson’s recruitment. Auburn, in particular, was viewed as the leader as recently as two weeks ago, with Wilkerson making an official visit and praising the Tigers’ up-tempo system.
Now, however, Indiana stands alone with one of the most coveted prospects in the country—and with momentum clearly swinging in their favor.
Wilkerson is expected to visit Bloomington again later this spring, and Hoosier fans will be watching closely as the 2025 class continues to take shape.
The message is clear: Indiana is back in the big-time recruiting game, and Lamar Wilkerson is ready to lead the charge.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.