A Win-Win Situation for IU and Offutt

This past month there have been talks with 2008 Warren Central graduate Walter Offutt joining Indiana as a walk-on. Offutt, a 6-3 guard, was ranked #99 by Rivals coming out of high-school. He was heavily recruited by Indiana but chose Ohio State due to inconsistency at coaching with Sampson and the problems that plagued Indiana. He said that all along if Indiana was stable, that’s where he wanted to go. But Thad Matta was very influential and the Buckeyes were thriving after Oden/Conley.

Offutt’s junior year in high-school, he averaged 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.1 steals. Then he suffered a torn ACL which kept him out of competition his senior season. He then attended Ohio State but only played two games for the Buckeyes in 2009-10 before deciding to transfer to Wright State. Coach Brad Brownell then left WSU so Offutt wanted out.

The Big Ten has a rule that a player may not transfer within the Big Ten and receive a scholarship. Indiana fans may remember Luke Recker. Offutt can play for IU, but will technically be a walk-on. His mom is currently connecting with IU personnel about financial arrangements. The situation should be complete in the next couple of weeks and Offutt believes he will wear the candy-stripes.

This would be a great situation for Indiana. Offutt has been battling injuries but it is a win-win situation for both parties involved. This situation would give Offutt the second chance he deserves. He has arguably underachieved based on his talent, but maybe Coach Tom Crean can flip the switch and motivate Offutt. Offutt recently said that Crean is one of the most aggressive and enthusiastic coaches he has ever come across. Indiana would not lose a valuable scholarship so there would be no risk involved. Surely Offutt would be motivated to prove himself if nothing else, and combined with Creek and Watford, they could make a difficult trio for opponents to guard. Hopefully this situation gets resolved soon.