Indiana Guard Gabe Cupps Enters Transfer Portal Amid Coaching Changes

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana University sophomore guard Gabe Cupps has officially entered the transfer portal following a season marred by injuries and surgery.

Cupps, who underwent surgery to repair a significant injury, had limited playing time this season, with his last appearance occurring during a 89-73 victory over Providence in the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament on Nov. 29. He logged just 25 minutes of play, allowing him to retain a year of eligibility by redshirting.

The Dayton, Ohio, native was a standout player at Centerville High School, where he earned the title of Ohio Mr. Basketball and was a four-star recruit in Indiana‘s 2023 signing class. Ranked as the No. 94 overall player and the No. 3 player in Ohio by various recruiting services, Cupps received scholarship offers from several prominent programs, including Michigan, Ohio State, Stanford, and Kansas State.

Initially expected to play a significant role as a true freshman, Cupps faced challenges due to injuries, particularly to starting guard Xavier Johnson. “He’s been thrown to the wolves basically,” said former Indiana head coach Mike Woodson, reflecting on Cupps’ rapid introduction to collegiate competition.

This season, Cupps started in 22 of the Hoosiers’ 33 games, averaging 21.7 minutes and contributing 2.6 points per game on 36.4% shooting. He received consistent praise for his defensive capabilities, particularly in matchups against standout point guards such as Boo Buie and Braden Smith from the Big Ten.

The transfer portal allows players a 30-day window for entry following the end of the season, coinciding with Woodson’s recent departure from the program. This timeline aligns with an official spring transfer portal for men’s basketball that is set to open from March 24 to April 22 this year.

As Indiana reflects on a disappointing season without an NCAA Tournament appearance, the focus now shifts to the search for Woodson’s successor and the future of the program.