Monday was a busy day for all class of 2022 prospects as it was the first day of the live contact period. This year may have been even busier than recent years due to the lack of evaluation periods up to this point. While Indiana didn't have too many new names it reached out to, one did show up in Wauwatosa East (WI) wing Leon Bond.
Bond is coming off of a very good sophomore season for Wauwatosa where he averaged 11.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.
The 6-foot-5 wing came into the day without holding an offer but left with multiple programs reaching out and saw his recruitment take the next step. On Tuesday, Bond received his first division one offer from Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
"I heard from Indiana, Virginia, Miami Ohio, Butler, Appalachian State, Colorado state, Marquette in all [on Monday]," Bond told TheHoosier.com. "I'm looking for a family and a college that will always push me to do better."
For Indiana, the 2022 class has seen the staff take interest in multiple guards and big men, but very few true wings thus far. A position that will be a need for the class, Bond is someone who excels in transition, using his athleticism to his advantage. Definitely more of a slasher and driver at this stage, his length helps him finish above or around bigger defenders.
Defensively, Bond is exceptional in getting in the passing lanes and is an above average on-ball defender at this point in his development. He detailed his game and broke down his strengths and weaknesses.
"Yeah, I would say I’m a slasher who can get to the basket at will," Bond explained. "I can shoot in the mid-range and get my shot off of the dribble too. I definitely think I need to improve my three point shot though."
For IU, assistant coach Mike Roberts was the one who made contact early on Monday, setting up a more formal call later in the day.
"The call last night was good! It was very straight to the point and felt very genuine," Bond said. "We talked about what I wanted in a school and just about getting better and not focusing so much on recruitment.
"I think he’s a really good guy who’s been in my position before and know how the whole process goes." Bond said of Mike Roberts.
Because of the lack of live settings to see prospects play in person, relationship building is as important as ever, something Bond is looking forward to doing with Indiana.
"[Plan on] Talking more and staying in contact in these next couple of months," Bond explained. "I already know that IU is the real deal but the impression I got is that they care about my development and getting better and again it all just felt real genuine."
It is worth noting Bond is a member of the JH1 Elite AAU program, part of the academy that former IU standout Jordan Hulls created. He is also high school basketball teammates with Indiana football recruit Marcus Mbow.
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