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Indiana's freshman class is highlighted by two five-star prospects, and four-star forward. All three of those players are out of state. Then, you have the lone in-state freshman, CJ Gunn, who is a three-star wing.

Gunn committed to Indiana under former head coach Archie Miller. When Indiana went through its coaching change and ushered in the Mike Woodson era, Gunn took little time to reaffirm his commitment to the Hoosier basketball program.

He did so because he was an in-state kid, but also because of the experience Woodson would bring to the bench when it came to Gunn's development.

"Once we heard the decision that it was going to be Mike Woodson it was kind of solidified from that point. We already knew -- we know some of Coach Woodson's family through friendships and relationships," Gunn told the media last week. "Once we heard Coach Woodson was going to be the coach, no doubt in my mind that I wanted to play for him, as he's just a legend at IU, legendary NBA player, NBA coach. I believe he can turn me into the best player for myself."

Now as Gunn arrives at Indiana, he seems somewhat overlooked by many despite being the lone in-state recruit. Not only did he have a good grassroots career playing for Indy Heat, he also had a terrific career at Lawrence North.

As a sophomore, Gunn came off of the bench and was a terrific role player as a shooter. As a junior, he took a step up in production, averaging 13.9 points and shooting 38 percent from three. He also had a breakout performance late in the season, scoring 33 points and hitting a school-record nine 3s. As a senior, Gunn took another step up in his production and despite being the go-to player for Lawrence North and the main playmaker, he averaged 23.5 points per game and shot 46.8 percent from the floor and 37.4 percent from three. He was also named the MVP of the Indiana All-Star series against Kentucky this summer, scoring 41 points in the two wins.

He's always exceeded expectations where he's gone, and he comes into Indiana with that same mentality and wanting to be 'that guy' on both ends of the floor.

"I grew up always having that dog in me on both ends of the floor," Gunn said. "And I feel like it's really important to me to be a two-way player and not only be the best player on the offensive end but to also guard the best player on the other team. So, I really pride myself on defense and keeping my defender in front of me and also playing the right spot off the ball."

At 6-foot-5, Gunn has good size and quickness on the perimeter on the defensive end of the floor. He has already proven to be a go-to defender when he needs to be. On the offensive end, this past year showed that he can be a go-to scorer. A lot of that has to do with his tremendous ability to elevate on his jumper, allowing him to get it off in almost any scenario. That's something that translates right away to the college game.

"It's been good. It's been an amazing experience. Shooting my size, it's really no difference," Gunn said about adjusting to the college game. "I've just been working on just keeping the same form and just keeping consistent. It's all about knocking it down on the next level, and it's translated."

To put it lightly, Indiana has struggled shooting the ball over the last few seasons. The Hoosiers shot 33.3 percent as a team last year from three. They combined to make just 5.9 made 3s a game. The year before was 32.4 percent on 5.9 made 3s and two years ago was 32.6 percent on 5.5 made 3s.

"I think I've set myself up to be that shooter," Gunns said. "Obviously, we are still getting that work in. It's a day-by-day -- not all days are good days and not all days are bad days. It's just all about listing each other up and keeping a positive mindset and looking at the end goal and just treating every day to get better. I believe I set myself up for that.

"CJ Gunn, he's a good player," freshman Kaleb Banks said last week. "He's like a really good shooter. So, I know I can count on him to knock a shot down."

So, as Gunn is known as the shooter coming in, he knows there are going to be days when that shot doesn't fall and he has to find ways to contribute in other ways. He also knows he may not see his work pay off right away. He does know, however, that coach Woodson has his best interest at heart and is going to keep pushing him to become the best player he can be, so when it is Gunn's time, he's more than ready.

"With me specifically, he gets on -- I'm a hard-nose," Gunn said of Woodson. "I learn through hard nose, like my dad is really aggressive. Coach Woodson, he just knows how to make me focus and dial in more.

"I'm going to continue to put in the work so you guys can see it translate on the floor later this year."

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