Elon transfer Nick Dorn talks pledge to IU basketball: “They were honest and kept it real”

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Indiana’s wing talent received a significant boost on Thursday evening when Elon transfer Nick Dorn announced his commitment to the Hoosiers.

The 6-foot-7 Dorn, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, averaged 15.2 points and 3.8 rebounds last season for the Phoenix.

A prolific shooter and scorer, Dorn reached double figures 21 times last season at Elon, including six games with 20 or more points. A lower-body injury forced him to miss the final eight games of the 2024-25 season, but that didn’t stop high-major programs from prioritizing him in the transfer portal.

Rated as the 107th best transfer nationally by 247Sports, Dorn was pursued by North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Maryland and several others.

Indiana, however, continued its strong run in the portal this spring when it hosted Dorn for a visit that began Wednesday and ultimately led to his commitment.

“The campus was really nice and the coaches were welcoming,” Dorn told Inside the Hall. “And the most important thing is they were honest and kept it real. I chose to commit because of the opportunities that the university and the basketball program can bring and what I can bring to the program as well.”

Over two seasons at Elon, Dorn shot 134-for-376 on 3-pointers, good for 35.6 percent. As a sophomore this past season, Dorn made 2.9 3-pointers per game.

In Elon’s season-opening loss at North Carolina, Dorn shot 5-for-10 on 3s. He had four other games when he made at least five 3-pointers, including six against Navy on November 30 and Marshall on December 28.

Adding shooters who can make perimeter shots at volume has been a priority for DeVries in the transfer portal.

Sam Houston transfer Lamar Wilkerson made 109 triples last season. North Florida transfer Jasai Miles made 78. And West Virginia transfer Tucker DeVries made 26 in only eight games.

Indiana’s streak of eight consecutive seasons being ranked outside the top 300 nationally in point distribution from 3-pointers is poised to end next winter. And Dorn will be a significant piece as the program makes perimeter shooting a priority for the first time since the 2016-17 season.

“I was impressed with the transparency,” he said. “And I love the system they want to run and where my game aligns with it. And also the development and experience that comes from the coaching staff.”

Like most visitors who step inside the facilities in Bloomington for the first time, Dorn was also impressed with the venue, Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, which he will call home next season.

“The facilities are top notch with the best fans in college basketball,” Dorn added. “Assembly Hall gets crazy. I wanted to be a part of that and what coach (DeVries) is trying to build with his plans for the upcoming season.”

Dorn is one of three transfers to commit to the program this season with multiple seasons of eligibility remaining.

After going 30-35 over two seasons at Elon, Dorn also found the opportunity to compete in the Big Ten appealing. With the experience and production DeVries has added this spring in the portal, it’s clear Indiana is not treating next season as a transition or rebuilding year.

“A Big Ten championship and national championship (is the goal),” Dorn said.

Category: Recruiting

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