IU basketball freshman Prince-Alexander Moody looks ready to compete for minutes
- Alex Bozich
- 1h ago
IU basketball recently opened its doors to a small group of media for an early look at practice as the 2026-27 roster, now assembled in Bloomington, prepares for a trip to Lima, Peru.
The new-look Hoosiers will represent the United States in the 2026 FISU America Games, an Olympic-style, multi-sport event that will bring together athletes from North America, Central America and South America.
It’s a valuable opportunity for Darian DeVries and the Hoosiers, who are looking to take a significant step forward next winter. Indiana finished just 18-14 last season, failing to reach the NCAA tournament.
There’s hope for a return to March Madness next spring, however, after DeVries signed one of the top transfer portal classes in the country and added several four-star freshmen who will comprise the roster next season.
One of those freshmen who stood out in last week’s practice was Prince-Alexander Moody, the first player to commit to Indiana as a member of the program’s 2026 recruiting class.
Moody, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound guard from University Heights, Maryland, looked the part of a newcomer who could give the Hoosiers positive minutes next winter in Bloomington.
The most physically developed of the three freshmen who participated in last week’s practice in Cook Hall, Moody made the simple play, was a willing passer, an eager defender, a confident shooter and was constantly talking to the coaching staff to get feedback.
Indiana’s starting backcourt looks set with Markus Burton and Bryce Lindsay, two players with no shortage of high-major experience, but Moody is looking to carve out a role as a backup combo guard.
Moody knows that role will be earned rather than given, which is why he’s using these early practices to absorb as much information as he can.
“I like learning,” Moody told Inside the Hall. “I just got here, so I have to understand what they want me to do and what I need to do. I just got to make sure I’m doing something right. And of course, I got to have the confidence in myself, playing freely, but they’ve allowed me to do that.
“But at the end of the day, I need some wisdom and at least some pointers, some lessons. It’s habits I have to create.”
The Maryland native has been on campus less than a month and is still adjusting to life in Bloomington, an adjustment he admits hasn’t always been easy.
“I mean, it’s been tough, but it’s been a journey for sure,” Moody explained. “I’ve gotten better each day and I just can’t get down on myself about the mistakes that I make and that’s the biggest part of just maturing at the college level. So as long as I keep maturing every day and just getting better, I think I’ll be fine.”
To Moody’s credit, he is focused on what could help him get on the floor early as a newcomer.
He was constantly communicating during Thursday’s practice, trying to get into passing lanes, and his hustle was noticeable throughout the 90-minute session.
While Moody mentioned defense, distributing and scoring as areas he feels he can contribute to right away, he mentioned making his mind and body stronger as the keys to earning minutes next season.
“Of course, I gotta get stronger,” Moody explained. “Mentally, I gotta get stronger. Physically, I gotta get stronger. And I think that’s just gonna be the main part because basketball is 95 percent mental. So at the end of the day, mentally, if I’m ready, then I think I’ll be on the court.”
Whether his role is limited as a freshman or he plays more than some expect, Moody’s enthusiasm for being a part of IU basketball is apparent.
Since his commitment last June, he’s made it a priority to share his love for the program with the fanbase on social media.
Moody believes it’s important to share a connection with the fans he’ll work to win games for beginning next season.
He’s also caught the eye of at least one teammate.
Burton, expected to be IU’s starting point guard next season, has only been practicing with Moody for a couple of weeks but has been impressed with him on and off the court.
“I know what he can do. I know the coaching staff knows what he can do. Our teammates know what he can do,” Burton said. “He’s a very confident basketball player and a great basketball player. But also, I realize he’s a great guy, too.”
(Photo credit: IU Athletics)
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