A 14-year-old with the swagger of a college vet and the shooting touch of a pro? Welcome to the Noah Washington era.
If you’re looking for the next big name in Indiana high school basketball—the kind of player who gets whispered about in gymnasiums and circled on coaching whiteboards—look no further than New Albany’s rising sophomore, Noah Washington. And guess what? Indiana University already has its eyes locked on him.
Meet Noah Washington: The 6’5” Freshman Phenom
Still only a freshman during the 2024-25 season, Noah Washington already plays like he’s auditioning for March Madness. Towering at 6-foot-5 with the wingspan of a seasoned college guard and the poise of a senior, Washington is more than just an early bloomer—he’s shaping up to be a once-in-a-generation prospect for the Hoosier State.
In his debut high school campaign, Washington averaged 14.5 points per game and led the New Albany Bulldogs to an impressive 19-5 record, advancing all the way to the sectional finals. The only thing that stood in his way? A loss to eventual 4A state champion Jeffersonville—a team stacked with upperclassmen.
But don’t mistake that loss for failure—it was the kind of battle that forges future champions.
All Eyes on Bloomington: IU Staff Shows Up in Full Force
It’s not every day a high school sophomore becomes a high-priority target for an entire Division I coaching staff—but that’s exactly what happened when Washington’s New Albany squad rolled into IU’s team camp at Assembly Hall and Cook Hall.
In a move that sent subtle shockwaves across Indiana’s recruiting scene, head coach Darian DeVries brought out the full artillery, with every single assistant coach present to watch Washington’s every dribble, cut, and jumper. They weren’t scouting—they were studying. And when the final buzzer sounded, DeVries and his staff engaged in a lengthy, strategic, and telling conversation with Noah and his family.
You could feel it in the air: this wasn’t casual interest. This was courtship.
A Guard Who Makes the Game Look Effortless
Watching Washington play is like watching a symphony composed by Kyrie Irving and conducted by a young Ray Allen.
This spring and summer, he’s lighting up the Adidas 3SSB Circuit with Indiana Elite, averaging 16.1 points per game and knocking down 2.5 threes per contest. His game is a blend of art and aggression: he glides to open spots like he’s dancing between dimensions and finishes with the kind of silky control that belies his age.
He’s a scoring combo guard, but don’t box him in—Washington is equally comfortable draining triples from the logo as he is slashing through traffic for a finger roll. And perhaps most importantly: he makes it look easy. That’s the mark of a future star.
A Rising National Profile: Team USA Comes Calling
Washington’s talents aren’t confined to Indiana. This spring, he earned a coveted invite to the Team USA Basketball U16 training camp—a gathering ground for the elite of the elite in American high school basketball. Translation? He’s not just good locally—he’s got national buzz.
Recruiting analysts are already whispering: “future 5-star,” “top-25 potential,” and even “Indiana’s next Mr. Basketball.”
And yet—he hasn’t even started his sophomore year.
The In-State Factor: IU’s Mission to Lock Down Its Borders
For Indiana basketball, in-state recruiting isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The Hoosier faithful have long held the belief that the best talent in the country often grows right here, in the backyards of Bloomington, South Bend, and Indianapolis.
If you lose a hometown star to a blue blood like Duke or Kentucky? That stings. But if you never truly tried to keep him? That’s unforgivable.
Which is why Indiana’s full-staff pursuit of Noah Washington feels so monumental—and a little controversial. In an age where many elite recruits are lured away by NIL deals, private academies, and power-conference prestige, Indiana appears to be doubling down on its homegrown roots.
They’re not just interested in Noah Washington—they’re going all in. And frankly, they can’t afford not to.
️♂️ What’s Next for Washington—and for IU?
For now, rankings in the Class of 2028 are still in their infancy, but insiders are already projecting Washington to crack the national top 25. The word “5-star” isn’t just speculative anymore—it’s inevitable if he continues on this trajectory.
And as for Indiana? The Hoosiers are planting seeds early. Washington’s relationship with the IU staff, including DeVries, could prove pivotal in the long run.
In a class that will undoubtedly attract national recruiters by the truckload, the early bird gets the baller.
Final Word: The Future is Tall, Smooth, and Named Noah
Noah Washington isn’t just another high school guard. He’s a narrative in motion, a walking highlight reel, and possibly the next iconic name in Indiana basketball lore. If he continues to grow—literally and figuratively—we may be witnessing the rise of a legend in real-time.
And if the Hoosiers can land him?
It might just be the recruitment that defines the next era of Indiana basketball.
