Spring highlights: IU basketball class of 2026 recruiting target Tay Kinney
As the spring recruiting circuits wind down, one name continues to draw attention in Bloomington: Taylen “Tay” Kinney, a 2026 guard from Kentucky now playing at Overtime Elite (OTE). Indiana is firmly in the mix for Kinney, and his spring highlights only reinforce why. (The Daily Hoosier)
This spring, on the Adidas 3SSB circuit playing for Wildcat Select, Kinney has turned heads with consistent production. He’s averaging 19.8 points and 4.3 assists per game. (The Daily Hoosier)
That stat line underscores his dual-threat ability: he can get buckets but also facilitate for teammates. In the broader summer circuit, other reports show similar numbers—averaging 18.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, shooting efficiently (nearly 49.5% overall) while handling a high usage role. (The Daily Hoosier)
These numbers aren’t just padding—Kinney has been doing it against high-level competition, where opponents game‑plan for him. His ability to produce over sustained stretches is part of why power programs continue to circle. (The Daily Hoosier)
Indiana’s interest in Kinney is not new. The Hoosier staff offered him several months ago (prior regime) and later re-issued that offer under the newer staff. (The Daily Hoosier) Kinney has visited Bloomington before (for Hoosier Hysteria, for a game) and IU continues to court him actively. (The Daily Hoosier)
Importantly, sources say Kinney will take an official visit to IU during the weekend of Aug. 29–31, coinciding with Indiana’s football opener. (The Daily Hoosier) That timing is strategic: it gives the Hoosier staff a chance to showcase campus life, basketball culture, and more personal interaction.
His “final eight” school list includes Indiana along with Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Arkansas, Oregon, Texas, and Miami. (The Daily Hoosier) That puts IU right alongside heavyweights in the battle for his commitment.
In public remarks, Kinney has referenced Rod Clark—a coach formerly at Tennessee, now on Indiana’s staff—as someone he “wants to give a chance” and build with. (The Daily Hoosier) That relationship factor could be a meaningful edge for IU in such a crowded recruitment. (The Daily Hoosier)
Scouts and recruiting analysts note that Kinney is a highly efficient guard with strong decision-making. He’s praised for his ball‑screen handling, his ability to manage tempo, make skip passes or pocket passes, and create separation off the dribble. (The Daily Hoosier) His shooting makes him viable: he can knock down triples off the catch or after moves, and his midrange game is developing. (SI)
That said, some evaluators caution about his height physical profile and explosiveness—questions about whether he can consistently defend bigger guards or burst past length. (On3) But in his favor: he plays with composure, rarely forces turnovers, and uses craft over pure athleticism. (On3)
Indiana could appeal to him by emphasizing guard-friendly offensive schemes, room to have the ball in his hands, and a developmental plan that maximizes his vision and scoring instincts. (The Daily Hoosier)
How Kinney’s official visit to IU goes (Aug. 29–31) and whether he responds positively to Indiana’s culture, staff, and system. (The Daily Hoosier)Whether Indiana leans into its Adidas affiliation (Kinney has Adidas ties), possibly with incentives or comfort fit. (The Daily Hoosier)Whether the Hoosiers can differentiate themselves amid competition from Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, and others by promising playing time, development, and relational trust.
If IU wants Kinney, spring has shown the talent is real—and the platform is there. The next few months could prove decisive for whether Bloomington lands a high‑profile point guard for 2026.