IU basketball has added seven players this spring from the transfer portal. Player by player, we’ll take a look at each addition in our “transfer portal spotlight” series.
Today, we conclude with a look at Justin Monden.
Previously: Jaeden Mustaf, Darren Harris, Markus Burton, Samet Yigitoglu, Aiden Sherrell, Bryce Lindsay
Bio: 6-foot, 160-pound guard from Raleigh, North Carolina
Previous schools: Georgia Southwestern State (Division II, 2023-25), Maryland Eastern Shore (2025-26)
Career stats: Six points, 1.6 assists and 1.2 rebounds in 20.7 minutes per game at Maryland Eastern Shore. Monden shot 40.1 percent from the field, 27 percent on 3s and 72.2 percent from the free-throw line. At Georgia Southwestern State, a Division II program, Monden averaged 12.2 points, 2.1 assists and shot 88.4 percent from the free-throw line as a sophomore and averaged 4.4 points per game as a freshman.
Notable statistics: Monden scored in double figures in eight games last season at Maryland Eastern Shore, including a season-best 19 points in a double overtime win at Longwood on November 18. Monden had 13 points in a loss at Creighton in November. In MEAC play, he ranked 20th in assist rate. He’s scored in double figures in 27 games over his three-year career.
Recruitment background
The most recent transfer portal addition for IU basketball – and the 12th scholarship player to join the 2026-27 roster – Monden committed to the Hoosiers on May 12.
He’s expected to provide backcourt depth and has one season of eligibility remaining. If the “5-in-5” rule is enacted, it’s possible that Monden would have a second year of eligibility.
Notes on his game
Monden was not a name familiar to IU fans before this spring, as he began his career at the Division II level and then played last season primarily in a reserve role at the low-major level for Maryland Eastern Shore.
His on-court role for the Hoosiers next season will be minimal as he’s not expected to be a rotation piece in a backcourt that includes Markus Burton, Prince-Alexander Moody and Bryce Lindsay, who are all capable ball handlers.
Monden’s value will be derived primarily from what he can provide in practice and by being a solid teammate and leader in the locker room. While his addition was scrutinized by some for his underwhelming statistics and background as a player, the reality is that the Hoosiers will likely only go eight to nine players deep regularly and the final few spots on the roster are for depth. In Monden’s case, the fact that he only projects to be on the roster for one season means he won’t take a scholarship from a potential 2027 addition.
Monden bio from the IU release announcing his signing
Monden has produced 613 points, 129 rebounds, 140 assists, and 67 steals in 85 career games at Division II Georgia Southwestern State (53 appearances) and Maryland Eastern Shore (32 games played). He has averaged 7.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game throughout his career and shot 41.3% (225-of-544) from the floor, 30.0% (47-of-157) from the 3-point line, and 79.5% (116-of-146) from the free throw line.
During his lone season at the Division I level, Monden appeared in 32 games for head coach Cleo Hill, Jr. and made one start. He averaged 6.0 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. The 6-0 guard shot 40.1% (73-of-182) from the floor and 72.2% (26-of-36) from the free throw line. He posted 16 multi-assist games.
His best collegiate season to date came as a sophomore at Division II Georgia Southwestern State. He started 22 games in 24 appearances and averaged 12.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. He shot 42.0% (106-of-250) from the floor, 37.7% (20-of-53) from the 3-point line, and 88.4% (61-of-69) from the free throw line. The Raleigh, N.C., native reached double figures in the scoring column on 14 occasions and scored 20-plus in four contests.
Monden started 10 games in 29 appearances as a freshman. He averaged 4.4 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. He shot 41.1% (46-of-112) from the floor and 70.7% (29-of-41) from the free throw line. During his prep career, Monden played three seasons at Heritage High School before transferring to Word of God Christian Academy for his senior season.
Justin Monden highlights
Justin Monden shot chart
(Photo credit: Maryland Eastern Shore Athletics)
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