Indiana has added legit size to its 2026-27 roster to help prepare the frontcourt next season.
Cal State Fullerton transfer forward Ben Winker has joined the IU basketball team as a preferred walk-on, he reported on Tuesday.
The 6-foot-10 and 230-pound left-handed Winker is on campus and practicing with the team this week.
Winker played sparingly for the Titans as a true freshman in 2025-26. He averaged .9 points and 1.8 rebounds in 4.4 minutes a contest, appearing in eight games.
Winker attended Chaminade H.S. in St. Louis, Mo. Lindenwood, SIUE, Florida Gulf Coast, and Southeast Missouri State also offered Winker when he was in high school.
He was a 3-star prospect and the No. 64 center in the 2025 class. During his time in High School, Winker played four-years on the varsity team while helping lead the program to three district championships and two final four appearances.
It’s unusual to have a walk-on with Winker’s size, not to mention Division I experience. He’ll give IU big men Samet Yigitoglu and Aiden Sherrell support in practice, readying them for the size they’ll size against high major opponents.
Since IU centers Yigitoglu and Clemens Sokolov will not be allowed to play for the Hoosiers when they represent Team USA in Peru next month, Winker could end up seeing some action.
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