“Put some respect on her name”: Fans react as Indiana star Lexus Bargesser’s free throw resembles Suns’ Alyssa Thomas’ unique form
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Overtime WBB highlighted Lexus Bargesser’s unique free-throw form for the Indiana Hoosiers. Basketball fans reacted and compared her technique to that of WNBA star Alyssa Thomas.
No. 4-seeded Indiana swept aside the No. 13 seed Fairfield Stags 89-56 in an NCAA Tournament first-round game in March. Lexus Bargesser shot a free throw using a unique form and contributed four rebounds and six assists.
Fans reacted to an Instagram reel replaying the moment.
“Put some respect on her name,” a fan commented.
In other comments, fans were buzzed by the unusual free throw.
Alyssa Thomas has made waves with her distinctive free-throw method. Rather than the typical over-the-head shot, Thomas uses a two-handed push shot.
Seeing a young and talented Lexus Bargesser embrace a similar form has sparked conversations among fans about the flexibility of basketball mechanics and how the uniqueness of individuals can shine in the game.
Lexus Bargesser still in search of her spark for Indiana Hoosiers
The Indiana Hoosiers have reportedly given special attention to guard Lexus Bargesser from the offseason into the new season. The coaches focused on helping her improve her shooting form, specifically from beyond the arc.
While Bargesser had a solid 3-point shooting percentage of 30.0% last season, a lot more work was needed to mold her into a more consistent volume shooter.
Bargesser hasn’t always been the primary target for defenders, compared to Indiana’s Sara Scalia, who has graduated, and returning players like Yarden Garzon, Chloe Moore-McNeil and Sydney Parrish.
Hoosiers coach Teri Moren wants to ensure that those returning shooters aren’t overburdened by extra defensive attention. To do that, Moren believes Bargesser needs to become a legitimate 3-point threat.
Bargesser has shown a strong work ethic throughout her career, has embraced the challenge and has demonstrated a willingness to improve her free-throw shooting. With a renewed focus on her shooting mechanics, Bargesser has been refining her outside shot.
"We really just broke it down and started from the bottom," Bargesser said. "We built back up again into a different kind of form for myself that feels comfortable and is efficient."
"Her being consistently ready to catch and shoot beyond the arc, she has to be able to hit one or two of those for us. She knows this," Teri Moren said.
Bargesser’s hard work is already yielding fruits in other areas of her game.
Last season, she earned a reputation as a disruptive defender, forcing opponents into mistakes and making a seamless transition from the bench.
She shot 49.1% in 2023-24, averaging 4.3 points and 2.8 assists per game. This season, Bargesser has averaged 2.7 ppg and 1.5 apg while shooting 29.4%.