Indiana's Late-Season Struggles Keep Them Out of March Madness
The Indiana Hoosiers' hopes for a spot in the 2026 NCAA Basketball Tournament were dashed following a rough end to their season. With a record of 18-14, Indiana found themselves on the outside looking in after losing six of their last seven games, most by double digits. Their final chance to impress the selection committee slipped away with a 74-61 defeat to Northwestern in the Big Ten tournament's second round.
On Selection Sunday, Indiana was listed as the fourth team in the "first four out" category, narrowly missing the cut for the big dance.
Coach DeVries Makes His Case
Indiana's head coach, Darian DeVries, advocated for his team's inclusion, citing a tough schedule where seven losses came against top 15 teams. "If you put other bubble teams in the same situations, we've been able to be really competitive," DeVries noted. He highlighted wins against Purdue, UCLA, and Wisconsin as evidence of their potential.
A Promising Start Fades
The Hoosiers began the season with an impressive eight-game win streak, averaging nearly 90 points per game and showcasing sharp shooting from beyond the arc. Lamar Wilkerson stood out, becoming only the second player in program history to hit over 100 three-pointers and set a record for points during conference play.
However, as the season progressed, Indiana's lack of size and depth became apparent. The team struggled to find a consistent second scoring option, with players like Tucker DeVries and Nick Dorn experiencing shooting slumps. This inconsistency contributed to their inability to secure crucial wins against Quad 1 and Quad 2 opponents down the stretch.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding and Recruiting
With the season over, Indiana faces decisions about participating in other postseason events like the NIT. Coach DeVries will likely focus on rebuilding a roster that will see six seniors graduate and potential changes from the transfer portal.
DeVries is no stranger to roster turnover, having rebuilt the team in previous seasons. The 2026 recruiting class, ranked 19th nationally, offers a promising start with three four-star recruits: forward Vaughn Karvala, and guards Prince-Alexander Moody and Trevor Manhertz.
The recent addition of Ryan Carr, former Indiana Pacers senior vice president of player personnel, as IU's executive director of basketball, is expected to bolster their recruiting efforts. The focus will be on adding size and depth to compete in the grueling Big Ten schedule.
DeVries emphasized the need for more physicality and depth, particularly in rebounding and interior play. "We need to prioritize giving ourselves a better chance on the interior," he stated.
A Foundation for the Future
Despite the setbacks, departing seniors remain optimistic about the program's direction under DeVries. Forward Sam Alexis expressed confidence in DeVries' abilities, hoping that this season laid the groundwork for future success.
"I feel like he's a very good coach," Alexis said. "Hopefully, we started a foundation for the new generation of Indiana basketball. They could end up being one of the best teams in the country."
Indiana fans will be watching closely as the team navigates this offseason, eager to see how these changes will shape the future of Hoosier basketball.