Inside IU Basketball: DeVries Talks Growth, Grit, and the Road Ahead
After a brief hiatus, Inside IU Basketball with Darian DeVries returned Monday night, and with Indiana gearing up for a challenging stretch against Purdue and UCLA, there was plenty to unpack. First-year head coach Darian DeVries joined longtime voice of the Hoosiers, Don Fischer, via Zoom - a necessary pivot with Bloomington blanketed by snow and Hoosier Hank’s temporarily closed.
Naturally, the conversation opened with a bit of winter talk. DeVries joked about having to snow-blow his way out of the neighborhood just to make it to practice. It’s nothing new for him - those Iowa winters during his Drake days prepared him well - but he’s glad that kind of weather doesn’t hit Bloomington too often.
Battling Through the Bumps
Indiana’s recent four-game skid had fans asking questions, and DeVries didn’t shy away from addressing the struggles. He pointed to a recurring theme: solid stretches of play derailed by short lapses.
“We’ve got to figure out a way to minimize those mistakes during those stretches,” he said. It’s those three-to-four-minute runs by opponents that have been the difference-makers - and in a league as unforgiving as the Big Ten, that margin is razor-thin.
The recent win over Rutgers, however, gave the Hoosiers a much-needed boost. DeVries called it the first time in a while that his team was in control from wire to wire.
Even when Rutgers made a push in the second half, IU responded. A pair of timely layups from Tayton Conerway helped steady the ship and keep the momentum on Indiana’s side.
The Big Ten Gauntlet
DeVries made it clear: the Big Ten is no joke. In his eyes, it’s the most physical league in the country, especially in the paint.
“The size and the depth at that position… it’s just a much more physical league from that standpoint,” he said. That’s where the nightly battles are won or lost, and DeVries knows it takes a full team effort to hold the line inside.
That physicality makes every night a grind, but also an opportunity. “You can’t look backwards very long,” DeVries said. “You just have to continue to push forward.”
Ball Movement, Rebounding, and Finding Rhythm
In the Rutgers win, Indiana’s ball movement stood out. The Hoosiers had three players score 22 or more points - a testament to their unselfishness and ability to create inside-out opportunities.
DeVries emphasized how crucial those inside-out touches are to the offense’s rhythm. Combine that with improved rebounding and fewer turnovers, and you’ve got a formula that travels - literally and figuratively.
That win marked just the second road victory of the season for IU.
Player Highlights: Growth Across the Board
DeVries had high praise for several players making key contributions:
- Nick Dorn found his rhythm from deep against Rutgers, knocking down catch-and-shoot threes in the flow of the offense. DeVries credited Dorn’s daily work ethic and said he’s a joy to coach.
- Conor Enright continues to be the glue guy - the kind of player who might not always show up in the box score, but consistently makes winning plays. “He’s where he’s supposed to be,” DeVries said. “He plays with incredible fire and instincts.”
- Sam Alexis brought energy and presence against Rutgers, finishing with four points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks. His mindset has been sharp in recent games, and DeVries praised both his personality and his impact.
- Lamar Wilkerson has taken steps forward by being more aggressive off the dribble. That downhill mindset is opening up scoring chances and allowing him to facilitate. “He’s really good at both,” DeVries noted.
DeVries also gave a shoutout to his incoming signees:
- Prince-Alexander Moody brings versatility, the ability to play multiple guard spots, and a confident shooting stroke.
- Vaughn Karvala? Expect some highlight-reel moments. “Fans are going to love some of the dynamic plays he can make,” DeVries said.
Redshirt freshman Andrej Acimovic is also making strides behind the scenes. While he’s not suiting up this year, DeVries said he’s been valuable in practice and is continuing to develop with the scout team.
Trent Sisley: A Freshman Focus
This week’s player guest was freshman forward Trent Sisley, who offered a glimpse into his basketball roots and transition to college hoops.
Sisley credited his dad, Matt, and older brother, Blake - a former D-I player at Evansville and Wright State - for sparking his love for the game. Growing up, he was glued to the TV watching IU legends like Yogi Ferrell, Cody Zeller, and Victor Oladipo.
Now, he's living his own Hoosier moment.
Even as a freshman, Sisley says he hasn’t hit that so-called “freshman wall.” His time at Montverde Academy - a powerhouse prep program - prepared him well for the college grind.
He’s used to the travel, the schedule, and the level of competition. In fact, last year he roomed with Hudson Greer, now at Creighton, and had teammates who went on to play at Florida and Miami (FL).
When asked about the toughest player he faced in high school, Sisley didn’t hesitate: AJ Dybantsa, now a standout at BYU and a projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Back in Bloomington, Sisley is studying sports marketing and soaking up everything he can from the team - including Tucker DeVries, who’s emerged as a leader thanks to his familiarity with the system after five seasons under his father.
Looking Ahead
With Purdue and UCLA looming, Indiana’s schedule doesn’t get any easier. But DeVries and his team aren’t backing down. They’re embracing the grind, learning from the bumps, and leaning into the identity they’re trying to build.
The Big Ten doesn’t hand out wins - you’ve got to earn every inch. But if IU can keep stringing together complete efforts like the one at Rutgers, they’ll be right in the thick of things when it matters most.