Inside IU Basketball: DeVries Talks Defense, Depth, and Discipline Ahead of Big Ten Opener
The buzz was back at Hoosier Hank’s on Monday night as Indiana head coach Darian DeVries sat down with longtime voice of the Hoosiers, Don Fischer, for the latest installment of Inside IU Basketball. With the Big Ten opener against Minnesota looming, DeVries offered a candid look at where his team stands and what’s clicking early in the season.
Joining DeVries was Tayton Conerway, whose steady presence and growing leadership have been key for Indiana’s early success.
Here’s a full breakdown of what stood out from the conversation:
Defensive Identity Taking Shape
Coming off a win over Kansas State, DeVries didn’t sugarcoat the challenge that matchup presented. “It was a team we were really concerned about,” he admitted.
“We knew it was going to be a big challenge to try and slow them down offensively.” But Indiana’s defense answered the call, showing flashes of the gritty, high-effort identity DeVries wants to build.
And while the 17 turnovers were a blemish on the stat sheet, DeVries was quick to point out that his team found other ways to win. “We did some other things well to offset it,” he said, noting the importance of staying composed even when the game isn’t clean.
Still, he couldn’t help but tease Fischer about jinxing the team’s low-turnover trend. “You brought it up last week,” he joked. “Then we go out and give it away 17 times.”
Effort Over Everything
When asked about his biggest takeaway from the Kansas State win, DeVries didn’t hesitate. “The number one thing they did was play as hard as they could,” he said. That effort, he emphasized, is what allows this group to compete despite being undersized in several matchups.
It’s not just about talent-it’s about buy-in. And DeVries is seeing it across the board.
Freedom on Offense, Discipline on Defense
DeVries isn’t shy about giving his players room to operate on offense. Deep threes?
Let ’em fly-within reason. “We give our guys a lot of freedom on the offensive end,” he said.
“We want them to play with confidence. We want other teams to know we’re not afraid to shoot them either.”
But that freedom comes with a demand for discipline on the other end. As IU prepares for Minnesota, DeVries knows his defense will need to stay sharp against a Gophers team that thrives on spacing, movement, and backdoor cuts. “They make you have to be very disciplined as a defense,” he said.
Depth Developing Nicely
One of DeVries’ biggest strengths this season might be his bench. “I feel really good about the depth in our team,” he said. “Top to bottom, they give great effort, great attitude, and are always ready when their number is called.”
He singled out Nick Dorn as a potential game-changer. “He can be that guy that comes in, gets you three, four, five threes in a game and really flip a game all by himself.”
Aleksa Ristic is another name to watch. While he’s still working his way into game shape, DeVries praised the Serbian forward’s adaptability and quick learning.
“He’s getting closer,” DeVries said. “He’ll give us more depth later in the season.”
Film, Focus, and Floor Game
IU’s preparation isn’t just happening on the court. DeVries shared that the team spends 15 to 30 minutes a day watching film on opponents, a habit that’s helping them build better habits on the floor.
One player who’s clearly benefiting is Conor Enright. “He wants to guard, he wants to compete,” DeVries said. “That’s what makes him so fun to coach and watch.”
As for Conerway, DeVries praised his ability to create for others. “He had a really good floor game the other night and generated a lot of opportunities for our guys.”
Conerway’s Journey and Chemistry with Teammates
Conerway, the night’s featured player guest, shared his path from Texas to Indiana-one that included a three-year stop in junior college before falling in love with basketball. He recalled meeting Lamar Wilkerson during offseason workouts in Dallas, noting that Wilkerson was the first teammate he connected with.
That chemistry has carried over into the season. “You make that extra pass because you believe they’re going to make the shot just like you would,” Conerway said, highlighting the team’s unselfish style.
He also gave credit to Enright for pushing him daily. “He gives me pointers on defense every day,” Conerway said. “It’s tough when we match up in practice.”
Enright’s versatility hasn’t gone unnoticed. “I haven’t played with too many people like Conor,” Conerway added. “He does everything and accepts any challenge.”
And then there’s freshman Trent Sisley. “He’s a problem now,” Conerway said with a grin. “But in a couple years, ain’t too many people going to be able to mess with him out there.”
Thanksgiving, Football, and Looking Ahead
DeVries hosted a Thanksgiving meal for players and staff, which he said went well-aside from his Detroit Lions losing. “The guys had a lot of fun at my expense,” he laughed.
He also touched on Louisville, a team IU faced last season when DeVries was at West Virginia. He noted their aggression and ability to run in transition, and he expects plenty of Hoosier support in Indianapolis when the two programs meet.
Conerway, like many on campus, is also keeping an eye on IU football. With the Big Ten Championship around the corner, he said it’s been “pretty special” to watch their success. “They’re going to get the job done,” he added.
What’s Next
With Minnesota up next, DeVries knows the Big Ten grind is about to begin. But if Monday’s conversation is any indication, this Indiana team is ready to embrace the challenge-with effort, depth, and a growing belief in one another.
As DeVries put it, “They all come every day, they give great effort, great attitude, and are always having themselves ready when their number is called.”
That’s the kind of culture that wins in March-but first, it’s about winning in December.