Inside IU Basketball: DeVries Reflects on Wilkerson’s Historic Night, Big Ten Battles, and What’s Next for the Hoosiers
The latest edition of Inside IU Basketball returned to Hoosier Hank’s in Bloomington on Monday night, and with it came some valuable insight into how head coach Darian DeVries is navigating his first season at the helm in Bloomington. Sitting alongside legendary broadcaster Don Fischer, DeVries covered a lot of ground - from a record-breaking performance at Assembly Hall to the grind of Big Ten play and the development of his roster.
Let’s break down the key takeaways from the night.
The Penn State Win: A Must-Have Moment
DeVries didn’t mince words when reflecting on the recent win over Penn State. “It really felt like a must-win,” he said.
And he wasn’t wrong. Dropping to 0-2 in Big Ten play, especially with a home loss, would’ve been a tough early-season hole to climb out of.
Instead, the Hoosiers responded, and they did it in emphatic fashion - thanks in large part to a performance for the ages.
Lamar Wilkerson’s 44-Point Explosion
If you were at Assembly Hall for the Penn State game, you witnessed history. Lamar Wilkerson dropped 44 points, setting a new Assembly Hall record. DeVries was just as amazed as the rest of us - albeit a little later than most.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one like Lamar had the other night,” DeVries said. In fact, he admitted he wasn’t even aware of the scoring total in real time.
“I was just coaching the game,” he added. That’s probably for the best - Wilkerson’s night was fueled by rhythm, not force.
DeVries praised his guard for not hunting shots or pressing. It was a special night, and it came naturally.
That said, DeVries also pointed out a teaching moment. Wilkerson plays with intensity, but sometimes that leads to unnecessary fouls.
“We gotta avoid some of those cheap fouls that put you on the bench,” he said. A player that valuable has to stay on the floor.
The Realities of Big Ten Basketball
If there’s one thing DeVries made clear, it’s that Big Ten play is no joke. “Every night you better come ready to play or you’re going to get beat,” he said.
That’s not coach-speak - that’s just the truth. The margin for error is razor-thin, and the Hoosiers are learning that quickly.
Still, DeVries isn’t discouraged. He’s optimistic about where this team can go, even with some early-season ups and downs.
“It’s our job to get them there,” he said. And with a bit of a break in the schedule, the Hoosiers are taking advantage.
Players are getting individual skill work in the mornings and team practices in the afternoon - a crucial stretch for growth before the heart of conference play.
Turnovers and Second-Chance Struggles vs. Kentucky
The Kentucky game offered plenty of lessons, and DeVries didn’t shy away from them. He pointed to live-ball turnovers as a major issue - “That’s 18 shot opportunities that we didn’t even get,” he told the team. Against a team like Kentucky, those mistakes are magnified.
He also highlighted the impact of offensive rebounding. Early on, Kentucky’s second-chance points kept them in it.
Later, it gave them life. “You could just feel that give them energy,” DeVries said.
It’s the kind of detail that can tilt a game - and it’s something IU knows it needs to clean up.
Injury Updates and Player Progress
There was a collective sigh of relief when DeVries addressed Sam Alexis’ injury. “That was one that could have been very, very bad,” he said, noting how rough it looked on film. The good news: IU is hopeful Alexis will be okay.
As for Jason Drake and Josh Harris, both are “getting closer and closer,” according to DeVries. No return date yet, but the progress is encouraging. The staff is waiting on the green light from the trainers.
Looking Ahead: Chicago State and Beyond
Next up is Chicago State, and while the Cougars have had their struggles, DeVries isn’t taking anything for granted. “We’ve got to be ready to play,” he said. Monday’s practice was sharp, and the team had meaningful conversations about what needs to improve.
There’s also a brief holiday break on the horizon. IU players will get four days off to spend Christmas with their families before returning to practice on December 27.
For international players like Aleksa Ristic (Serbia) and Andrej Acimovic (Bosnia), that means staying in Bloomington. “They’re doing great.
Both great guys,” DeVries said. “They’re fun to have around.”
The Technical Foul Streak Lives On
Here’s a fun nugget: DeVries has never received a technical foul as a head coach. Fischer asked, and DeVries confirmed it’s true - though he joked that he’s probably deserved a few.
“I’m sure one is coming at some point,” he laughed. For now, the streak continues.
Nick Dorn’s Journey to Bloomington
This week’s player guest was Nick Dorn, who shared his story of growth - both literally and figuratively. He started playing basketball at age 5 and comes from a family of athletes.
His father, Torin, played in the NFL. His brother, Torin Jr., hooped at NC State, and another brother, Myles, played football at North Carolina.
Dorn himself played football in middle school before focusing on basketball. He went from 5-foot-9 to 6-foot-3 entering high school, and eventually hit 6-foot-7 by the time he graduated.
When asked why he chose Indiana, Dorn kept it simple: “I wanted to go up a level and play at the highest level.” He also praised the program’s support system for helping him bounce back from injury. “It was a long journey,” he said, but the coaching and training staff were there every step of the way.
The team’s chemistry has been a bright spot, too. “We’re tight-knit,” Dorn said. “We spent a lot of time together right when we got on campus, and that helped us come together.”
And as for the environment at Rupp Arena? Dorn didn’t hesitate: “I like Indiana better.” Assembly Hall made a lasting impression from the moment he stepped inside.
One last note - Dorn’s still adjusting to Indiana winters. “I’ve bought about three jackets since I got here,” he said with a smile.
Final Thoughts
There’s still plenty of season left, and DeVries knows the road won’t be easy. But there’s a belief within the program - a sense that this group has more to offer, more to grow into. Monday night offered a glimpse into that mindset: focused, forward-thinking, and grounded in the day-to-day work it takes to compete in the Big Ten.
The Hoosiers are building. And if Lamar Wilkerson’s record-setting night was any indication, they’ve got some serious firepower to build with.