Indiana Hoops Are Heating Up-And They're Not Slowing Down Anytime Soon
For Indiana fans, the past few months haven’t just been memorable-they’ve been surreal. First came the unthinkable: a 16-0 football season and a national title under Curt Cignetti, a run that flipped the script on what’s possible in Bloomington. Now, with the confetti barely swept from Memorial Stadium, the energy has shifted to the hardwood, and it’s starting to feel like we’re witnessing the greatest year in IU Athletics history.
On Monday night, Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall wasn’t just loud-it was alive. The program honored the 50th anniversary of the 1976 undefeated national championship team, and the legends were out in full force: Scott May, Quinn Buckner, Tom Abernathy, Kent Benson.
The ghosts of greatness filled the building-and the current Hoosiers didn’t flinch. They lit up the scoreboard in a 92-74 win over Oregon, a performance that looked less like a tribute and more like a torch-passing.
This wasn’t just another W. It was a statement. One that said: Indiana Basketball is back-and they’re doing it their way.
A New Identity Taking Shape
Head coach Darian DeVries has had his share of skeptics since arriving in Bloomington. But five wins in six games-especially in a Big Ten gauntlet-has a way of silencing doubt.
Since a humbling loss at No. 2 Michigan back on January 20th, Indiana has looked like a completely different team.
They’ve rattled off wins over Rutgers, No. 12 Purdue, and UCLA in a 98-97 thriller.
Even a narrow stumble at USC didn’t derail the momentum. Instead, they responded with an overtime win over Wisconsin and then Monday’s emphatic showing against the Ducks.
The common thread in this run? Offensive firepower.
Indiana shot a ridiculous 60% from the field against Oregon-and an even more absurd 81.8% in the second half. That’s not just hot shooting; that’s surgical execution.
Lamar Wilkerson: The Engine of It All
At the heart of Indiana’s resurgence is Lamar Wilkerson, who’s putting together one of the most electric individual seasons in program history. His 41-point eruption against Oregon marked his second 40-point game of the year-something only four other players in 125 years of IU basketball have ever done.
And it’s not just the big nights. Wilkerson has scored 30 or more four times this season and currently sits as the Big Ten’s second-leading scorer, averaging 21.2 points per game.
He started 0-for-5 on Monday, but then caught fire, hitting 13 of his final 15 shots. It wasn’t just impressive-it was demoralizing for Oregon’s defense.
But Wilkerson’s evolution goes beyond scoring. His assist numbers are climbing.
He’s rebounding. He’s drawing so much defensive attention that teammates are getting cleaner looks.
He’s not just a bucket-getter-he’s a game-changer.
“Basketball is a game of runs,” Wilkerson said postgame. “I just feel like it’s our run right now. You'd rather be playing your best basketball in March than January.”
A Supporting Cast That’s Stepping Up
Wilkerson may be the headliner, but he’s not doing it alone.
Sam Alexis has emerged as a force in the frontcourt. Against Oregon, he went a perfect 8-for-8 from the field for 16 points, anchoring the paint and forcing defenses to pick their poison. Double Wilkerson, and Alexis will make you pay.
Conor Enright has taken the reins as the team’s floor general. He dished out eight assists to just one turnover on Monday and continues to earn praise for his defensive grit-especially after his late-game heroics against Wisconsin. He’s the pulse of this team.
Then there’s Tucker DeVries, who’s navigating a rare shooting slump but hasn’t let it affect his impact. He’s leaned into playmaking, drawing top defenders and still managing to rack up seven assists against Oregon. That’s the kind of maturity you want from your veterans.
And don’t overlook Nick Dorn. Fresh off an NCAA Player of the Week honor, Dorn has been averaging over 16 points per game across the last six contests. He’s become a reliable third scoring option and brings valuable length and athleticism to the wing.
From Bubble Watch to Bracket Buster
At 17-8 overall and 8-6 in Big Ten play, Indiana has clawed its way out of a midseason slump that once threatened to derail Darian DeVries’ debut season. Now? They’re not just back in the NCAA Tournament conversation-they’re the team no high seed wants to see in their region.
This group has found its rhythm. They’ve got a go-to scorer, a reliable big, a steady point guard, and a coach who’s pushing all the right buttons. And they’re peaking at the right time.
But the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. A trip to No.
8 Illinois looms on Sunday, followed by a showdown at No. 13 Purdue next Friday.
Both games will test just how real this surge is.
Still, there’s something brewing in Bloomington. Fans are still rocking their 16-0 football gear, but now they’re chanting for March. And with the 50th anniversary of the last perfect basketball season still fresh in the air, this team is writing a new chapter-one win at a time.
The dream hasn’t ended. In fact, it might just be getting started.