Indiana Basketball Under Darian DeVries: Early Patterns, Real Challenges, and What Comes Next
We’re just 11 games into the Darian DeVries era at Indiana, and while it’s far too early to deliver a final verdict, we’ve seen enough to start identifying some clear trends - both promising and problematic. DeVries inherited a monumental task: assembling a full roster from scratch in the age of the transfer portal and NIL. That’s not a rebuild - that’s a complete reset.
But in today’s college basketball landscape, grace periods are short, and results matter quickly. So let’s break down what’s emerging from the early-season sample, what’s working, what’s not, and what DeVries will need to address - both now and in the months ahead - if he wants to build something sustainable in Bloomington.
1. Roster Construction: Size, Experience, and Athleticism Gaps
Let’s start with the obvious: this Indiana team is undersized. That didn’t show up much in the early games against mid- and low-major opponents, but once the Hoosiers stepped up in competition, the lack of size became a real issue. High-major teams have had their way on the glass, creating second-chance opportunities and limiting Indiana’s ability to control the tempo.
Reed Bailey, the tallest healthy player on the roster, is still adjusting to the speed and physicality of the high-major level in his first full season. Sam Alexis, who played a limited role at Florida last year, has actually looked more comfortable in similar minutes - especially when matched up against other Power 5 frontcourts. But neither has been the kind of interior presence who can consistently anchor the paint on both ends.
The other glaring hole? High-major experience.
It’s one thing to bring in talent from smaller programs - something Indiana football has done well in recent years - but it’s another to translate that talent into consistent production against elite competition. That’s a tougher leap in basketball, where the difference in speed, length, and skill is more pronounced.
The portal can help, but it’s not always easy to land proven contributors from winning programs. Those players don’t often leave unless there’s a compelling reason.
That’s why DeVries and his staff will need to be strategic - both in the portal and with high school recruiting. The early returns from freshman Trent Sisley are encouraging.
He’s come from a high-level prep background and looks ready for spot minutes off the bench, already showing flashes of comfort against top-tier athletes.
But perhaps the most important lesson for DeVries is this: shooting can’t be your only weapon.
Yes, Indiana has leaned into the three-point shot this season - and that’s a welcome philosophical shift from previous regimes. But if you can’t break defenders down off the dribble, or generate interior looks when the perimeter goes cold, you’re going to hit a ceiling.
Shooters need space. And space only comes when you have athletes who can collapse a defense.
Right now, that balance isn’t there.
2. The Reality of Expectations: The Clock Starts Fast
In the old days, a new coach had a couple of years to “get his guys” and build a foundation. That’s not how it works anymore. The transfer portal, NIL, and a win-now mentality have sped up the clock across the country - and Indiana is no exception.
Archie Miller got four years. Mike Woodson, despite back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, barely made it that far.
DeVries? He may not get the same runway.
And that’s not just an Indiana thing. Mark Pope, who recently outcoached DeVries in a head-to-head matchup, was already feeling pressure at his new stop just ten games into the season.
Hubert Davis faced similar scrutiny in Year 2 at North Carolina. This is the new normal.
Fans, boosters, and administrators expect results quickly - especially when the tools to build a competitive roster are more accessible than ever.
That doesn’t mean DeVries is on the hot seat. But it does mean that every game matters - not just in the win-loss column, but in how this team evolves, competes, and improves over time.
3. Shooting Variance and Offensive Balance
Let’s talk about Indiana’s offense. When the threes are falling, this team can look dangerous.
The spacing is better, the ball moves, and the confidence flows. But when the shots aren’t dropping?
The offense grinds to a halt.
That’s the double-edged sword of a perimeter-heavy approach. It’s fun when it works - and maddening when it doesn’t. Tom Crean’s Indiana teams lived and died by the three, and we’re seeing some of those same patterns emerge now under DeVries.
The frustrating part is that the defense has actually been solid - quietly effective, even. But the lack of a reliable interior scoring option has made the offense overly dependent on shooting variance. On nights when the perimeter goes cold, there’s no consistent Plan B.
DeVries hasn’t drawn up many post sets, even in matchups that looked favorable inside. That doesn’t mean Indiana needs to return to a throwback, post-heavy offense.
But there has to be some balance. Whether it’s through guards attacking the paint, bigs getting touches inside, or motion that creates cutting lanes - the Hoosiers need more ways to generate high-percentage looks.
Because when the threes aren’t falling - and there will be nights when they don’t - you’ve got to have something else to lean on.
Final Thought
This isn’t a crisis. It’s a work in progress.
Darian DeVries has shown he can coach. He’s navigating a massive roster rebuild in a high-pressure environment, and there are already signs of a clear identity taking shape.
But the early-season film doesn’t lie. There are structural issues that need addressing - in the paint, in the portal, and in the playbook.
The good news? It’s still early.
The bad news? In today’s college basketball world, “early” doesn’t last long.