Sam Alexis Is Forcing the Issue-and Forcing His Way into Indiana’s Game Plan
Right now, Sam Alexis is on a heater. Over his last five games, the 6-foot-9 Indiana forward has knocked down 24 of his last 25 shots.
That’s not a typo. It’s the kind of stretch that makes you double-check the box score, then shake your head and watch the film again.
So what’s changed?
Indiana head coach Darian DeVries might’ve offered a hint after the Hoosiers’ 92-74 win over Oregon, though he also admitted the staff may have been a little late to the party.
“He’s given us these last two games some low presence that maybe we haven’t utilized enough, to be honest with you,” DeVries said. “Sometimes as coaches you gotta admit your mistakes.”
The numbers back him up. Indiana has had its share of struggles this season when teams switch on screens, often forcing mismatches they haven’t always been able to exploit. But that’s where Alexis has flipped the script.
Against Wisconsin, the Badgers switched smaller defenders onto Alexis, and he made them pay-hitting 9 of 10 from the field. Then came Oregon, and the matchup shifted.
Alexis spent most of that night going toe-to-toe with 7-footer Nate Bittle. The result?
A perfect 8-for-8 shooting performance.
So this isn’t just about taking advantage of undersized defenders. Alexis has shown he can win one-on-one battles in the post regardless of who’s guarding him.
He’s got the footwork, the touch, and the confidence to finish with either hand. He’s not just a matchup problem-he’s becoming a matchup-proof presence.
The real key? He’s getting clean, isolated touches.
And that’s a byproduct of the spacing created by Indiana’s perimeter threats. With Lamar Wilkerson, Tucker DeVries, and Nick Dorn all capable of stretching the floor, opposing defenses are in a bind.
Who do you leave to double Alexis? Who can afford to dig when he starts backing down?
The answer, lately, has been no one. And Alexis is making the most of it.
It’s not just the scoring, either. His decision-making has been sharp.
Over the last three games, he’s tallied seven assists to just one turnover. He’s playing at his own pace, rarely rushed, and clearly comfortable within the flow of Indiana’s offense.
That kind of efficiency and poise is hard to ignore-and Indiana isn’t.
“That’s something that we’re going to continue to try to utilize,” DeVries said. “Getting some more paint touches, whether it’s off dribble penetration, cutting, or post-ups certainly helps our offense and frees up our shooters maybe even a little bit more.”
But Alexis’ impact goes beyond the offensive end.
Over his last eight games, he’s averaging 4.9 rebounds per game-8.2 per 40 minutes. And over the last six?
He’s swatting 2.5 shots per contest, good for 4.2 blocks per 40. That kind of rim protection and activity on the glass is exactly what Indiana needs from its bigs.
It’s also what’s helping him separate in a tight battle for minutes with Reed Bailey. DeVries has been clear: he’s not planning to play the two together. That means the starting five spot is going to whoever is producing-and right now, that’s Alexis.
His energy has been a tone-setter.
“It starts with his approach every day. He kind of is our motor and enthusiasm every day,” said senior forward Tucker DeVries.
“I think that leads to the success he’s had as of late, too. He’s so versatile at that position.
It’s a tough matchup for guys.”
Indiana’s offense is built around the three-point shot. They rank eighth nationally in three-point attempt rate.
But that floor spacing has a secondary benefit-it opens up the paint. And that’s where Alexis is thriving.
The Hoosiers are also 12th in the country in two-point field goal percentage at 60%, and Alexis is a big reason why.
Whether it’s the internal competition, improved stamina, sharper effort, or simply a greater role in the offense, Alexis is showing he can elevate this Indiana team. He’s not just playing well-he’s changing the way Indiana plays.
And if this version of Alexis sticks around, the Hoosiers just got a whole lot more dangerous.