As we dive into the KenPom profile for IU basketball's 2025-26 season, one stat stands out: experience. The Hoosiers, under the guidance of Darian DeVries, lead the nation in this category, defined by Ken Pomeroy as the average number of full Division I seasons played by the current roster, weighted by minutes played.
Despite this wealth of experience, the Hoosiers found themselves finishing 10th in the Big Ten, with an NCAA tournament berth slipping away as Selection Sunday approaches. The season's struggles can be traced back to key misses in the transfer portal, leaving IU unable to compete effectively as conference play intensified. With the portal reopening soon, another roster overhaul seems imminent.
When DeVries took the reins last spring, a complete roster overhaul followed. This wasn’t unexpected, given the coaching change and the ease with which players can now transfer. The hope was for DeVries to replicate the quick success seen by other programs with new leadership.
The fresh start was embraced by both the program and its players, with DeVries constructing a roster from scratch. He brought in 12 scholarship players, including his son, Tucker, and retained Trent Sisley, a local talent and IU’s lone high school signee from 2024.
On paper, the roster boasted a balanced mix of experience and promising underclassmen. Key players like Sun Belt Player of the Year Tayton Conerway, All-CUSA selection Lamar Wilkerson, two-time MVC Player of the Year Tucker DeVries, and All-A10 selection Reed Bailey were seniors poised to make an impact. Conor Enright and Sam Alexis, both seasoned players, were also expected to contribute significantly.
However, as the season unfolded, it became evident that the most experienced players dominated the minutes. This approach made sense given the pressure to show immediate progress and reach the postseason, a goal within reach thanks to the transfer portal and available resources.
Several programs with first-year coaches are set to feature in this year’s March Madness, highlighting the potential for quick turnarounds. Yet, IU stands on the brink of another roster reset after a tough season, capped by a recent loss to Northwestern.
The senior-heavy lineup likely won’t hear its name called on Selection Sunday. With six of the top seven scorers exhausting their eligibility, the underclassmen didn’t gain enough traction, leaving only Nick Dorn and Sisley averaging double-digit minutes. The seniors accounted for a staggering 84.1 percent of IU’s scoring.
While the Hoosiers secured some notable victories against Purdue, Wisconsin, and UCLA, most of their 18 wins came against teams outside the KenPom top 50. Acknowledging the roster's shortcomings, DeVries has brought in Ryan Carr as the executive director of basketball, effectively a program GM, to bolster future roster-building efforts.
Looking ahead, IU must focus on developing young talent and making strategic decisions in the transfer portal. The next roster needs post players who can compete at the Big Ten level and a point guard capable of breaking down defenses. Additionally, acquiring underclassmen who can contribute over multiple seasons is crucial to avoid constant roster turnover.
Improved execution in the portal and the development of a top-20 ranked freshman class are essential for Indiana to make strides next season. The Hoosiers are poised for a fresh chapter, but the right moves are needed to ensure progress on the court.