Lamar Wilkerson is making a compelling case for Big Ten Player of the Year, showcasing his prowess as an elite scorer, leader, and defender. But here’s the twist: he’s also Indiana’s biggest conundrum.
It might sound like a paradox, but dive into the box scores of Indiana’s recent losses, and a pattern emerges. When Wilkerson doesn’t hit the 30-point mark, the Hoosiers don’t just lose-they unravel.
Riding the wave of Wilkerson’s sharpshooting has been thrilling for Indiana fans. However, if the Hoosiers aim to make a significant impact in the 2026 tournament, they desperately need a reliable second option.
Wilkerson is averaging 21.1 points per game this season, and his role has only grown. In a nail-biting overtime win against Wisconsin, he scored the team’s final 10 points. Yet, during a tough loss to Purdue, he was responsible for 18 of Indiana’s 35 second-half points.
The Hoosiers’ dependency on Wilkerson is clear. After his explosive 41-point game against Oregon, forward Tucker DeVries summed up the team’s strategy succinctly: “When he gets going like that, it makes things easy for everyone. At that point, it’s get out of the way and let him cook.”
This approach works against teams like Oregon, but top-tier programs like Illinois and Purdue have figured out how to douse the flame. Illinois kept Wilkerson scoreless until late in the game, and Purdue’s defense limited him to just two points in the first half. Without Wilkerson firing on all cylinders, Indiana struggles.
Purdue showcased a fluid offense with 24 assists, while Indiana often appeared stagnant, relying on last-second heroics from Wilkerson. Head coach Darian DeVries has praised Wilkerson’s growth, saying, “Now you’re seeing the full package of what he’s able to do.”
But to make it past the NCAA Tournament’s opening weekend, Indiana needs more than just Wilkerson’s full package. They need contributions from players like Sam Alexis, who’s been pivotal in several games, or the shooting prowess of Nick Dorn and Tucker DeVries. Indiana can no longer afford to be a one-man show.
Some might argue that Indiana’s system is performing as designed, especially considering DeVries had to assemble this team rapidly. The Hoosiers have clear weaknesses: they struggle with rebounding, lack a true center, and need another scoring guard beside Wilkerson.
Yet, DeVries has introduced a modern, floor-spacing offense that suits a high-volume shooter. Sitting at 17-10, the Hoosiers live and die by the three-point shot. Wilkerson has led them to significant wins against UCLA and Purdue, leaning heavily on his shooting skills.
“You’d rather be playing your best basketball in March than January,” Wilkerson noted after the Oregon game.
For Indiana, their best basketball is a team-oriented, high-energy style that doesn’t falter when Wilkerson isn’t hitting every shot.
As they approach the final stretch of the season, starting with a crucial home game against Northwestern, the Hoosiers have a chance to secure a postseason berth. But if no one steps up to share the scoring load with Wilkerson, they might find themselves on the outside looking in when the tournament begins.