Welcome to our deep dive into the 2025-26 Indiana Hoosiers, where we spotlight standout performances. Today, we're focusing on Tucker DeVries, a player who brought high expectations to Bloomington alongside his father, Darian, the new head coach.
DeVries' season stats are solid: 13.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 39.7% over 34.3 minutes. These numbers reflect a player who consistently contributed across the board.
Starting his college career at Drake, DeVries made a name for himself by earning Missouri Valley Conference freshman of the year and later, two-time MVC player of the year honors. A shoulder injury during his time at West Virginia granted him a medical redshirt, extending his eligibility and setting the stage for his impactful season with Indiana.
DeVries hit the ground running with an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double against Alabama A&M. He followed that with a stellar performance against Marquette, dropping six 3-pointers and scoring 27 points, showcasing his shooting prowess early in the season.
Despite some shooting slumps, like the one against Minnesota where he shot just 23.1%, DeVries proved resilient. His ability to bounce back was evident in a 26-point game against Louisville, aided by 12 successful free throws. His struggles from beyond the arc were notable, especially in the loss to Kentucky, where he went 1-for-9 from three-point range.
Against nonconference opponents like Sienna, DeVries shone again with a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double. As conference play heated up, his scoring dipped in games against Washington and Maryland but he remained a key player, contributing significantly against Nebraska with 17 points and six assists.
DeVries' shooting woes continued against Michigan State and Iowa, but he rebounded with a strong 15-point game against Michigan. His third double-double of the season came in a commanding win over Rutgers, where he posted 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Consistent performances against Purdue and UCLA, with nine points and 10 rebounds in each, highlighted his ability to contribute in various facets of the game. However, a tough night against USC saw him connect on just one of nine attempts, capping off a challenging West Coast trip.
In a narrow win against Wisconsin, DeVries led the team with eight rebounds, complementing his 16 points. His playmaking shone against Oregon, where he added seven assists to his 15-point outing.
The season wasn't without its controversies, like the no-call in a tight game against Northwestern, which left fans and players alike in disbelief. DeVries showed his endurance by playing every minute in a 77-64 loss to Michigan State, one of his two 20-plus point performances in Big Ten play.
As the regular season wrapped up, DeVries posted 13 points in a win over Minnesota and 17 in a loss to Ohio State. In the Big Ten tournament, despite shooting struggles, he led Indiana in assists and rebounds, closing his college career with a heartfelt moment alongside his father and coach.
DeVries ended the season as Indiana's second-leading scorer and top rebounder. His veteran presence was crucial, though the team's struggles to consistently find him in the paint limited his shooting opportunities. As a spot-up shooter, he could have thrived even more, but his adaptability and leadership stood out throughout the season.
Darian DeVries summed it up perfectly, expressing pride in Tucker's resilience and leadership, regardless of the challenges he faced. Tucker's journey through college basketball leaves a legacy of hard work and perseverance, qualities that resonate both on and off the court.
