After an underwhelming first season at the helm of the Indiana basketball program, Darian DeVries is in desperate need of a bounce back campaign. Hoosier fans are starving more national relevance and a March Madness run, and while it's just Year 2 of DeVries' tenure, he won't do himself any favors by underwhelming again in 2026-27.
Indiana's offseason has been solid, as DeVries has brought in a talented transfer portal class that is receiving high praise. Indiana's incoming 2026 recruiting class also features multiple players who could carve out roles as rookies.
Indiana fans are going to love what freshman Vaughn Karvala brings to the table
But there's no denying that there are plenty of question marks surrounding DeVries and the Hoosiers heading into a pivotal 2026-27 season.
How improved will the frontcourt be?
Last season, Indiana desperately struggled at the 4 and 5 positions. By DeVries' own admission, the Hoosiers simply lacked the size and athleticism needed to compete in the Big Ten. Last season, IU ranked 13th in the Big Ten in total rebounding and dead last in the conference with just 8.2 offensive rebounds per game. Needing to greatly improve the frontcourt, DeVries went out and got PF Aiden Sherrell from Alabama and C Samet Yigitoglu from SMU in the portal.
Both Sherrell and Yigitoglu bring plenty of size and physicality to Indiana's new-look frontcourt. Sherrell owns a 6'11" 255-pound frame, and was 2nd in the SEC with 2.2 blocks per game this past season. Yigitoglu is a 7'2" center who can make plays above the rim on both ends of the floor. He averaged 10.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 62.8% from the floor for SMU as a sophomore this past season.
Returner Trent Sisley and incoming freshmen Vaughn Karvala and Trevor Manhertz figure to help out, but if Indiana is going to improve in Year 2 under DeVries, the frontcourt combination of Sherrell and Yigitoglu needs to be effective. If they both shine, Indiana should be in much better shape than last season.
Can Indiana's transfer class find solid chemistry on the floor?
Like this offseason, DeVries also led a massive roster overhaul last offseason. Indiana's portal class last summer was ranked No. 10 in the country by 247Sports. Along with lacking high-major experience, it was clear that Indiana's group of incoming transfers didn't gel well on the floor.
The Hoosiers just weren't able to find an offensive rhythm on a consistent basis in 2025-26. They are were stagnant, easy to guard, and played at a slow pace. That is not the style of play DeVries wants to implement. Hoosier basketball fans expect DeVries to orchestrate an efficient offense that can put up points in a hurry. At Drake, DeVries constructed rosters that moved the ball well, played with pace, and emphasized early shot-hunting and high-volume three-point shooting. Indiana fans didn't see much of that playing style this season.
Looking ahead, the cohesion of Indiana's group of transfers is a major key toward a better season in 2026-27. It's imperative that DeVries implements his system effectively in the next few months before the new season tips off.
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