Darian DeVries is still on the prowl for his first 5-star recruit at the helm of the Indiana basketball program. DeVries' most recent recruiting class features a trio of 4-star prospects loaded with potential, and gives Indiana fans a lot to be excited about. Looking to take the next step, DeVries has some great 5-star opportunities on the horizon.
As the 2026-27 season continues to draw nearer, the top recruits in the country are starting to plan their on-campus visits. DeVries and his staff have already secured a visit from one 5-star prospect, and remain in the hunt to get more on the calendar.
As DeVries continues searching for his first 5-star high school commit in Bloomington, here are two elite prospects for Indiana fans to keep their eyes on. Landing these players would take DeVries' recruiting prowess to the next level.
Darius Wabbington - Center
Hailing from Phoenix, AZ, Darius Wabbington is one of the most coveted prospects in the country. Owning a 6'11" 245-pound frame, Wabbington is ranked as the No. 2 center and No. 14 overall player in the nation according to Rivals. Wabbington has already listed Indiana among his final list of contenders, and has an official visit to Bloomington slated for September 5. His other finalists include Arizona, Kentucky, North Carolina, Louisville, and Texas.
It's clear that DeVries is making the frontcourt a top priority moving forward. The Hoosiers lacked the necessary size and skill at the 4 and 5 positions during DeVries' first season, and he is looking to change that moving forward. He nabbed 6'11" power forward Aiden Sherrell from Alabama and 7'2" center Samet Yigitoglu from SMU in the transfer portal, but now is the time to build up the frontcourt on the recruiting trail. Wabbington would be a dream way to start.
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He possesses elite athleticism and can handle the ball with guard-like skills. Although he can make a steady impact in the paint, Wabbington can also score off the dribble and can space the floor with dependable shooting from the outside. That is the kind of versatile skill set that DeVries loves to feature on his rosters.
Paul Osaruyi - Power forward
Going along with the theme of bolstering the frontcourt, another name to watch is Paul Osaruyi. He is ranked as the No. 2 power forward and the No. 12 overall player in the 2027 recruiting cycle according to Rivals.
Osaruyi has been on DeVries' radar for a while, and now is the time to make a push to stand out from the crowd. According to On3, Osaruyi still has plenty of schools in the mix, including North Carolina, Arkansas, Creighton, West Virginia, Houston, Oklahoma State, Arizona, and Indiana. Getting an official visit scheduled is the next step, and with so much competition, is something that would be great to happen sooner rather than later.
Incoming Hoosier freshman Vaughn Karvala has a strong connection with Osaruyi, as they both played for national powerhouse Bella Vista Prep in Arizona. DeVries needs to utilize that angle as much as he can in order to help the Hoosiers emerge as final contenders.
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