After an underwhelming first season at the helm of the Indiana basketball program, Darian DeVries is looking to turn things around in a major way in Year 2.
Indiana's roster is once again extremely transfer-heavy, but this year's portal class is much different from last year's. Last offseason, DeVries targeted top players from mid-major conferences. That strategy didn't work out so well, so he changed things up. This year's transfer portal haul for IU features six players with multiple years of high-major experience, and is full of proven veterans. Throw in returners Trent Sisley and Sam Alexis, as well as a promising freshmen class that could see reliable minutes from the jump, and things could be looking up for the Hoosiers.
But if DeVries is going to get Indiana back into the NCAA Tournament and make a run, there are three key things that he must get right in 2026-27.
1. Indiana has to be a strong rebounding team on both ends of the floor
The Hoosiers struggled mightily on the glass last season. Specifically, Indiana ranked 13th in the Big Ten by bringing down 32.4 total rebounds per game. That mark included finishing dead last in the conference with just 8.2 offensive rebounds per contest. Simply put, that isn't going to cut it in the Big Ten.
DeVries knew that he had to address the frontcourt via the portal, and he did just that by bringing in 6'11" power forward Aiden Sherrell from Alabama and 7'2" center Samet Yigitoglu from SMU. Together, they have the potential to be among the best frontcourt duos in the Big Ten.
But in total, the Hoosiers need a strong team effort to become a better rebounding team on both ends. Last year featured too many one-and-done trips on offense while giving up too many second chances to the opposition on the defensive end. Improving their rebounding numbers across the board will significantly boost Indiana's March Madness hopes.
2. Indiana needs more scoring depth than last season
Last year, the offense essentially ran through Lamar Wilkerson. He had a tremendous season, as he finished 2nd in the Big Ten with 20.9 points per game and scored the most points in Big Ten play for a Hoosier since George McGinnis in 1970-71.
However, Indiana was simply too reliant on Wilkerson. Only one other player averaged double-digit points per game (Tucker DeVries, 13.7), which put the IU offense in a tough spot. Too much was expected of Wilkerson, and opposing defenses didn't have much to worry about when facing the Hoosiers.
This year needs to be different. More scoring depth is needed. Indiana's backcourt portal additions include several proven scorers, and Notre Dame transfer point guard Markus Burton figures to lead the way. But Jaeden Mustaf, Darren Harris, and Bryce Lindsay can all be reliable contributors. As can Sherrell, Yigitoglu, Trent Sisley, and Sam Alexis in the frontcourt. A more well-rounded scoring attack will serve the Hoosiers well in 2026-27.
3. Turn the roster talent into a cohesive team
On paper, the Hoosiers have the talent to turn things around in a major way this season. Indiana's roster is full of proven high-major talent, and includes a promising incoming freshmen class with plenty of potential.
But now it's on DeVries to put it all together.
The biggest question heading into Monday's season opener against Eastern Illinois is how quickly this group can develop chemistry and adjust to DeVries' system. If Indiana can find consistency on both ends of the floor and get its key pieces playing with chemistry early in the season, there's no reason this team can't make significant strides and reestablish itself as a contender in the Big Ten.
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