Using the transfer portal, Darian DeVries found his true center for next season in the form of SMU's Samet Yigitoglu. Owning a massive 7'2" 270-pound frame, Yigitoglu brings the Hoosiers the size and rebounding ability at the center position that they severely lacked last season.
However, it's worth mentioning that Yigitoglu played just 28.9 minutes per game with the Mustangs last season. And like plenty of centers out there, he struggled with foul trouble. Thus, when he is on the bench, who can fill in at the 5 spot for the Hoosiers next season?
Right now, the answer to that seems to be Alabama transfer power forward Aiden Sherrell. He owns a 6'10" 255-pound frame, and is more than capable of holding down the fort when Yigitoglu is on the bench.
But you can never have enough depth. DeVries can make another big statement by bringing in another big body to help Indiana's front court next season. One ideal candidate comes to mind.
Paulius Murauskas needs to be Darian DeVries' next portal target
Saint Mary's star forward Paulius Murauskas is one of the best players still on the market. He is ranked as the No. 9 overall player and No. 4 power forward in the portal by 247Sports, and his elite rebounding ability could make for a great fit in Bloomington.Â
This past season, the 6'8" stretch-4 was second in the WCC averaging 18.4 points per game and ranked third in the conference with a field goal percentage of 48.2%. He was also strong on the glass, averaging 7.6 rebounds per game. For comparison, Indiana's leading rebounder this past season was Tucker DeVries, who brought down 5.3 rebounds per game.
Murauskas possesses a well-rounded game that could help IU in a wide variety of ways. However, DeVries and company need to act fast.
Other teams turning up the heat in pursuit of Paulius Murauskas
Pat Kelsey and the Louisville Cardinals have already made some monster moves in the portal, and they are going for more. Louisville has been in talks with Murauskas over the last several days, while Kentucky, UConn, and Arizona State are also in the mix.
Louisville appears to be the favorite at this point in time, meaning DeVries and executive director of basketball Ryan Carr need to roll out the red carpet as soon as possible in order to get back in the race for Murauskas.
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