Darian DeVries points to key areas for improvement after Indiana's exhibition opener

The Indiana Hoosiers took the floor in their first public appearance of the new season with an exhibition game against Canada's Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf on Wednesday night at Assembly Hall. Representing Team USA as they prepare for the FISU America Games in Peru later this month, the Hoosiers put forth a strong effort that resulted in a 98-64 victory.

There was a lot to like about Indiana's showing, as the new-look Hoosiers displayed plenty of athleticism, speed, and playmaking ability. The guard play was impressive, as Markus Burton, Darren Harris, Bryce Lindsay, and freshman Prince-Alexander Moody all pushed the pace and facilitated IU's transition offense effectively. The frontcourt was also improved with Aiden Sherrell and Samet Yigitoglu providing plenty of size and strength down low. Along with an eye-popping performance from Moody, other freshmen Vaughn Karvala and Trevor Manhertz also put forth strong Hoosier debuts.

With all of the positives, there are still areas for improvement. That is to be expected following an exhibition game in July with an almost entirely new roster. After the game, head coach Darian DeVries went into detail about where his team needs to improve.

Darian DeVries wants to see better communication from the Hoosiers

Throughout the first half of the game, the Hoosiers suffered several defensive breakdowns that led to easy buckets for Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf. Most notably, Indiana was burned on back door cuts on several occasions. Speaking with the media following the contest, DeVries emphasized that better communications is needed.

"Our No. 1 thing right now that we're not great at is just starting out talk," DeVries said. "Communication breakdowns and stuff, a lot of times it's not a lack of effort, it's just a lack of talk, so that's the stuff we got to clean up."

With only returning player from last year, roster continuity is not a strength for the Hoosiers. With so many new faces in the mix, miscommunication is not uncommon at this point of the summer. Looking ahead, DeVries and his staff have plenty of time to get those concerns corrected.

DeVries wants Indiana to be an elite offensive rebounding team

Indiana out-rebounded Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf by a margin of 45-30. The Hoosiers were especially strong on the offensive glass, totaling a 20-10 edge in that department. But it's not a stretch to say both of those margins could have been even larger.

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Indiana missed several opportunities to bring down a handful of additional rebounds on both ends of the floor. DeVries praised his team's effort and tenacity on the glass, but still emphasized those missed chances need to come less frequently.

"I thought our rebounding wasn't as good as we wanted it to be, DeVries said. "We've talked to our team all summer long that we want to be an elite offensive rebounding team. We have enough bodies and size and athleticism that we should be a great defensive and offensive rebounding team, and we're gonna get it there."

Last season, Indiana ranked 13th in the Big Ten by averaging 32.4 total rebounds per game. Furthermore, the Hoosiers ranked dead last in the conference by bringing down just 8.2 offensive rebounds per contest. With the additions of Sherrell and Yigitoglu, as well as contributions from Sisley, Manhertz, and Karvala, those rebounding numbers should increase this season.

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