Darian DeVries made a big leap on the recruiting trail earlier this week by securing a commitment from 5-star prospect Darius Wabbington. A 6'11" center from Phoenix, AZ, Wabbington is one of the most coveted recruits in the 2027 cycle, and he becomes the first 5-star commit for DeVries at Indiana.
Wabbington is the third commit to join a promising Hoosier 2027 recruiting class. His 5-star status instantly makes him the class headliner, but there is a lot to like about IU's trio of 2027 commits. Here's a closer look at what Indiana's 2027 recruiting class looks like now that Wabbington is on board.
Darius Wabbington: 6'11" center (5-star)
Wabbington is the signature recruiting victory DeVries has been searching for. He is ranked as the No. 12 overall player and No. 2 center in the nation according to 247Sports, and chose Indiana over a list of final contenders that also included Illinois and Arizona.
"I'm going to Indiana University and I chose there because the plan they have for me and the trust that the entire organization has in me," Wabbington told 247Sports about his commitment to Indiana. "They're getting someone who's gonna work his tail off day in and day out," Wabbington added.
Wabbington is a dynamic athlete who primarily plays center but can handle the ball with guard-like skills. It will be interesting to see if DeVries utilizes him as a true center or as a power forward. Either way, Wabbington's athleticism and versatility could make for a perfect fit in DeVries' system. He is a reliable rebounder on both ends of the floor, and can score off the dribble while also knocking down shots from the outside.
Chase Branham: 6'4" guard (4-star)
Point guard Chase Branham became the first commit for Indiana's 2027 class back on September 20, 2025. Branham hails from Missouri, and led Logan-Rogersville High School to a 4A state title this past season as a junior. He was at his best when it mattered most, as he scored 31 points in the semifinals before totaling 15 points in the championship game. On the season, Branham averaged 21.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game during his junior season. He also shot an impressive 62% from the floor and 41% from beyond the arc
Branham has continued to climb the national recruiting rankings over the past several months. He was ranked as the No. 42 overall player in the country a few months ago, but is now ranked as the No. 24 player in the 2027 class by 247Sports. With Wabbington and Branham both committed, DeVries has secured two Top-25 players in the 2027 class.
Branham will play his senior season in The Hoosier State, as he transferred to La Lumiere School in La Porte, IN earlier this year.
Felix Kiehlneker: 7'1" center (international)
Last month of September 15, Indiana secured a commitment from international center Felix Kiehlneker. He is a 7'1" prospect from Germany, and is one of the top players in his age group. According to Peegs.com, Kiehlneker is heralded as the No. 5 overall prospect in Germany aged 19 or younger.
Currently 18 years old, Kiehlneker was Germany's starting center at this summer's FIBA U18 EuroBasket. Kiehlneker spent last season playing for Ratiopharm Ulm where he averaged 10.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 60% from the field. He most recently played in Germany's second-tier professional league after moving up a level last year.
Kiehlneker did not participate in the FISU American Games with the Hoosiers this summer, as he made the trip to the United States just a few weeks ago. Bolstering the frontcourt has been a top priority for DeVries, and getting Kiehlneker on board certainly helps with that effort.
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