Darian DeVries is likely to lean heavily on his talented group of transfer portal additions in his second season in Bloomington. At the same, it wouldn't be surprising to see Indiana's incoming group of freshmen make steady contributions throughout the 2026-27 season.
That group consists of 6'4" guard Prince-Alexander Moody, 6'8" forward Vaughn Karvala, 6'8" forward Trevor Manhertz, and 7'0" center Clemens Sokolov. Sokolov has yet to join the team, but the trio of Moody, Karvala, and Manhertz have all made strong first impressions in Bloomington.
The Hoosiers participated in the FISU America Games throughout the last two weeks, and Indiana's rookies were been impressive. Most notably, their outside shooting has them looking like a perfect fit for DeVries' offensive system.
Indiana rookies shine from beyond the arc in FISU America Games
It's so secret that DeVries wants to run a highly efficient offense. Throughout his time at Drake and West Virginia, DeVries constructed rosters that moved the ball well, played with pace, and emphasized early shot-hunting and high-volume three-point shooting. Unfortunately, Indiana fans didn't see much of that playing style during his first season at the helm of the Hoosier program.
Indiana turns FISU America Games into perfect start to the preseason slate
Looking to change that in Year 2, Indiana's freshmen seem to be poised to help in that effort. Throughout their respective performances in the FISU America Games, Moody, Karvala, and Manhertz played with plenty of confident, energy, and chemistry. They also shot lights-out from beyond the arc.
In total, Indiana's three freshmen shot a combined 28-of-55 from beyond the arc in their four games in Peru. That equates to an impressive three-point shooting percentage of 50.9%, and all three newcomers shot above 45% while attempting at least three triples per game.
It's still just July, and the competition at the FISU America Games was likely not up to the caliber that Indiana expected. But still, the show that the freshmen put on is highly encouraging.
Hoosier freshmen make significant contributions this season
Over the offseason, DeVries brought in a total of six transfer players that have multiple years of high-major experience under their belts. That was not the case last offseason, and it's clear that DeVries put an emphasis on finding plenty of veteran leadership. Along with returning forward Trent Sisley, Indiana's veteran transfers will undoubtedly play a big part in Indiana's success this season.
Thus, it will be interesting to see how DeVries utilizes the incoming recruiting class––especially early on. All three rookies have strong potential, and they have not seemed intimidated by the international stage in their early days with the Hoosiers. All three were confident and eager to contribute, and little hesitation or second-guessing was evident throughout the FISU America Games. Hoosier fans are hoping that continues into the start of the new season.
If they continue to knock down shots from the outside at a steady clip, don't be surprised if Moody, Karvala, and Moody hear their names called early and often this season.
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