Darian DeVries was busy in the transfer portal this offseason. A top priority for DeVries and the Hoosiers was revamping the frontcourt, and that's exactly what DeVries did by getting 6'11" power forward Aiden Sherrell from Alabama and 7'2" center Samet Yigitoglu from SMU. The pair have complimentary skill sets, and could make for one of the best frontcourt duos in the Big Ten this season––at least that is the hope among Indiana basketball fans.
Sherrell possesses plenty of athleticism and can move around all over the floor on both ends. Yigitoglu figures to be the true center that the Hoosiers desperately missed last season. He was one of the most coveted big men in the portal, and is in line to make an immediate impact in Bloomington. Yigitoglu's readiness for Big Ten play figures to play a vital role in Indiana's 2026-27 season outlook, and he's up for the challenge.
Samet Yigitoglu knows the challenges ahead of him in the Big Ten
This past season, Indiana's lack of a true center doomed the Hoosiers during Big Ten play. By his own admission, DeVries was surprised by the size and physicality of Big Ten power forwards and centers. His roster didn't have the size, physicality, or athleticism to compete down low, but DeVries made sure not to make that same mistake again. Yigitoglu hasn't played a Big Ten game yet, but it's clear that he is ready to embrace the challenges that the league brings.
"The Big Ten is a big dudes league," said Yigitoglu during Indiana's media day on Tuesday. "This is a tough league. That's what I'm here for. I want that."
“The Big Ten is a big dudes league.”
— Colin McMahon (@ColinMcMahon31) September 30, 2026
Samet Yigitoglu hasn’t played a Big Ten game yet, but understands its reputation of being focused on center and frontcourt play. I asked him if that’s exiting as the tallest player in #iubb.
Said “That’s what I’m here for. I love that.” pic.twitter.com/ICxs7aODVp
Over the course of 29 games with SMU last season, Yigitoglu averaged 10.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 62.8% from the floor. His size and rebounding ability instantly provides a major boost to Indiana's frontcourt.
Indiana's 2026-27 ceiling relies heavily on Samet Yigitoglu
The Hoosiers struggled mightily on the glass last season, ranking 13th in the Big Ten with 32.4 total rebounds per game. They were even worse on the offensive glass, finishing dead last in the conference with a measly 8.2 offensive rebounds per game. Yigitoglu finished 6th in the ACC in rebounds per game last season (7.9), which included 3.6 offensive rebounds per contest. Going up against talented Big Ten centers all season long, it's imperative that Yigitoglu provides the Cream and Crimson with steady rebounding on both ends of the floor in 2026-27.
Indiana's Big Ten schedule sets up nicely for Darian DeVries to make big improvements
Yigitoglu also brings a shot-blocking element to Indiana that was nearly non-existent last season. The Hoosiers averaged just 2.7 blocks per game, which ranked 13th in the Big Ten. That isn't going to cut it.
Yigitoglu averaged 1.3 blocks per game last season at SMU, serving as a valuable rim-protector for the Mustangs. Even when he doesn't block shots, his massive frame and length is able to force opposing shooters to alter their shots in the paint. If he can make opposing shooters uncomfortable and improve on his shot-blocking numbers from last year, Indiana will be in much better shape down low.
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