Vaughn Karvala is giving Indiana Basketball fans every reason to buy into the hype

If the Indiana Hoosiers are going to take a big step forward in Year 2 of the Darian DeVries era, the incoming group of freshmen will likely need to contribute throughout the season. DeVries figures to primarily lean on his well-rounded transfer portal class, but the promising group of rookies will likely get opportunities to thrive early on.

Indiana just added an intriguing in-state exhibition opponent with a historic twist

Throughout the course of the FISU America Games so far, IU's freshman group has been impressive. Vaughn Karvala has been a stand-out performer this week in Peru, and his most recent performance has him looking poised to make an immediate impact once the season starts up. Could be he Indiana's next freshman sensation?

Vaughn Karvala drops 32 points against U.S. Virgin Islands

It's fair to say that Karvala went nuclear on Thursday against the U.S. Virgin Islands. With the Hoosiers representing Team USA, the 6'7" 170-pound freshman forward led all scorers with 32 points in Indiana's convincing 120-63 victory. His sensational outing featured a little bit of everything, as his versatile skill set was on full display.

Karvala can score in a wide variety of ways, and his elite athleticism is turning heads. He made several highlight-reel worthy plays at the rim, including a coast-to-coast dunk at the end of the 1st quarter. Hoosier fans may have this highlight rolling on repeat right now:

Along with putting together a great highlight tape above the rim, Karvala also scored off the dribble with ease and shot lights-out from beyond the arc. He knocked down seven three-pointers in the game, which you know DeVries loved to see. DeVries' offensive system relies heavily on outside shooting, and if Karvala keeps shooting like that, he is sure to see the floor early and often this fall.

There July contests in the FISU America Games aren't fully indicative of the competition the Hoosiers will face this fall, so it remains to be seen how Karvala will be utilized by DeVries. But with that being said, Karvala's first taste of college basketball has been extremely impressive.

Vaughn Karvala is giving Indiana fans a lot to be excited about

Indiana fans are going to love what Karvala brings to the table. He came to Bloomington ranked as the No. 23 power forward and No. 62 overall player in the country according to the247Sports Composite Rankings.

As previously mentioned, Karvala's full skill set has already been on display this summer and he is quickly making a strong first impression. His athleticism jumps out immediately, and his motor and energy make him a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor.

As with any incoming freshman, he'll need to get a bit stronger to be better suited for battling down low with the size and power featured all throughout Big Ten frontcourts. But there's no denying that the potential is there to shine right away.

Karvala's prep career began at Oregon High School in Wisconsin and concluded at Bella Vista Prep in Arizona. He broke Oregon High School's all-time scoring record in just three seasons and then helped lead Bella Vista Prep to multiple championships this past spring. Those included titles at the Nike EYBL Scholastic Conference Championship as well as the Chipotle Nationals at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, IN.

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