Indiana basketball runs the state, and Hoosiers fans want to see them back in the NCAA Tournament.
It is no secret that Indiana basketball has had its fair share of tough seasons, its most recent being the 2024-2025 season, where the team just missed the NCAA Tournament (behind West Virginia)… although there are many speculations about the legitimacy of that decision…
Former IU head coach Mike Woodson was hired on March 28, 2021, to replace Archie Miller, making Woodson the 30th head coach in the program. Under his leadership, the Hoosiers went 82-53, 41-39 in conference play. Additionally, he led IU to the NCAA Tournament in both 2022 and 2023. Both times, however, the Hoosiers were unable to advance past the Round of 32.
As Woodson’s time as IU’s head coach concluded with the end of the 2024-2025 season, Indiana’s entire roster seemed to part ways with the university as well.
While IU faced considerable criticism and had many fans spiraling out of control, it is essential to remember that this complete roster turnover does not automatically mean that Indiana basketball will not be a threat this year.
Consider Kentucky, for example. Former UK head coach and current Arkansas head coach John Calipari left Kentucky last season, leaving the program in the hands of Mark Pope, a former head coach at BYU and Utah Valley. Kentucky not only had its star head coach leave, but also faced a complete roster turnover. Why is this relevant? Because the new group of transfers led the Wildcats to the 2025 NCAA Sweet 16. To address the concerns of many alarmed or uneasy fans, it’s not over for the Hoosiers; it has only just begun.
As of March 18, 2025, there is a new sheriff in Bloomington, and his name is IU head coach Darian DeVries. He has assembled an elite squad of players who appear to be very promising, each with a unique set of talents and assets. Continue reading to see what three things Indiana Basketball needs to do to make the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
New head coach: Darian DeVries
This new roster wouldn’t have been possible without DeVries. He came to Bloomington prepared for the position. With nearly 25 years of Division I coaching experience, DeVries has held the title of head coach at Drake and, most recently, at West Virginia.
Before DeVries’ strong leadership at Drake, he served in different capacities for 20 years at Creighton University. He was an assistant coach for the Bluejays for 17 years, nine under Dana Altman and eight under Greg McDermott. Throughout his tenure at Creighton, he participated in 19 postseason appearances, including 12 NCAA Tournaments.
During his seven years at Drake, he went 150-55. He also brought the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament three times. Under his leadership, the team also claimed three Missouri Valley Conference titles. In 2019 and 2021, DeVries was named MVC Coach of the Year. Along with this, he was a finalist for the Hugh Durham National Coach of the Year Award for the 2024-24 season. Even with injuries, DeVries took care of business. In his first season at Drake, he turned heads as he willed the Bulldogs to their first regular-season MVC title. It is worth noting that he did so despite losing a probable MVC Player of the Year candidate to a knee injury, which prematurely ended his season.
While DeVries was only at West Virginia for one season, he made sure to make his mark on the program. Their win record improved by 10 games from the prior year. He finished his time with the Mountaineers with an overall record of 19-13, including a 10-1 mark against Big XII competition. These wins included six Quad 1 wins. Just as IU did at the beginning of last season, WVU participated in the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament, where they defeated No. 3 Gonzaga and No. 24 Arizona. In this tournament, IU was unsuccessful against Gonzaga.
Very soon after the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season, DeVries parted ways with West Virginia in pursuit of the “championship-level success, tradition, and fan support,” he stated to the press. He made his intentions with the IU program very clear: “This is unquestionably one of the top jobs in America.” Recognizing its significance, he is aware of the work level and excited to work with his new roster to compete against big-time names.
The holes in 2024-25
It is no secret that Indiana basketball struggled last season, in some areas more than others. Indiana finished 19-13 overall, 9th in the Big Ten Conference (10-10). The Hoosiers never really managed to create solid momentum, as their longest win streak lasted only five games. They started 13-3 and 4-1 in Big Ten play; however, they only managed to secure wins in eight of their next ten games.
The lack of success from behind the arc, as well as from the stripe, cost the Hoosiers on multiple occasions. They shot only 32.4% from the 3-point line and 66% from the free-throw line. It is challenging to have faith in a team with only a few consistent and reliable shooters.
Last season, the Hoosiers were also thin in power positions. The lineup and formation were constantly changing, making it hard to play consistently.
The Hoosiers’ steps to success in 2025-26
While the 2025-26 Hoosiers are not at the top of everyone’s lists—and honestly, most lists—they are not a team to disregard. They have both the coaching and talent to be in the mix. With a guard-heavy team, the Hoosiers can and surely will use that to their advantage. The players that DeVries has brought in also possess specific talents that will surely lead the Hoosiers to success.
Essentially, Indiana basketball needs a turnaround from last year to become relevant in the college basketball landscape again, encourage a rowdy fan base to support them, and revive the spirit in Bloomington.
#1: Make the shots from downtown
Yes, last year’s squad often fell short in three-pointers and free throws; however, DeVries recruited with intent, bringing in key players like Lamar Wilkerson, Reed Bailey, and even his own son, Tucker DeVries. Wilkerson, the Sam Houston transfer, shot 44.5% from 3-point range during the 2024-25 season, ranking him 8th nationally in 3-point percentage. Bailey, an incoming senior from Davidson, shot 47.7% overall, 41.5% from outside the arc on 41 attempts. T. DeVries, coming from West Virginia with his dad, suffered from a season-ending shoulder injury after eight games; however, he shot 47.3% from three with an average of 6.9 attempts per game.
All three of these names will be players to watch this season, especially if they are looking for a shot from downtown.
#2: Find the Indiana Hoosiers’ identity
The legendary Indiana Basketball head coach Bobby Knight built a legacy, winning three national championships and having the only undefeated season in college basketball history with a perfect 32-0 record (1975-76). It has been a while since IU was brought back to that; however, last season, the overall energy was in question. Fans and viewers wondered if this Indiana team had the hustle and edge to compete as the competition got better.
Coach DeVries showed his enthusiasm on the night of October 2 during the Hoosier Hoops on Kirkwood event, where the Indiana community had the opportunity to get closer to the players through festivities and excitement. DeVries shared his thoughts about the team’s energy,
“We want to give as many chances as we can to have those interactions because I think we have a group that’s fun to be around. They’re a good group of guys, and we want people to be able to see them on a different level besides just on the basketball floor.”
This is what Indiana Basketball needs to create momentum among fans.
#3: Work through team health challenges
While this is a given for any team in any sport, it is especially essential for the Indiana Basketball team, as they need every bit of depth they can get.
During the exhibition game against Marian on Sep. 17th, four scholarship players — freshman guard Aleksa Ristic, junior guard Jason Drake, junior guard Nick Dorn, and sophomore forward Josh Harris were sidelined.
These players were out because of lower-body injuries they were recovering from. This is not a secret, however, and DeVries is well aware of the condition the team is in,
“It looks like we’re investors in boots right now,” said DeVries. Some of them are very short-term, some are a little longer-term. Our practice depth has been cut into immensely, it’s made some things challenging from a practice standpoint, a few of the guys are getting closer to being back.”
Although this could immediately be seen as a negative thing, it is important to focus on the positives, especially since the season hasn’t even started yet. It is essential to acknowledge that players who have been practicing have been receiving solid reps. This means they are very likely to be sufficiently prepared and ready to come out swinging when the whistle blows on Nov. 5th against Alabama A&M at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.