Practice Preview: IU’s Summer Workout
Indiana University’s men’s basketball squad took to the court on June 18 for a closed‑door practice that offered a first look at the talent pool heading to the FISU America Games in Peru later this summer.
Coach Dan McKinney emphasized that the session was as much about chemistry as it was about polishing individual skills, noting that the team is still finalizing its rotation ahead of the international tournament.
Among the standouts, point guard Markus Burton impressed with his quick decision‑making and a reliable mid‑range game that kept the defense honest.
Freshman forward Prince‑Alexander Moody, the first commitment of the 2026 recruiting class, showed confidence from beyond the arc, while Jaeden Mustaf, a former Georgia Tech wing, repeatedly probed the paint with his dribble.
Veteran shooters Darren Harris and Trevor Manhertz displayed efficient release mechanics, with Harris, a top‑40 high school recruit, hitting a high percentage of his catch‑and‑shoot attempts, and Manhertz working on a smoother left‑handed perimeter shot.
The big men also drew attention: Samet Yigitoglu’s size and mobility allowed him to stretch the floor and knock down three‑point looks, while Aiden Sherrell combined shot‑blocking with the ability to pull the ball out to the perimeter. Freshman Vaughn Karvala rounded out the session by converting a respectable share of his perimeter attempts.
Road to the FISU Games
The coaching staff hinted that more announcements regarding the final roster and travel logistics will follow in the coming weeks, but the early impressions suggest a balanced mix of experience and youthful energy.
With the FISU America Games scheduled for August, the Hoosiers will face off against regional powerhouses, and the early chemistry forged in Indiana could prove decisive on the international stage.