A New Era for Indiana Basketball
At a packed gathering in Carmel, Indiana, second‑year Indiana coach Darian DeVries took the podium to celebrate the program’s recent achievements and to lay out the roadmap for the upcoming 2026‑27 season.
He emphasized that the new roster blends scoring versatility with seasoned experience, featuring a mix of freshmen, sophomores and juniors that should give the Hoosiers multiple offensive options.
DeVries highlighted the value of the team’s upcoming trip to Peru in late July, noting that the extra days will allow for additional film study and individualized workouts, building on the benefits seen from previous international excursions.
The coach also expressed enthusiasm about the expanded NCAA tournament format, saying the extra slots provide a genuine chance for Indiana to translate its regular‑season success into deeper postseason runs.
Preparing for a season without his son, Tucker DeVries, will be a new challenge, but DeVries said the experience has sharpened his focus on developing the next generation of leaders within the program.
Key returnees such as Markus Burton bring a rare combination of scoring ability and court vision, especially in pick‑and‑roll situations, giving the team a dynamic weapon for next year’s attack.
Freshmen Aiden Sherrell and Samet Yigitoglu are expected to share significant minutes, adding depth at positions that were a priority in the recent portal acquisitions.
The non‑conference schedule has been stacked with challenging opponents, a deliberate move to test the squad early and ensure they are battle‑ready when conference play begins.
Beyond the court, DeVries noted a personal connection to Indiana, saying he has learned that the state offers a unique environment where sustained success is possible.
The event also featured a brief nod to the Indy 500, where coach Cignetti was seen driving the pace car, underscoring the intertwined sports culture of the region.