A Glimpse Into the Hoosiers' Open Practice
The Hoosiers gathered at Cook Hall for a 90‑minute open practice that drew a modest crowd of fans and media. The session was designed to give Coach Darian DeVries a chance to evaluate his newly assembled roster before the team departs for a summer tour of Peru.
At the heart of the workout was point guard Markus Burton, who spent the majority of drills under the coach’s direct supervision. DeVries emphasized Burton’s role as a playmaker, noting his ability to read defenses and deliver crisp passes while also showing a reliable mid‑range shot.
Burton, still adapting to DeVries’ system, repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to create opportunities for teammates. His court vision was evident when he threaded a series of no‑look assists during half‑court scrimmages, underscoring the trust the coaching staff places in his facilitation skills.
Forward Aiden Sherrell added another layer of versatility to the mix. The sophomore impressed with his confidence on the attack, knocking down several three‑point attempts and then immediately switching to a lockdown defensive stance. His all‑court presence suggested a player comfortable in multiple roles.
The most eye‑catching newcomer was center Samet Yigitoglu, a 7‑foot‑2 Turkish big man who previously started for Southern Methodist University. Yigitoglu displayed a surprising combination of shot‑blocking instincts and passing accuracy, often initiating the offense from the low post. His experience in high‑pressure games at SMU appears to be translating quickly to the Hoosiers’ tempo.
While the talent on display is encouraging, the coaching staff acknowledges that true chemistry will take time. The upcoming trip to Peru will serve as a crucial test, allowing the team to gel under competitive conditions before the regular season begins.