Indiana University’s basketball program is set to reshape its frontcourt for the 2026‑27 season, as head coach Darian DeVries finalizes a transfer class that includes a towering 7‑foot center.
A Towering Presence in the Paint
Samet Yigitoglu, a 7‑foot‑2‑inch big man who spent the previous season at Southern Methodist University, arrives in Bloomington with a reputation for dominating the boards. In his final year with the Mustangs he averaged 10.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, shooting an efficient 62.8% from the floor.
His size directly addresses a deficiency the Hoosiers experienced last season, when the lack of a true center limited their ability to compete in the rugged Big Ten conference. By adding a player who can anchor the defense and control the glass, Indiana hopes to improve both its interior scoring and second‑chance opportunities.
Experience That Comes With a Track Record
Yigitoglu’s collegiate career includes 66 starts, a testament to his durability and consistency. The transfer brings not only physical attributes but also a seasoned perspective that DeVries believes will accelerate the team’s development.
Beyond raw numbers, the center’s 3.6 offensive rebounds per game last season suggest he can generate additional possessions for the Hoosiers, a factor that could prove decisive in close contests.
Strategic Implications for the Hoosiers
Coach DeVries has emphasized a philosophy of recruiting seasoned talent who can contribute immediately. Yigitoglu’s arrival aligns with that strategy, offering a ready‑made solution to a problem that lingered throughout the previous campaign. The coaching staff expects the new big man to complement existing wing players and guards, creating a more balanced attack on both ends of the floor.
The move also signals Indiana’s intent to remain competitive in recruiting markets beyond traditional pipelines, leveraging relationships with programs like SMU and tapping into national transfer portals to fill critical gaps.