Indiana University’s men’s basketball team is shaping up for a promising 2026‑27 campaign, with a lineup that blends returning talent and fresh additions.
At the helm of the backcourt, senior guard Markus Burton is slated to start at point guard. Despite a challenging stint in Peru, Burton’s combination of scoring, playmaking and defensive intensity has earned him the trust of head coach Darian DeVries.
Flanking Burton on the wing, sharpshooter Bryce Lindsay is projected to start at shooting guard, bringing a reputation for knockdown shooting and secondary playmaking. On the opposite wing, Darren Harris will start at small forward, using his three‑point threat to stretch defenses and open driving lanes.
In the frontcourt, Aiden Sherrell, a highly touted portal transfer, will man the power forward spot, offering a two‑way presence that can both score and defend in the Big Ten. Adding size and physicality, 7‑foot‑2 center Samet Yigitoglu joins the roster to anchor the paint.
Sam Alexis, who saw action at center last season, will transition to a sixth‑man role, providing versatility across the frontcourt. His return follows a recent preliminary injunction in Colorado that cleared his eligibility for the 2026‑27 class.
Coach DeVries has indicated a willingness to employ positionless lineups, adapting formations to exploit matchup advantages. This flexibility could allow the Hoosiers to shift seamlessly between small‑ball and traditional frontcourt sets.
Strategic Flexibility
The coaching staff believes the blend of perimeter shooting, playmaking and interior presence creates matchup nightmares for opponents. By rotating players like Burton, Lindsay, Harris and Sherrell in and out, they aim to maintain high tempo while preserving defensive integrity.
Depth options include sophomore forward Trent Sisley, who can slide into the small‑forward spot, and veteran contributors such as Jaeden Mustaf, Prince‑Alexander Moody and Christoph Tilly, who may see increased minutes as the schedule unfolds.