Indiana University’s men’s basketball program is gearing up for the 2026‑27 campaign, and head coach Darian DeVries has laid out a comprehensive plan that hinges on an unprecedented amount of practice time.
A Busy Summer Schedule
Practice will officially begin on June 1, when the Hoosiers will welcome at least eleven new faces, including returning sophomore forward Trent Sisley, guard Sam Alexis and forward Reed Bailey, and will also have one open scholarship slot reserved for the following season.
The international component of the plan takes the squad to Peru, where non‑U.S. players such as Samet Yigitoglu and Clemens Sokolov will be unable to compete in official matches but will still take part in workouts, film sessions and community outreach.
Twin‑Big Lineup Experiment
DeVries indicated that the coaching staff will test a twin‑big configuration, pairing Aiden Sherrell with Samet Yigitoglu because of their size and versatility, while also evaluating how Clemens Sokolov fits into the mix when he returns.
The regular season is slated for 32 games, comprising twelve non‑conference matchups and twenty Big Ten contests, a schedule that reflects the program’s ambition to face a broad spectrum of opponents.
Recruiting Outlook
Looking ahead to the 2027 recruiting class, the staff hopes to add between two and four freshmen, a target that will be pursued through both on‑campus visits and the connections forged during the Peru trip.
Final Thoughts
Coach DeVries emphasized that the combination of extended practice, strategic lineup experiments and a globally minded schedule is designed to accelerate player development and position the Hoosiers for a competitive edge in the coming years.