How DeVries' Roster Construction Can Revolutionize Indiana Men's Basketball
The Indiana men's basketball program has undergone a significant transformation under new head coach Darian DeVries, marking a departure from the post-heavy, big-man-centric approach of the past. The team's recent success in the transfer portal and strategic roster construction reflect DeVries' vision for a modern, dynamic style of play.
Under the leadership of former coach Mike Woodson, the program produced two NBA-bound big men, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kel'el Ware, in just four seasons. However, Woodson's departure left a void, with nearly every player entering the transfer portal. This presented DeVries with a unique challenge: rebuilding the team from scratch, infusing it with his own basketball philosophy.
DeVries' philosophy emphasizes a balanced attack, with a strong focus on three-point shooting. In his lone season at West Virginia University, 46.1% of the Mountaineers' shots were from beyond the arc, a stark contrast to Indiana's 2024-25 season, where three-pointers accounted for 33.2% of all attempts. DeVries aims to make the three-point shot a core element of Indiana's identity, ensuring that every player on the roster has the green light to shoot.
This player-friendly approach extends to the team's big men. Reed Bailey, a 6-foot-10 senior with a unique skill set, has a career-high 41.5% three-point percentage, showcasing the trust DeVries places in his players' ability to shoot from beyond the arc. This confidence in his players' shooting prowess is a key aspect of DeVries' offensive strategy.
The new-look Indiana team is set to be more creative and versatile offensively. With five shooting threats on the floor, the Hoosiers can spread the defense, creating opportunities to slash and drive to the basket. This shift from a post-heavy offense to a more balanced attack, with three-point shooting as a primary threat, is a significant departure from the past.
DeVries' roster construction also includes a focus on interior play. Andrej Acimovic, a true center, was a late addition to the squad, joining the team after the NCAA denied eligibility waivers for guards Anthony Leal and Luke Goode. Acimovic's ability to provide a steady and efficient presence in the paint is a valuable asset.
The team's emerging duo of senior forward Sam Alexis and Bailey also adds depth to the interior. Their complementary skills, with Alexis' ability to drive and post-up, and Bailey's versatility, make them a formidable force in the paint. Despite not having a seven-footer on the roster, DeVries believes in the positional height and versatility of his team, emphasizing the importance of group rebounding efforts.
With Tucker DeVries and Lamar Wilkerson, along with junior guards Jasai Miles and Nick Dorn, Indiana boasts a tall and talented lineup. The potential five-man lineup, all 6-foot-6 or taller, has the size to overwhelm smaller teams on the boards. DeVries' roster construction and strategic approach to player development are setting the stage for a promising future for Indiana men's basketball.
