The Shift in Indiana Men's Basketball: How DeVries is Paving the Way for a New Era
The Indiana men’s basketball team is on the brink of transformation under the leadership of Darian DeVries, leaving behind the old-school big-man style that characterized the Mike Woodson era. During Woodson’s tenure, the focus was overwhelmingly on dominating the paint, with two standout players, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kel’el Ware, successfully making their way to the NBA—Jackson-Davis to the Golden State Warriors in 2023 and Ware to the Miami Heat in 2024.
Yet, despite Ware’s impressive all-Big Ten season in 2023-24, Woodson made a curious choice to double down on the center position, bringing in Oumar Ballo from the University of Arizona through the transfer portal. Unfortunately, this decision did not lead to success, and Woodson ultimately resigned after a challenging season impacted by Ballo’s unpredictable performance.
Enter Darian DeVries: A New Vision for Indiana Basketball
With Woodson's departure, almost the entire roster found themselves entering the transfer portal, leaving DeVries with the substantial task of reconstructing the team anew. This has culminated in an Indiana squad that aligns closely with DeVries’ modern basketball philosophy.
In the upcoming 2024-25 season, the team is expected to elevate its emphasis on the three-point shot, with 33.2% of all attempted shots coming from beyond the arc. In stark contrast, during his single season coaching at West Virginia University, nearly half—46.1%—of the Mountaineers’ shot attempts were three-pointers.
DeVries prioritized integrating long-range shooting into the Hoosier's identity, aiming to diversify the offensive options available. "We want everyone to be a threat out there. Even our big guys can shoot; they've all got skills," DeVries explained at the Big Ten Basketball Media Days on October 9. This open approach to shooting provides every player with the freedom—or “green light”—to launch from three-point territory.
Trust Building: Confidence on the Court
This allowed approach creates a sense of trust and autonomy among the players. According to Tucker DeVries, this confidence fosters a positive self-image: "It gives players confidence to know they have the green light."
One notable player enjoying this freedom is senior Reed Bailey, who possesses a distinctive skill set as a 6-foot-10 forward—tying him for height with freshman center Andrej Acimovic. Despite his size, Bailey has been active in shooting throughout his three seasons at Davidson College, achieving a career-high three-point shooting percentage of 41.5% last season on an average of 1.2 attempts per game.
This commitment to a lineup featuring multiple three-point threats marks a significant departure for Indiana, unlocking new levels of creativity in their offensive strategies. Instead of a traditional post-centric approach, where three-point shots were rare, DeVries’ system allows for a serious long-range threat. With multiple shooters on the court, the Hoosiers can effectively stretch out opposing defenses, leading to slashing opportunities that force defenses to extend their coverage.
Balancing Long Shots with Interior Pressure
Though the three-point shot is a focal point of DeVries’ offense, he remains aware of the necessity for a balanced attack. "You can’t always rely on non-paint touch three-pointers. We must consistently apply pressure to the rim, whether through dribble penetration or effective cutting," DeVries emphasized.
A potential key player in this area is Acimovic, the only true center on the roster. He joined the Hoosiers following the NCAA’s dismissal of eligibility waivers for guards Anthony Leal and Luke Goode earlier in July. Acimovic made an impact during his short stint in the U19 Adriatic Basketball Association League, where he averaged an impressive 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, shooting an astonishing 72.2% from two-point range. With no obvious dominant interior presence in the lineup, Acimovic could provide the reliable support the Hoosiers need.
Additionally, the emerging partnership between senior forward Sam Alexis—fresh from an NCAA championship with the University of Florida—and Bailey could enhance Indiana’s presence in the paint. Their on-court synergy was evident during Indiana’s summer trip to Puerto Rico, where they had to adapt quickly due to player fouls, showcasing success that DeVries aims to build on. "They complement each other's skills in different ways. Reed excels at facing up and driving, while Sam is more adept at posting up," DeVries noted of the duo.
At the Cream and Crimson scrimmage, Alexis electrified the crowd by making four dunk shots, three of which were off lobs. Bailey, with his ability to handle the ball like a guard, paired with Alexis’s robust build, could create a formidable challenge for opposing defenses.
Height Advantage in Every Position
Despite the absence of a towering seven-footer, DeVries is confident about his team’s height across all positions. "Having taller, longer guards will be beneficial for us during rebounding situations. Achieving solid defensive rebounding will rely on a collective effort from the team, but I'm pleased with our height overall," he remarked.
With Wilkerson alongside junior guards Jasai Miles and Nick Dorn, the Hoosiers possess the physicality needed to dominate the boards against smaller teams, with the potential for a lineup where all players are 6-foot-6 or taller.
