Everything Darian DeVries Shared With the Media at Huber’s
Indiana men’s basketball coach Darian DeVries spoke with the media for the second time since his appointment as head coach in March during the Hoosier Connect fundraising event at Huber’s Orchard, Winery, and Vineyard. The event, a post-Memorial Day tradition, also featured Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti. Prior to addressing a large crowd of boosters and fans, DeVries met with the media to discuss various topics. Here’s a breakdown of everything he shared.
On the New Roster:
DeVries: “I’ll have more details next week. The team arrives this weekend, and we begin workouts on Monday. I’m happy with how the roster has come together, especially with our depth in shooting—something we really prioritize. We’ve got good size at most positions. While the center spots are a bit smaller, the rest of the team looks solid. I think the pieces fit well together, and I’m eager to see how things develop once everyone’s here.”
On Tucker DeVries’ Health:
DeVries: “Tucker is progressing well. We’re waiting for final clearance for full contact, but he’s already cleared for shooting drills and modified lifting. We expect him to be fully cleared within the next week, right after we start working out.”
On Weekly Routines and Team Acclimation:
DeVries: “The Puerto Rico trip is a great opportunity because we get 10 extra practices. We’ll take advantage of that by adding more film study and installation of plays—stuff that needs time. We’ll also have some game time, but more importantly, it gives us a chance to bond as a team, build chemistry, and develop both on and off the court. That’ll be key for us early on.”
On Roster Openings and Recruitment:
DeVries: “We still have a couple of spots open and are actively recruiting to fill them with the right fit. We can go in different directions with those spots, so we’ll see how it plays out.”
On Building Indiana’s Roster vs. Drake and West Virginia:
DeVries: “I’ve been in this situation before, particularly my first year at Drake when we had to assemble a new team. The advantage here is that everyone we’re recruiting is fully bought into the vision because they’re new. The downside is that we’re starting fresh with all new players, so there’s no prior chemistry. We’ll figure things out as we go along, both players and coaches. It’s a fun process and I’m excited to see how it evolves from June to March.”
On Nonconference Scheduling and Big Games:
DeVries: “We have some great matchups this season, like against Kentucky, Marquette, and Louisville. These are exciting games for us and for the fans. The Puerto Rico games will be valuable too, giving us a chance to experiment and grow as a team before the Big Ten season.”
On Connecting with Indiana Fans:
DeVries: “This event is great for us. It’s an opportunity to meet fans and donors on a personal level, something we don’t often get to do during the busy recruiting process. It’s been nice to get out and interact with everyone and show our excitement to be part of the Indiana community.”
On Luke Goode and Anthony Leal’s Waiver Status:
DeVries: “Their waivers are still being processed. There’s a backlog due to the high number of waiver requests, so we don’t have clarity on when the decisions will be made. We’re hoping for an answer soon, but it’s out of our hands.”
On Challenges of Roster Construction on Short Notice:
DeVries: “The biggest challenge was making sure that we’re bringing in players who fit our long-term vision, not just for this year. We wanted players who complement each other on and off the court. At the same time, we were also building the staff, which was a balancing act. We made sure to take our time and do it the right way, even if that meant it took longer.”
On Potential Plan B if Goode and Leal Don’t Get Waivers:
DeVries: “That’s why we’ve kept a couple of scholarships open. We’re waiting to see how the waiver process plays out before making any final decisions. Hopefully, we’ll know more soon.”
On What DeVries Looks for in High School Recruits:
DeVries: “We’re looking for players who are about the right things—team-oriented, high basketball IQ, and a skill set that fits our system. The feedback on our current recruits has been positive, and we’re excited about the direction we’re headed.”
On Recruiting Players with a Winning Pedigree:
DeVries: “It’s a bonus if a player has a history of winning, but it’s not a deal-breaker. We’ve taken players from teams that weren’t as successful, and sometimes it’s not their fault. But, having players who know how to win is always a positive. That mindset is contagious.”
On NIL and Roster Construction:
DeVries: “NIL has changed the way we put rosters together. Thankfully, we have strong support and great donors who help us navigate that. It can get tricky with the portal, but we’re adapting and making the most of the situation.”
On Learning the Character of Recruits:
DeVries: “It’s all about doing your homework—talking to people, using your contacts, and getting as much info as possible on each recruit. It’s a process that can take weeks, but it’s worth it to make sure we’re bringing in the right people for the program.”
On the Most Enjoyable Part of the Job So Far:
DeVries: “It’s been amazing to see the staff and team come together. We’re getting closer to being able to get on the practice floor, and I’m looking forward to that. We’ve been so focused on recruiting and meeting with people, but now we’re ready to get to work on basketball.”
On Potential Additions to the Staff:
DeVries: “There’s a possibility of adding one more staff member. We’re still evaluating and figuring out the best fit for our team.”
On the Balance Between Shooters and Bigs, and Rim Protection:
DeVries: “I feel good about our balance overall. We might not have traditional rim protection, but there are other ways to defend the rim. Size doesn’t always determine effectiveness on defense or offense. We’ve got guys who are capable and ready to step up, and I’m confident we’ll make it work.”
On the Five Spot and Player Fit:
DeVries: “I’m really happy with our five spot. We have guys who fit our offensive style and are versatile enough to handle the ball and make plays. We’ll be a bit undersized defensively at times, but there are many ways to compensate for that. It’s about having the right mindset and the guys we have will bring that.”
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