The Darian DeVries era at Indiana began with a statement — one defined by an impressive 3-point shooting mark and a glimpse of the balance this roster might bring. Behind a dominant first half from Tucker DeVries and an efficient debut from freshman Trent Sisley, the Hoosiers cruised to a 107–46 exhibition win over Marian on Friday night at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
It wasn’t just the score that stood out, but how Indiana got there. The Hoosiers assisted on 27 of their 39 made field goals and shot 50% from 3-point range, finishing 15-for-30 from beyond the arc — a mark they surpassed only twice during the entire 2024–25 season.
“It’s the way we’ve been practicing,” Darian DeVries said postgame. “You just never know on game night if that unselfishness will carry over, but I thought the guys did a great job all night moving the ball and taking what the defense gave us.”
Tucker leads by example
Graduate guard Tucker DeVries looked every bit the coach’s son, and an on-court extension of Indiana’s new system. He scored at all three levels, finishing with 21 points on 7-for-11 shooting, including 5 of 7 from deep. But it was his leadership that made the biggest impression.
With a roster filled with new faces, DeVries has taken on the role of communicator and tone-setter — the one player who’s been with his father long enough to know the system inside and out.
“He’s always been a really good leader,” DeVries said of Tucker. “As he’s gotten older, he’s become more vocal. For this group, especially when everybody’s new, he’s the one who understands everything we’re running. His leadership has really grown.”
Homegrown talent shines
The exhibition also marked the emergence of freshman forward Trent Sisley, who delivered on months of preseason buzz. The in-state product from Heritage Hills looked poised and confident, shooting 8-for-9 from the field and finishing tied for a team-high 23 points.
Sisley’s chemistry with Tucker DeVries was evident, often finding open space off cuts and feeding off the veteran players’ ball movement. The freshman’s performance represented more than a hot shooting night — it reflected the importance of keeping Indiana talent home.
“He’s really fitting in well,” Darian DeVries said. “He’s a local kid, he wants to be here, and it’s important to him. You love seeing that. He’s in a role where he can just play, be relaxed, and do his thing.”
Sisley, a holdover from the tenure of Mike Woodson, stayed true to his commitment and looks poised for a breakout year, even if that may be off the bench.
Bench impact and balance
On that note, IU scored 50 points from its reserves. Indiana’s depth stood out, especially in the frontcourt. Sam Alexis, one of the Hoosiers’ few true interior presences, notched a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, providing the physicality DeVries emphasized during the offseason.
The Hoosiers’ balanced rotation Friday, having nine players with at least six points, displayed a commitment to team basketball rarely seen a year ago.
“Sam gives us that physicality,” DeVries said. “He brings that presence, that shot blocking. I like the way we can use both him and Reed — they give us a different kind of 1-2 punch.”
Reed Bailey, Indiana’s starting center, also scored 10 points. In light of higher-leverage competition, the Hoosiers may utilize a more physical five rounded out by both the 6-foot-10 Bailey and 6-foot-9 Alexis.
As it stands now, Alexis, Sisley and Jasai Miles are the three mainstays off the bench.
A look at what’s ahead
For a program searching for an identity, Friday’s win offered more than numbers. It showed a connected group embracing a system — good spacing, shared ball movement and a team that can shoot beyond the arc.
Indiana will be back in action on Oct. 26 for a Sunday exhibition matinee against Scott Drew and the Baylor Bears. The contest will begin at 1 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
