BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana head coach Darian DeVries and players Lamar Wilkerson and Tucker DeVries spoke Thursday at Big Ten Media Day, offering updates on the team and their preparation for the upcoming season. Here’s what you need to know:
DeVries emphasized that the team’s top priority is getting healthy. After last weekend’s Cream & Crimson Scrimmage — where Jasai went down with a cramp — the Hoosiers are down to just nine available players. DeVries said “at least two or three” players likely won’t be ready for the start of the season.
Due to the injuries, Indiana’s practices have shifted focus. DeVries said sessions have featured more drill work and 3-on-3 play, with intensity scaled back to avoid further setbacks.
The 3-point shot is expected to play a major role in Indiana’s offense. DeVries said it's a "huge emphasis" to push the pace and make threes. One player to watch in that department: Lamar Wilkerson. DeVries praised Wilkerson’s willingness to take difficult shots and make them, calling him a key threat from beyond the arc.
In the frontcourt, the Hoosiers will feature a versatile big-man duo in Same Reed and Sam Alexis. DeVries said the two bring different strengths that "complement each other well." After testing the pairing during the Puerto Rico tournament, he expects to play them together during the regular season.
Defensively, Indiana is focused on being strong as a unit. Tucker DeVries stressed that defense is “as important, if not more important, than offense.” While Tucker is keyed in on the defensive end, Wilkerson is excited about the freedom the offense provides.
“We get our shots up quickly, and there’s a lot of freedom in how we play,” Wilkerson said.
Indiana opens its exhibition slate Oct. 17 against Marion on B1G+. Wilkerson said the plan is to “play the way we’ve been practicing — the way Indiana basketball is meant to be played: share the ball, play hard, play with intensity and physicality.”
That intensity will be tested quickly. The Hoosiers’ second game of the season is against nationally ranked Marquette — a matchup Tucker DeVries said will challenge the team’s offseason work right away.
The media questions are done. Now, it’s time for the Hoosiers to perform on the court.