How Darian DeVries Is Rebuilding the Hoosiers From the Glass Up

When Darian DeVries took over as head coach of Indiana basketball, he knew adapting to the physical demands of Big Ten play required a deliberate shift in philosophy. Across his eight seasons as a head coach, DeVries rarely directed his teams to heavy crash schemes on the offensive boards, opting instead to secure balance and retreat quickly in transition defense.

That approach has officially changed. Through Indiana's early exhibition slate, including a notable performance against North Carolina, the Hoosiers have unveiled a distinctly physical, aggressive identity on both the offensive and defensive glass.

Reflecting on the roster construction process, DeVries made it clear that prioritizing rebounding percentage was a calculated move.

"It was certainly something very intentional for us just from a roster construction standpoint and then also a point of emphasis that we wanted to prioritize," DeVries said. "We felt, watching last year and previous years, even the NBA now has changed back to becoming more of a priority. Last year, not getting those second and third opportunities makes it really stressful for your offense on your first shot to be really efficient."

The initial results validate the philosophy. Despite shooting roughly 36 percent from the field against North Carolina, Indiana snared 20 offensive rebounds, allowing the squad to maintain an efficient output of over a point per possession. The team generated a 44 percent offensive rebounding rate in that contest, putting them in elite company nationally.

The deliberate shift on the offensive end requires trade-offs, particularly in limiting transition opportunities for opponents. However, DeVries believes the defensive discipline of his group allows them to execute both jobs cleanly.

"If you're going to be an offensive rebounding team and a defensive rebounding team, it's not just physicality, there has to be a discipline to it as well," DeVries explained. "You have to go, as simple as that sounds."

Beyond the statistical impact, the shift on the glass has instilled a tough, relentless tone throughout the roster. The physical edge provided by transfer guard Jaeden Mustaf and frontcourt defensive versatility has allowed the Hoosiers to dictate tone early.

As Indiana prepares for its final in-state exhibition matchup in Evansville before launching the regular season on November 2nd, DeVries remains focused on refining the margins. Rebounding, low turnover rates, and controlled foul management remain the primary metrics for success.

"We want to make sure that rebounding is always there," DeVries noted. "The effort, the physicality, the rebounding, that all ties together. We're getting better there every single day."

If the early exhibition sample size is any indication, DeVries' vision for a disciplined, dominant rebounding program is already taking firm root in Bloomington.