2025-2026 IU Roster

[steubenhoosier 1,947]

1 hour ago, WayneFleekHoosier said:

 

Is our roster this year better than West Virginia’s last year? Did West Virginia have a season Indiana fans would be happy with.

I know I’m over the top on this, and that’s fine. I’m gonna root like heck for DeVries and the program. I actually like DeVries. Just had higher hopes for the roster.

I look at Michigans roster. Purdues roster. Kentucky, UConn, Etc, etc with envy.

I also could be fine with an unheralded roster, but then I question the fit of the coach.

We like to say we’ve got top 10 NIL etc, then build a team like it. DeVries wanted Indiana over WV because of resources. That’s clear. It’s just a confusing off-season.

It seems like “maybe” our brand is bad enough we have to grossly overspend to get the guys the other programs can get fir less. Maybe.


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Purdue and UConn have coaches who have been there long enough to establish a culture and a history of going deep in the tournament. Michigan and UK at least have coaches in their second year.

When are you going to accept the fact that IU is starting anew with CDD and that the comparisons are not realistic this season?

[Hoosier987 2,872]

24 minutes ago, steubenhoosier said:

Purdue and UConn have coaches who have been there long enough to establish a culture and a history of going deep in the tournament. Michigan and UK at least have coaches in their second year.

When are you going to accept the fact that IU is starting anew with CDD and that the comparisons are not realistic this season?

Michigan and UK started anew last year and were both very successful. In the new world of NIL, it’s very easy to jumpstart a program in year 1….especially with a robust NIL, like we do. Different sport, point stands - see IUFB. We can admit the roster as it stands is underwhelming but also root like hell that we win and come out on top. I’m still cautiously optimistic we have a good year….but it will mean we need to stay healthy and our team adjusts to high level basketball….but I also have faith in DeVries. It would be a big disappointment if we did lousy…I don’t think that happens with a CDD team.

[Hoosier987 2,872]

1 hour ago, WayneFleekHoosier said:

 

Is our roster this year better than West Virginia’s last year? Did West Virginia have a season Indiana fans would be happy with.

I know I’m over the top on this, and that’s fine. I’m gonna root like heck for DeVries and the program. I actually like DeVries. Just had higher hopes for the roster.

I look at Michigans roster. Purdues roster. Kentucky, UConn, Etc, etc with envy.

I also could be fine with an unheralded roster, but then I question the fit of the coach.

We like to say we’ve got top 10 NIL etc, then build a team like it. DeVries wanted Indiana over WV because of resources. That’s clear. It’s just a confusing off-season.

It seems like “maybe” our brand is bad enough we have to grossly overspend to get the guys the other programs can get fir less. Maybe.


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Thats TBD. But WVU was pretty underwhelming and Devries did a good job all things considered 

[Golfman25 6,849]

Run for your lives.  The sky is falling.  Kids haven't played one game and we already suck.  :)  

[Home Jersey 16,794]

2 hours ago, WayneFleekHoosier said:

 

Is our roster this year better than West Virginia’s last year? Did West Virginia have a season Indiana fans would be happy with.

I know I’m over the top on this, and that’s fine. I’m gonna root like heck for DeVries and the program. I actually like DeVries. Just had higher hopes for the roster.

I look at Michigans roster. Purdues roster. Kentucky, UConn, Etc, etc with envy.

I also could be fine with an unheralded roster, but then I question the fit of the coach.

We like to say we’ve got top 10 NIL etc, then build a team like it. DeVries wanted Indiana over WV because of resources. That’s clear. It’s just a confusing off-season.

It seems like “maybe” our brand is bad enough we have to grossly overspend to get the guys the other programs can get fir less. Maybe.


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NIL aside, I don't get what you mean by the bold exactly.

Are you saying the brand of IUBB is / requires star power on the roster?

I don't want to put words in your mouth but not sure how else to interpret it. 

Maybe we have top 10 NIL or maybe just "very good" in this landscape, but not much interested in preseason or star rankings.

If we have a coach and roster that play a smart, modern and competitive brand of basketball, I'll think it's a great fit. 

IUBB needs a new identity like IUFB did. I think DDV is a great guy to build that culture.

Maybe their Y1s will be different. But like IUFB, win and the fanbase will be back stronger than ever. 

Unfortunate Goode will not be on the team next year. 100% clean slate. Hope we land a decent big guy with the last spot. 

21 days til we get our first look in PR. 

[Old Friend 8,710]

3 hours ago, WayneFleekHoosier said:

 

Is our roster this year better than West Virginia’s last year? Did West Virginia have a season Indiana fans would be happy with.

I know I’m over the top on this, and that’s fine. I’m gonna root like heck for DeVries and the program. I actually like DeVries. Just had higher hopes for the roster.

I look at Michigans roster. Purdues roster. Kentucky, UConn, Etc, etc with envy.

I also could be fine with an unheralded roster, but then I question the fit of the coach.

We like to say we’ve got top 10 NIL etc, then build a team like it. DeVries wanted Indiana over WV because of resources. That’s clear. It’s just a confusing off-season.

It seems like “maybe” our brand is bad enough we have to grossly overspend to get the guys the other programs can get fir less. Maybe.


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We have everything a team truly needs to be successful.  We have experience.  We have ball handlers.  We have willing defenders.  We have speed.  We have shooters.   We don't yet know about culture, leadership, and we know we're not big,  I'll take my chances with experienced kids who know how to play and who are tough.  I believe we have THAT, too.

What is an "unheralded roster?"  That makes no sense to me.   We have had plenty of "heralded" players and that hasn't worked out very well.  DeVries has been our coach for...what, 4 months?   And "the fit" is already being discussed?  

The brand of IU basketball is top 3 in the country.  What are you talking about?  In terms of revenue it is behind only Kentucky and Louisville.  Indiana is a sleeping giant and I have gone over time and again how the University intentionally made it dormant and is responsible for self-inflicted wounds.    Culture is not built or re-built in 4 months and referring to our brand as "bad," with all due respect is grossly out of touch.

We do not need and I am not interested in building a "heralded" roster because we spent the most money on players who are HERE for the money, don't care about Indiana, and have no idea how to play the game or play together.  You HAVE been watching for the last several years, right??  You want MORE of that bullsh*t??  We finally have a coach doing things right.....pragmatically and with a plan, and you're envious of others??   This makes no sense to me.  What higher hopes did you have?  You want Mbako back?  Reneau?  Ballo?  Guys who come for "their bag?"  You're envious of Purdue's roster?  That's a 20+ year culture and a coach who recruits SPECIFICLALLY to be "unheralded" for the most part.   You think our football roster a year ago was "heralded?"  No.  But the pieces fit and everybody pulled in the same direction.  There were no individuals. That's how you build a winner and that's what's happening.

DeVries is recruiting to HIS "fit"  Not to win an off season popularity contest.  I LOVE what he's doing and it's about damned time.  I promise..our brand is and will be just fine.

[WayneFleekHoosier 51,818]

NIL aside, I don't get what you mean by the bold exactly.
Are you saying the brand of IUBB is / requires star power on the roster?
I don't want to put words in your mouth but not sure how else to interpret it. 
Maybe we have top 10 NIL or maybe just "very good" in this landscape, but not much interested in preseason or star rankings.
If we have a coach and roster that play a smart, modern and competitive brand of basketball, I'll think it's a great fit. 
IUBB needs a new identity like IUFB did. I think DDV is a great guy to build that culture.
Maybe their Y1s will be different. But like IUFB, win and the fanbase will be back stronger than ever. 
Unfortunate Goode will not be on the team next year. 100% clean slate. Hope we land a decent big guy with the last spot. 
21 days til we get our first look in PR. 

My point is Indiana has a top 10 Nil status. DeVries is here in large part because of that advantage. If DeVries prefers to build a roster with less expensive guys he could have stayed at West Virginia and done that. The notion that getting a “heralded”, expensive roster is some losing strategy because of 1 season where Woodson picked the wrong guards and deployed a terrible system is not rooted in fact.

If we want to embrace our NIL advantage we get a coach that wants to confidently tread those waters with the right top talent.

If DeVries can win with less, more power to him and our boosters will be overjoyed to save some bucks.




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[WayneFleekHoosier 51,818]

We have everything a team truly needs to be successful.  We have experience.  We have ball handlers.  We have willing defenders.  We have speed.  We have shooters.   We don't yet know about culture, leadership, and we know we're not big,  I'll take my chances with experienced kids who know how to play and who are tough.  I believe we have THAT, too.

What is an "unheralded roster?"  That makes no sense to me.   We have had plenty of "heralded" players and that hasn't worked out very well.  DeVries has been our coach for...what, 4 months?   And "the fit" is already being discussed?  

The brand of IU basketball is top 3 in the country.  What are you talking about?  In terms of revenue it is behind only Kentucky and Louisville.  Indiana is a sleeping giant and I have gone over time and again how the University intentionally made it dormant and is responsible for self-inflicted wounds.    Culture is not built or re-built in 4 months and referring to our brand as "bad," with all due respect is grossly out of touch.

We do not need and I am not interested in building a "heralded" roster because we spent the most money on players who are HERE for the money, don't care about Indiana, and have no idea how to play the game or play together.  You HAVE been watching for the last several years, right??  You want MORE of that bullsh*t??  We finally have a coach doing things right.....pragmatically and with a plan, and you're envious of others??   This makes no sense to me.  What higher hopes did you have?  You want Mbako back?  Reneau?  Ballo?  Guys who come for "their bag?"  You're envious of Purdue's roster?  That's a 20+ year culture and a coach who recruits SPECIFICLALLY to be "unheralded" for the most part.   You think our football roster a year ago was "heralded?"  No.  But the pieces fit and everybody pulled in the same direction.  There were no individuals. That's how you build a winner and that's what's happening.

DeVries is recruiting to HIS "fit"  Not to win an off season popularity contest.  I LOVE what he's doing and it's about damned time.  I promise..our brand is and will be just fine.

Easy to spout all this. Let’s revisit this at the end of the season. There are a lot of really, really talented teams in the country this season. Some teams spent in abundance. Some spent wisely. The overseas market was tapped more than ever. The talent level in college hoops is at a different level with guys like Yaxel Landeborg who was sure-fire gone years ago back in college getting paid.

 

I’m thrilled we moved on from Woodson in every way. I don’t want his rosters. But I want more talent. Better talent. Proven talent.

 

 

 

 

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[Home Jersey 16,794]

6 hours ago, WayneFleekHoosier said:

 

My point is Indiana has a top 10 Nil status. DeVries is here in large part because of that advantage. If DeVries prefers to build a roster with less expensive guys he could have stayed at West Virginia and done that. The notion that getting a “heralded”, expensive roster is some losing strategy because of 1 season where Woodson picked the wrong guards and deployed a terrible system is not rooted in fact.

If we want to embrace our NIL advantage we get a coach that wants to confidently tread those waters with the right top talent.

If DeVries can win with less, more power to him and our boosters will be overjoyed to save some bucks.




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I've not seen anyone make the claim in bold. We also don't know for a fact that our NIL is top 10, just more than WVU's. If we have a good season with this roster, would you still question the fit of the coach because he's not bringing in players at the caliber befitting of IUBB? We all agree he came here for the resources to win. You and a handful of others feel strongly they should've been used differently... we will just have to wait and see at this point. If they were used well, if we need more $$ to truly be top 10, etc. will be interesting to see where things stand in a year from now, after a HS recruiting cycle and the season wrap. 

[AH1971 3,436]

15 hours ago, WayneFleekHoosier said:

I look at Michigans roster. Purdues roster. Kentucky, UConn, Etc, etc with envy.

I don't think Michigan and Louisville's rosters last year looked all that different from IU's this coming year. Worked out well for both of those programs. 23-24 year old mid-major all-stars won Florida a national title last year.

[AH1971 3,436]

I believe next years roster has two all-conference caliber players in Devries and Wilkerson. I believe that Bailey can be elite on the offensive end the same way I believe Conerway and Alexis can be elite on the defensive end. If guys like Enright, Miles, and Harris can become competent B10-level role players, this team should be in good shape. 

I do share the same concerns as otherwise with our depth in the front court and lack of rim protection, but offensively we should be a nightmare for many teams. It's a two-way street.

[WayneFleekHoosier 51,818]

40 minutes ago, AH1971 said:

I believe next years roster has two all-conference caliber players in Devries and Wilkerson. I believe that Bailey can be elite on the offensive end the same way I believe Conerway and Alexis can be elite on the defensive end. If guys like Enright, Miles, and Harris can become competent B10-level role players, this team should be in good shape. 

I do share the same concerns as otherwise with our depth in the front court and lack of rim protection, but offensively we should be a nightmare for many teams. It's a two-way street.

I’m with you on this.  I lay on the more worried side of this breakdown, but these are the facts.  Which to me says our Torvik ranking (and other such rankings) feels proper.  
 

It’s a building block season.  Let’s hope we get some positive momentum rolling. 

[hoosierbgh 1,295]

Rim protection, at least in the form of tall guys blocking shots, often looks far better to us fans than it provides actual value to the team. Best case scenario is that the team grossly overpays for a skilled big that is talented at blocking shots. Worst case scenario is that a team grossly overpays for big that is constantly out of position, giving up rebounds and easy buckets while chasing after blocked shots. 

IF, this team can play good perimeter defense, at least marginally competent post defense, and rebound, then they will be fine. The rebounding worries me the most. 

[sirhoosierlot 3,956]

15 minutes ago, hoosierbgh said:

Rim protection, at least in the form of tall guys blocking shots, often looks far better to us fans than it provides actual value to the team. Best case scenario is that the team grossly overpays for a skilled big that is talented at blocking shots. Worst case scenario is that a team grossly overpays for big that is constantly out of position, giving up rebounds and easy buckets while chasing after blocked shots. 

IF, this team can play good perimeter defense, at least marginally competent post defense, and rebound, then they will be fine. The rebounding worries me the most. 

As long as there's an effort to get boards I think they'll be fine and I don't think there's going to be an issue of lack of effort with this group. Probably won't get a ton of offensive rebounds though. 

[Hoosierinbham 224]

8 hours ago, hoosierbgh said:

Rim protection, at least in the form of tall guys blocking shots, often looks far better to us fans than it provides actual value to the team. Best case scenario is that the team grossly overpays for a skilled big that is talented at blocking shots. Worst case scenario is that a team grossly overpays for big that is constantly out of position, giving up rebounds and easy buckets while chasing after blocked shots. 

IF, this team can play good perimeter defense, at least marginally competent post defense, and rebound, then they will be fine. The rebounding worries me the most. 

Sam Alexis is a strong rebounder and has some solid shot blocking numbers, albeit in brief action at Florida, and against lesser competition at Chattanooga. It will be interesting to see how much CDD uses him.

[str8baller 7,802]

18 hours ago, hoosierbgh said:

Rim protection, at least in the form of tall guys blocking shots, often looks far better to us fans than it provides actual value to the team. Best case scenario is that the team grossly overpays for a skilled big that is talented at blocking shots. Worst case scenario is that a team grossly overpays for big that is constantly out of position, giving up rebounds and easy buckets while chasing after blocked shots. 

IF, this team can play good perimeter defense, at least marginally competent post defense, and rebound, then they will be fine. The rebounding worries me the most. 

Some people internalized the Woody era more than they realized. Woodys main thing was blocking shots at the rim at all costs. For as bad as people wanted him gone, it’s funny to hear people fret about the same things he would have.  
 

Of course your analysis is correct. We can find tons of examples (our rivals to the north last year being a prime one). But it’ll take time for people to finally free themselves of the old ways. 

[OGIUAndy 1,174]

On 7/17/2025 at 6:13 AM, str8baller said:

Some people internalized the Woody era more than they realized. Woodys main thing was blocking shots at the rim at all costs. For as bad as people wanted him gone, it’s funny to hear people fret about the same things he would have.  
 

Of course your analysis is correct. We can find tons of examples (our rivals to the north last year being a prime one). But it’ll take time for people to finally free themselves of the old ways. 

They only internalize Woody, forgetting the Archie era which in my mind was way worse. IPFW. ISU. Very long losing streak. I believe 0-7 against PU. Anyone who doesn't think he was worse, has some sort of recency bias. I don't care if Woody's team's underachieved, the Archie era was worse. 

[RaceToTheTop 31,595]

6 hours ago, OGIUAndy said:

They only internalize Woody, forgetting the Archie era which in my mind was way worse. IPFW. ISU. Very long losing streak. I believe 0-7 against PU. Anyone who doesn't think he was worse, has some sort of recency bias. I don't care if Woody's team's underachieved, the Archie era was worse. 

Difference was Woodson had NIL.

[HoosierHoopster 8,873]

10 hours ago, RaceToTheTop said:

Difference was Woodson had NIL.

And as should be obvious, spent it poorly.

The focus of some of these posts on money is just off.

[str8baller 7,802]

18 hours ago, RaceToTheTop said:

Difference was Woodson had NIL.

He did. But his two most successful seasons were rehabilitating the Archie crew. 
 

Archie is a bum.