Indiana University’s men’s basketball program missed the NCAA Tournament in 2024-25, marking their seventh absence in nine years. With new head coach Darian DeVries at the helm, the Hoosiers have undergone a roster haul via the transfer portal, securing 10 commits to complement freshman Trent Sisley.
With a new roster, the question is, will these new faces be enough for Indiana to make a deep run in the 2025-2025 March Madness?
Will the New Transfers Be Enough for the Indiana Men’s Basketball Team in 2025-26 Season?
Following Mike Woodson’s departure, the newly hired Darian DeVries faced the exhausting task of rebuilding a roster after seven scholarship players, Gabe Cupps, Malik Reneau, Mackenzie Mgbako, Jakai Newton, Myles Rice, Kanaan Carlyle, and Bryson Tucker, entered the transfer portal.
Only Sisley, a four-star recruit from Montverde Academy, remained from the 2025 class. DeVries, previously successful at Drake and West Virginia, leaned heavily on the portal, assembling a class ranked No. 1 by 247Sports.
Indiana’s Portal Haul Headlined By Key Talents
Tucker DeVries (West Virginia): A two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, DeVries, the coach’s son, averaged 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 47.3% from three in 2024-25, despite a shoulder injury limiting him to eight games. His versatility and All-Big Ten potential make him a cornerstone.
Oumar Ballo (Arizona): The No. 1 transfer per On3, this 7-foot center averaged 12.9 points and 10.1 rebounds in 2023-24. His dominance in the paint addresses Indiana’s frontcourt needs.
Lamar Wilkerson (Sam Houston State): A sharpshooter with 20.5 points and 44.5% from three, Wilkerson’s scoring prowess draws comparisons to Dalton Knecht.
Reed Bailey (Davidson): Averaging 18.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 41.5% from three, Bailey’s efficiency bolsters the wing.
Jason Drake (Drexel): A late commit, Drake adds guard depth with 12.2 points and 3.7 assists in 2024-25.
Others: Kanaan Carlyle (Stanford, 11.5 points), Myles Rice (Washington State, 14.8 points), and North Florida’s Josh Harris (13.4 points) and Jasai Miles (13.4 points) round out a deep class.
The 2024-25 Hoosiers finished 19-13 but lacked cohesion, declining an NIT bid. DeVries inherits a roster with no returning players from that squad. The transfer-heavy lineup brings experience, but it will take some time for them to gel and become a ‘team’.
Tucker DeVries and Ballo are expected starters, with Wilkerson and Bailey likely joining Sisley in the rotation.
Indiana’s portal additions tackle some of the key weaknesses found in the previous lineup. Ballo’s rebounding (9.2 boards per game career average) shores up the interior, while Wilkerson and Tucker DeVries provide elite shooting, both over 44% from three.
The Hoosiers’ 2024-25 offense struggled, ranking 87th in adjusted efficiency (KenPom). With five players shooting above 40% from deep, DeVries’ aggressive system could elevate them into the top 50.
In the end, Tucker DeVries’ playmaking, Ballo’s dominance, and Wilkerson’s scoring give the Hoosiers a lot of potential. Explaining the expert’s claims of projecting the team as a “final four” candidate. “This roster has the pieces to compete,” DeVries said at his introductory press conference. “It’s about putting it together.”
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If Indiana builds chemistry and shores up its defense, a 2026 NCAA Tournament berth is very plausible, potentially as a 9th or 10th seed with an outside shot at a deep run.
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