In a significant move that is reshaping Indiana basketball, Darian DeVries was introduced as the new head coach during a press conference held at Assembly Hall on March 19, 2025. This hiring comes on the heels of Mike Woodson's departure after an 82-53 tenure, marking a fresh start for the Hoosiers under DeVries' guidance. The hiring process, overseen by Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson, was guided by a clear intent to build a championship culture based on DeVries' winning track record.
Darian DeVries, who previously led the West Virginia Mountaineers to a 19-13 record in his first year, emphasizes a process-oriented approach to winning games. Notably, his strategy is informed by his experience and success in the NCAA, where he achieved a remarkable 71.3% win rate as a head coach, securing three NCAA Tournament appearances in seven seasons. His philosophy focuses on adaptability and defensive fundamentals, core principles he developed during his assistant coaching stints at Creighton.
“We’re going to really focus on every day the process of what does it take to win games,” DeVries stated, setting the tone for a disciplined and detail-oriented program. His commitment to this process is highlighted by the fact that he took the helm of a West Virginia team that ended the prior season in last place in the Big 12 Conference, transforming their fortunes with strong recruiting and player development.
In the same week as DeVries’ hiring, Tucker DeVries, his son and a former standout player at Drake University, announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. Tucker had been an exceptional talent, previously recognized as back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and presence on the preseason Wooden Award and Naismith Trophy lists. However, his season was cut short due to a shoulder injury, which left him with the opportunity to utilize a medical redshirt to gain an additional year of eligibility.
As he prepares to transition to Indiana, Tucker’s legacy within the family adds a unique dynamic. He reflects on the pressures of playing under his father's management and how those expectations shape his approach to the game. “There’s expectations, there’s a lot of accountability to bringing it every day, and his expectations, my expectations, the outside’s expectations are all higher,” Tucker remarked. This insight suggests that he is prepared to embrace the challenges ahead, expecting that his father's leadership will push him to excel.
Indiana's athletic department is banking on Darian DeVries to revive the program’s fortunes, a task that hinges on his ability to resonate with players and build on his previous successes. Dolson highlighted this when he said he knew DeVries was the right fit after understanding the coach's vision for success: “His plan for building a championship culture resonated with me,” Dolson noted.
DeVries’ past successes, particularly his time at Drake where he secured a 150-55 record and ranked consistently high within the Missouri Valley Conference, lend credibility to his appointment. He aims to build a cohesive unit by nurturing a culture where players are motivated by collective aspirations, moving beyond mere talent acquisition. As he stated, “If their motivations are right and you get enough of those individuals with those same type of aspirations, now you have a chance to put a team together; you have a chance to win together.”
Despite the challenges faced in transitioning from a lesser-known program to leading one of college basketball’s storied institutions, DeVries’ analytical approach to both recruiting and coaching promises a compelling future for Indiana. His recent achievements, alongside the foresight to adapt to player movements and institutional changes, position Indiana well for a resurgence. As he steps into this new role, the expectations are high, but so is the supportive backing from the athletic department.
While the eyes of the college basketball community remain fixed on the new era at Indiana, the synergy of past experience and new methodologies under DeVries could be the remedy to guide the Hoosiers back to their rightful place in the NCAA landscape. As they prepare for the 2024-25 season, both DeVries and Tucker DeVries look forward to the journey ahead, with hopes of rebuilding a team culture that fosters success on and off the court.
