In an imminent move that could make waves in the college basketball landscape, Tucker DeVries is set to transfer to Indiana University, joining his father, Darian DeVries, who has recently been appointed head coach of the Hoosiers. This transition follows Tucker's challenging season with West Virginia University, where he faced significant health issues, effectively sidelining him after just eight games.
The announcement was initially reported by Jeff Goodman from The Field of 68, marking a new chapter for Tucker, who was once heralded as one of the better players in college basketball when healthy. Having previously spent three productive seasons at Drake University, where he captured the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year title twice, Tucker had high hopes for his tenure at West Virginia. Unfortunately, his season was marred by a shoulder injury that necessitated shutting down his play.
Tucker's average of 14.9 points and 4.9 rebounds during his limited play at West Virginia showed flashes of his talent, but he couldn’t replicate the high-scoring performances that earned him accolades at Drake, where he averaged 21.6 points per game during his final season. The promising player’s potential is hard to ignore, and Indiana is banking on his return to form.
Darian DeVries' move to Indiana marks a swift rise in his coaching career after a successful stint at West Virginia, where he led the Mountaineers to a 19-13 record in his first season while pulling off surprising wins against top-tier teams like Gonzaga, Kansas, and Iowa State. This impressive run came after the team had a disappointing 9-23 record the previous year under his predecessor, Bob Huggins. The newfound energy that Darian injected into the Mountaineers was palpable, and now he hopes to build on that momentum with the Hoosiers.
Tucker’s decision to follow his father may serve as a catalyst for both his and Darian’s careers to flourish in the passionate basketball environment at Indiana. Reports indicate that several other notable seniors from the current roster, including Trey Galloway and Omuar Ballo, are set to graduate, leaving gaps that young talents like Tucker can step into. The need for fresh blood is apparent as the Hoosiers look to reclaim their reputation and achieve a fruitful season ahead.
The 22-year-old forward’s acute shooting skills are worth noting; during his time at Drake, he showcased a 37% shooting proficiency from beyond the arc. He is also recognized for his versatility on the court, having performed adeptly in various positions during his formative years in college basketball. Indiana’s coaching staff will be eager to harness these skills as they integrate him into their system.
It's pivotal to remember the developments surrounding Tucker’s shoulder injury, which he originally sustained earlier in the 2024-25 season, leading to his limited appearances with the Mountaineers. His medical issues were so significant that he had season-ending surgery in February, resulting in a medical redshirt application. This careful approach to his recovery suggests both Tucker and the Indiana staff are dedicated to ensuring he is in peak condition when the next season begins.
The transition from West Virginia to Indiana not only has implications for the DeVries family but could also impact West Virginia’s recruiting pipeline. As Coach Darian DeVries departs, other players on the Mountaineers' roster are weighing their futures. Freshman standout Jonathan Powell is already considering entering the transfer portal, reflecting a level of instability that might affect future team cohesion.
In conclusion, Tucker DeVries’s expected transfer to Indiana, alongside his father, is generating considerable buzz in the collegiate basketball sphere. As they gear up for the upcoming season, both Tucker and Darian face the challenge of adapting to their new environment while aiming for success. Indiana fans are hoping that this father-son duo can reinvigorate their basketball program and build a competitive future.
