Indiana Basketball: DeVries’ Roster Overhaul Signals a New Era in Bloomington
Just days ago, the Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball roster stood at a mere four players. Now, thanks to a whirlwind three days in the transfer portal, that number has doubled to ten. Head coach Darian DeVries is rapidly reshaping the program, signaling a clear shift in strategy and a commitment to building a competitive team for the 2026-27 season.
Building a Big Ten Frontcourt
DeVries recognized the need for increased size and physicality in the frontcourt during his first season. The recent additions of SMU transfer Samet Yigitoglu (7’2”, 270 lbs) and Alabama transfer Aiden Sherrell (6’11”) directly address this need. Yigitoglu averaged nearly eight rebounds per game last season, although Sherrell, a 2024 McDonald’s All-American, brings shot-blocking prowess, having recorded eight blocks in multiple games.
These additions are expected to significantly improve Indiana’s rebounding and rim protection, areas that proved problematic in the previous season. Yigitoglu was the ACC’s best offensive rebounder, and both players rank highly in block percentage within their respective conferences.
Prioritizing Multi-Year Players
Last season, Indiana relied heavily on six seniors, a strategy that didn’t yield an NCAA tournament berth. This year, DeVries is focusing on players with remaining eligibility. All six recent portal additions – Jaeden Mustaf, Darren Harris, Markus Burton, Samet Yigitoglu, Aiden Sherrell, and Bryce Lindsay – have two years of eligibility remaining.
While there’s no guarantee these players will stay for two seasons, securing multi-year commitments allows DeVries to build a more stable foundation and foster a stronger team culture. Continuity is key in a landscape often disrupted by the transfer portal.
High-Major Experience: A New Approach
A notable change from last year’s recruiting strategy is the focus on players with high-major experience. Unlike the previous portal class, all six recent additions began their careers at high-major programs: Georgia Tech, Duke, Notre Dame, SMU, Alabama, and Texas A&M/James Madison/Villanova.
While success can be found at all levels, bringing in players who have already proven themselves against top competition increases the likelihood of immediate impact. This represents an upgrade in overall talent level and a shift away from solely relying on mid-major prospects.
Markus Burton: A Potential Offensive Catalyst
The addition of Notre Dame transfer Markus Burton is particularly exciting for Hoosier fans. Burton, the 2023 Indiana Mr. Basketball, brings a proven scoring ability, averaging 19.1 points over 69 career games. His 259 career assists and 123 steals demonstrate his all-around impact.
Burton’s ability to score and distribute the ball should alleviate some of the offensive pressure and address the scoring droughts that plagued the team last season. He offers a dynamic presence at point guard with three years of high-major experience.
Intriguing Wing and Guard Depth
The additions of Jaeden Mustaf, Darren Harris, and Bryce Lindsay add depth and versatility to the wing and guard positions. Mustaf (6’6”) is a strong attacker and foul drawer, while Harris (6’5”) offers potential as a sharpshooter. Lindsay (6’3”) brings a proven scoring touch, having made 78 three-pointers last season at Villanova, including a 25-point performance in the NCAA tournament.
This trio, alongside Burton and potentially freshman Prince-Alexander Moody, forms a promising core for the upcoming season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Darian DeVries’ overall strategy with the transfer portal?
DeVries is prioritizing size, experience, and multi-year commitments to build a more sustainable and competitive program.
How will these additions impact the team’s playing style?
The additions of Yigitoglu and Sherrell will improve rebounding and rim protection, while Burton’s scoring ability will add a new dimension to the offense.
Are all of these players guaranteed to make an immediate impact?
While all players have potential, their success will depend on their ability to adapt to the system and contribute consistently.
(Photo credit: Alabama Athletics)
Want to stay up-to-date on all things Indiana Basketball? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights, breaking news, and in-depth analysis.
