Indiana University has officially named Darian DeVries as its new head basketball coach, marking a significant shift for the program. DeVries takes over from Mike Woodson, who stepped down after four seasons at the helm. The hiring signals Indiana’s commitment to revitalizing its basketball program, bringing in a coach with a strong track record of success.
DeVries’ Coaching Background
Darian DeVries has built an impressive coaching résumé over the past decade. Before coming to Indiana, he spent one season at West Virginia, leading the Mountaineers to a 19-13 record and key wins over powerhouse programs like Gonzaga, Kansas, and Iowa State. His tenure at West Virginia followed a highly successful six-year stint at Drake, where he transformed the Bulldogs into a consistent contender. Under his leadership, Drake enjoyed six straight 20-win seasons and made three NCAA Tournament appearances, demonstrating his ability to elevate a program.
DeVries’ reputation as a coach who maximizes talent and builds strong defensive teams makes him an appealing choice for Indiana. His teams are known for their disciplined approach, effective ball movement, and defensive toughness—qualities that align well with Indiana’s basketball tradition.
Indiana’s Struggles Under Woodson
While Mike Woodson had some success during his tenure, his four seasons with the Hoosiers were marked by inconsistency. Indiana made the NCAA Tournament twice under Woodson, but the team failed to make a deep run, leading to frustration among fans and university leadership. The program struggled against top Big Ten opponents, and recruiting challenges made it difficult for Indiana to compete at the highest level.
By bringing in DeVries, the university is looking for a fresh start. His ability to develop players and implement a structured system could help Indiana regain its place among college basketball’s elite programs.
What’s Next for Indiana?
With DeVries at the helm, Indiana fans will be eager to see how he reshapes the program. His immediate focus will be on recruiting, as the Hoosiers look to bring in high-caliber talent to compete in the Big Ten. Additionally, he will need to establish his coaching philosophy quickly and get buy-in from both returning players and incoming recruits.
The hiring of Darian DeVries represents a new era for Indiana basketball. If he can replicate the success he had at Drake and West Virginia, the Hoosiers could once again become a powerhouse in college basketball.
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