The Indiana Men's Basketball Team is Reinventing Itself with a New Coach and Philosophy. But will it pay off?
The departure of Mike Woodson marked the end of an era for Indiana's basketball program, known for its reliance on towering big men. Woodson's strategy led to the NBA success of Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kel'el Ware, but his final season was lackluster, with the inconsistent play of transfer center Oumar Ballo.
Enter Darian DeVries, tasked with rebuilding the team from the ground up. Nearly every player entered the transfer portal, leaving DeVries to construct a new roster. The result? A team that reflects DeVries' unique vision.
DeVries' philosophy emphasizes the 3-point shot, a stark contrast to Woodson's post-heavy approach. In his lone year at West Virginia University, nearly half of the team's shots came from beyond the arc. He aims to bring this style to Indiana, encouraging all players, regardless of position, to take the long-range shot.
This strategy boosts player confidence, as exemplified by Tucker DeVries and Lamar Wilkerson, the primary 3-point threats. But the real game-changer is senior Reed Bailey, a 6-foot-10 big man with a 41.5% 3-point percentage from his time at Davidson College. DeVries' system allows for a lineup with five shooting threats, a creative offensive approach that spreads out defenses.
However, DeVries acknowledges the need for balance. He stresses the importance of not solely relying on 3-pointers, emphasizing the need to 'put pressure on the rim' with dribble penetration and cutting. This is where players like Andrej Acimovic, the team's true center, and the emerging duo of Sam Alexis and Bailey come into play, providing interior presence and versatility.
DeVries' team may lack a traditional seven-footer, but he values positional height and length. With taller guards like Wilkerson, Jasai Miles, and Nick Dorn, the Hoosiers can dominate the boards and create a formidable defensive presence.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is DeVries' strategy a game-changer or a risky gamble? Will the emphasis on 3-pointers pay off, or will it leave the team vulnerable inside? Only time will tell if this new era of Indiana basketball will bring success. What do you think? Is this the right direction for the team, or should they stick to their traditional strengths?
