DeVries Praises Indiana’s Depth After Season-Opening Win

Indiana opened its 2026-27 season with a 91-57 win against Eastern Illinois at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on November 2. Afterward, second-year coach Darian DeVries highlighted several areas that pleased him, while pointing to work still ahead for the Hoosiers.

Markus Burton, making his Indiana debut after transferring from Notre Dame, showed more than his scoring ability, DeVries said. Burton had five assists and one turnover, and the coach praised his ability to draw defenders and create chances for teammates. DeVries also noted Burton’s improved three-point shooting and returning explosiveness.

Bryce Lindsay provided another option to handle the ball and create offense. DeVries said he valued being able to play Lindsay and Burton together or separately without a drop in production. The coach also stressed the importance of driving toward the basket and getting paint touches to generate good shots, rather than settling for perimeter attempts. Indiana made nine three-pointers and had an offensive rebounding rate of about 38 percent.

DeVries said he wants to maintain a deep rotation: nine Hoosiers played at least 15 minutes against Eastern Illinois. He believes regular substitutions helped the team sustain its intensity and wear down its opponent late in each half.

Freshman Trevor Manhertz scored 11 points in his collegiate debut. DeVries praised his size, court awareness and understanding of the game, while saying the freshman still has substantial room to develop. Indiana’s season-opening performance offered an early look at the contributions the coach hopes to get from across the roster.