Author: Gabby Har

Indiana basketball has officially begun a new era under head coach Darian DeVries. But with a coaching change comes significant roster churning, and the Hoosiers will have a lot of work to do this offseason to rebuild the roster in DeVries’ vision.

While DeVries is only just beginning to meet with IU players from the 2024-25 season, nothing is guaranteed to remain the same due to the coaching change, including the personnel. Players such as sophomore point guard Gabe Cupps and junior forward Malik Reneau have already entered the transfer portal, while several more could explore other opportunities in the coming the days.

But there’s still a chance that DeVries decides he wants to keep players from the previous coaching regime, and there are multiple who could thrive under DeVries’ fast-paced, high-scoring offensive system. Who might those players be?

From Myles Rice’s dynamic speed and playmaking, to Luke Goode and Mackenzie Mgbako’s shooting touch, to Bryson Tucker’s untapped potential, here are four Hoosiers who could stick around in Bloomington and succeed with DeVries’ guidance.

It’s no secret that Luke Goode loves being at Indiana and will do everything possible to be granted an additional fifth year of eligibility.

Goode has exhausted his four years of college eligibility, but after playing in just 10 games during the 2022-23 season he will appeal to the NCAA for a medical redshirt year. The glaring roadblock standing between Goode and gaining a fifth year is that he returned to play in the postseason during the 2022-23 season, thus making it hard to argue that he suffered a “season-ending” injury.

If Goode does win his appeal and get back another year of eligibility, Indiana will likely be at the top of his lists of schools to finish his career at. Of course, DeVries will also have to want Goode to return to Indiana, but his 3-point shooting and natural leadership skills would be hard for any coach to turn down.

The Fort Wayne, Ind. native posted a strong shooting season at IU after transferring from Illinois, where he spent the first three years of his career. Goode led the Hoosiers in 3-point percentage (39.2%) and 3-point attempts (158), and his shot-making and floor-spacing was a major key to IU’s late-season resurgence.

But it’s Goode’s intangibles that make him arguably the most important Hoosier to retain under the new coaching staff. In less than a year at IU, Goode emerged as an emotional and vocal leader, commanding the respect of his teammates and bringing the Hoosiers together on the court. He also quickly became a fan-favorite and would overwhelmingly be welcomed back by Hoosier Nation next season.

In DeVries’ four-out offense, Goode would be a natural fit as a wing player who poses a dangerous shooting threat, especially in spot-up opportunities. With Tucker DeVries, one of the nation’s best shooters, expected to follow DeVries to Indiana, a wing pairing of Goode and DeVries would give Indiana immediate veteran experience and a lethal shooting duo.

A lot hinges on Goode winning his medical redshirt appeal, which could take some time to settle, but if granted a fifth year, Indiana would benefit greatly from bringing back Goode.

Myles Rice went from Pac-12 Freshman of the Year to Indiana bench player in just one year. Despite Rice’s best efforts to adapt to Mike Woodson’s system and play through the struggles, he never seemed fully comfortable playing in Woodson’s offense. The Hoosiers relied heavily on Rice to be a lead playmaker and ball-handler at the start of the season, only to pivot away from Rice and toward Trey Galloway later in the season.

Rice’s move from Washington State to Indiana meant he had to evolve his style of play from an up-tempo, downhill scorer into a slower-paced, methodical, pick-and-roll heavy point guard. That transition didn’t go over smoothly as Rice experienced drop-offs in nearly every statistical category from his freshman to sophomore year — minutes, points, rebounds, assists, shot attempts, and more.

However, with DeVries bringing a high-tempo offense to Bloomington, which prioritizes scoring in 12 seconds or less and taking advantage of “broken floor” opportunities, it could be an ideal situation for Rice to return to.

Whether Rice enters the transfer portal or decides to stay at Indiana, he will be playing for a third head coach in as many seasons, regardless. It will ultimately be up to Rice to decide if he trusts DeVries enough to get him back to his freshman form.

Rice’s ceiling as a productive shot-creator and a blur in transition is still clearly evident — the Washington State version of Rice didn’t suddenly disappear — but it will take the right coach to reinstill Rice’s confidence and allow him to play as his most comfortable self.

In DeVries’ system, perhaps Rice is allowed to play a freer, more natural combo guard role instead of pigeon-holed as a pass-first point guard. That would likely have to be the pitch to Rice if he’s going to stay at Indiana, but it could be very worthwhile in the long run

Mackenzie Mgbako was a popular breakout pick for the Hoosiers entering his sophomore season, but the 2024-25 campaign was more of the same from Mgbako rather than obvious steps forward in his development. While the 6-foot-8 wing showed more aggression in attacking the rim, scoring at all three levels and crashing the glass, his defensive struggles and game-to-game inconsistencies still remained weaknesses.

Mgbako was once thought of as a potential one-and-done recruit as a former McDonald’s All-American, yet two years later he still looks more like an unfinished product than a bonafide NBA prospect. Some of that can be attributed to Woodson’s offensive scheme and disadvantageous lineup combinations with Mgbako on the court, but Mgbako’s own individual warts are a work-in-progress.

But it still feels as though Mgbako is capable of breaking out with the right head coach and in the right offense. Mgbako will never be a defensive stalwart, but his shot-making ability as a big wing is coveted at the high-major level.

Should Mgbako decide to stay at Indiana and play for DeVries, it could make for a more comfortable pairing given Mgbako’s shooting-centric play style and DeVries’ propensity for taking 3-pointers. Mgbako also possesses the most raw offensive talent of any player that DeVries has coached, which could be a project that DeVries embraces rather than shies away from.

Mgbako, a New Jersey native, could ultimately decide that a change of scenery is what’s best for him, potentially moving closer back home. However, don’t discount DeVries’ offense as a major pull for any shooter hoping for a fresh start.

Bryson Tucker‘s freshman season didn’t pan out how he or Indiana would’ve hoped. The Hoosiers gave Tucker a long leash in the first half of the season, but eventually went away from Tucker in the second half of the year as IU made a last-ditch push toward the NCAA Tournament and shortened the rotation. In essence, Tucker went from consistent bench minutes to a string of DNPs to close out his freshman year.

The former McDonald’s All-American clearly has a ton of potential waiting to be unlocked, though. At 6-foot-6, Tucker is the prototypical big guard that made him an NBA prospect coming out of high school. His mature feel for the game showed in spurts as a freshman, but there were also plenty of weaknesses.

Tucker thrived in the mid-range with a soft jumper, and also as a crafty finisher around the rim, but his 3-point shot never came around (3-of-20) and IU couldn’t afford to have a non-perimeter shooting threat on the floor with its season on the line. Tucker’s defensive struggles also made it hard to keep him on the court for extended stretches, which is another area that will have to improve if he’s going to play bigger minutes as a sophomore and beyond.

Tucker has an old-school game that was more of a fit for Woodson’s system than a modern college system. That doesn’t mean Tucker can’t be developed into a respectable 3-point shooter while also leveraging his mature inside-the-arc skills, but the tools are still very raw and in need of refining.

Perhaps DeVries sees enough in Tucker to take a chance on his upside and bring him back as a sophomore. Though Tucker’s shooting concerns will remain a significant question mark, especially with DeVries’ four-out style, there’s a ton of moldable skills that could be unlocked in the right system.

Georgia wide receiver Nitro Tuggle faces charges of reckless driving and speeding following his arrest on Thursday morning.

Athens-Clarke County Police booked the rising sophomore on the two misdemeanor charges just before 2 a.m. ET and released him on a $20 cash bond an hour later, according to online records.

Tuggle caught three passes for 34 yards in two games for the Bulldogs as a 2024 freshman.

He initially announced plans to enter the transfer portal in December before electing to stay at Georgia.

The school has not yet released a statement on Tuggle’s arrest. It’s the latest incident for a program that has seen more than two dozen arrests or citations for speeding, reckless driving or racing since a fatal crash in January 2023 that killed offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy.

The Tennessee Volunteers are in the mix for one of the top playmakers in the 2026 class and, as the race for his services continues, he has given his verdict on one of the most important aspects of their program.

Tristen Keys (Hattiesburg, Miss.) is the top wide receiver and third overall player in the 2026 class, according to On3’s industry rankings.

Among Tennessee’s rivals for his commitment are the Ole Miss Rebels, USC Trojans, Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU Tigers and Miami Hurricanes.

However, the Volunteers’ position in the fight to land Keys may be helped by their situation at quarterback, of which the wideout was complimentary over the weekend.

Speaking at Overtime OT7 event in Dallas, Keys, per On3, said: “I haven’t quite found that No. 1 right now. I’d say Tennessee is going at it real hard. I’d say Tennessee is going harder than anyone else.

“Tennessee is doing a very great job. I just left there on a three-day visit. LSU is doing a great job and so is Bama. They’ve been doing a great job in recruiting me as well as Texas A&M.

Those four have been going harder than everyone else.” On Tennessee specifically, Keys highlighted their strength at quarterback, with Nico Iamaleava entering his third season with the Volunteers, who also have a commitment from Faizon Brandon, the second-ranked signal-caller in the 2026 class in On3’s industry rankings.

“I love the coaching staff,” Keys said. “They get along well. They create relationships with the kids. That’s important.

You want that position coach you can go to and not just talk ball. You can talk relations, talk life, talk on the financial side. They’re doing a great job with their players.

They got some great players over there. I got chance to hang out with them and that was my favorite part.

“They do a good job at the quarterback position. They got Faizon up there. They got Nico . They do a great job recruiting quarterbacks and you want somebody that can spin the ball when you’re a wide receiver.”

Tennessee looks poised to have strong options at quarterback for many years to come, and their long-term plan at the position could be enough to ensure their full-court press to seal Keys’ commitment is successful.

I promise that a majority of those who looked at the headline of this article immediate thought “you can’t buy a college football program” or “that would never happen.”

Well I promise you that it will happen. I might be retired at the time but it’ll happen in my lifetime.

However, I hope it never does.

Yesterday when I heard that the Boston Celtics are going to be sold for $6.1 billion to a private equity firm, I couldn’t help but wonder how much Nebraska football is worth. Or maybe, what is the Nebraska athletic department worth if it was put on an open market and sold to the highest bidder?

Well after a little research, apparently the Wall Street Journal already went into this a couple months ago.

That article did not have Nebraska in the top 10 but put a value on Ohio State at $1.957 billion.

However, a CNBC article ranked Nebraska 8th in the country and put the value at $943 million. This was a 2024 valuation and:

My reaction? If I was the good ole Nebraska U, there is no way I’m selling Nebraska football for $943 million.

How much would you sell Nebraska football for?

Duke Blue Devils star freshman Cooper Flagg made his March Madness debut on Friday, and it was a success.

After concerns about the ankle injury he suffered during the ACC Tournament, the first-year forward returned to Duke’s lineup and immediately put together an impressive performance to help the No. 1 seed Blue Devils score an easy 93-49 victory over the No. 16 seed Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

But before that game, while discussing Duke’s incredible depth and talent beyond Flagg, former NBA guard and college basketball analyst Kenny Smith casually referred to the Blue Devils star as a “possible NBA lottery pick (h/t Awful Announcing).”

That got the attention of a lot of folks on social media.

“Way to go out on a limb, there, Jet,” said a fan on X.

Another one said: “Really going out on a limb here.”

From a commenter: “He also claims water is wet.”

“Kenny Smith just admitting he doesn’t like Duke clearly,” a social media user posted.

Via a different commenter: “It’s pretty hilarious how the NBAonTNT crew says something stupid at least once a week”

“Literally nobody knows less about college than the TNT guys,” one added.

Against the Mountaineers, the 18-year-old Flagg, who is widely expected to go No. 1 overall in the 2025 NBA draft, scored 14 points with seven boards and four assists while shooting 6-for-12 from the floor in 22 minutes of action.

Duke was led by Tyrese Proctor, who dropped 19 points on the strength of six made 3-pointers while Caleb Foster came off the bench and contributed 12 points.

Up next for Flagg and the Blue Devils is a date in the second round of the Big Dance against fellow first-round survivor and No. 9 seed Baylor Bears on Sunday at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Matt Peet has officially stepped down as the head coach of Wigan Warriors following a turbulent period marked by intense criticism from fans. Despite leading the team through several seasons, Peet’s tenure at the club ended abruptly after a series of disappointing performances, culminating in his decision to resign.

Peet, who took over the reins at Wigan Warriors in 2021, faced growing frustration from supporters as the team struggled to meet expectations. A string of lackluster results, including heavy defeats, left fans questioning his tactics and leadership. As the pressure mounted, the vocal discontent from the fanbase grew louder, with some even resorting to public insults directed at Peet.

The tipping point came after a particularly devastating loss, which saw tensions flare between Peet and the fans. Following a heated exchange, the club confirmed that Peet had agreed to step down from his position. In a statement, Peet expressed regret over the circumstances but emphasized that his decision was in the best interest of both the club and his personal well-being.

“I have always given my best to Wigan, but the situation has become untenable,” Peet said. “I want to thank the players, staff, and loyal fans who have supported me. This decision was not easy, but I believe it is the right one.”

While Peet’s departure marks the end of his coaching career at Wigan, his future remains uncertain. The Warriors are now on the lookout for a new head coach to restore stability and rebuild the team. Fans hope the next chapter will bring success and unity to a club that has faced more challenges than it anticipated under Peet’s leadership.

Darian DeVries was officially introduced as the 31st head coach in the history of the Indiana men’s basketball program in the press room at Assembly Hall on Wednesday morning.

Here’s everything he had to say in his first press conference as the Hoosiers’ head coach.

DARIAN DeVRIES: Thank you, everyone, for being here today. It’s truly an honor for me to be standing here as the head coach at Indiana University. I want to start off by thanking President Pam Whitten, Athletic Director Scott Dolson, and the board of trustees for this opportunity to lead this historic basketball program.

One year ago today I took the West Virginia job after I’d left Drake University because I felt like it was a great fit for myself, for my family. It had an administration that I greatly respected and a fan base that was very supportive and a community that was filled with great people.

All that turned out to be true in the past year and we were welcomed with open arms. We met some terrific people, and my family and I are beyond thankful for that.

Obviously my intention was to continue down that path and build on the progress that we made during this first year. However, the opportunity came along to possibly be the head coach at Indiana, a dream job for anyone, but especially for someone that grew up in the Midwest watching the old Big 8 and Big 10 basketball.

The chance to lead one of the biggest brands in college basketball was something that I could not pass up.

This place has many of those same qualities that my family and I look for and want to be around, and I’ve always looked for that fit for myself, for my family, and making sure it all aligned.

We have an administration here that is 100 percent in alignment with navigating through this whole new era of college athletics, from the top down. There’s no doubt that there’s an extreme commitment to making sure we are on the upper edge of all of that. There are resources available here that are some of the best in the entire country.

We have a fan base that is passionate about the Hoosiers and provides a tremendous home-court advantage. Everything is in place here for us to have the opportunity to win and to win at a high level. Now our job is to make that happen.

I am so excited to get to work, and I know that where it all begins is with the work. It has to start and end there, because without that, you cannot have success.

Resources certainly are a huge part of giving you those opportunities, but resources do not win games. We want to be a very process-oriented program with a core fabric built around that work. The people we surround ourselves with and the players that have a desire to want to be a part of something special.

We want to build something that is sustainable for a long period of time, and we will do that by staying true to what this program is about. We will know when we have made it when every time a fan, a booster, an alumni, or a former player comes to watch us play and turns on the TV, and after that game is over, that they are filled with pride because they have so much respect for how our team plays, how unselfish they are, the joy they play with, and the enthusiasm they play with and their love for this university.

Once we get there, and once we get there where everyone can watch us on a nightly basis and they can say with great pride on a consistent level that that is my team, that is when the banners will rise again. It’s time for us to get to work.

Newly appointed Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball head coach, Darian DeVries, has been making waves in the world of college basketball with his rapid rise to the top. As he steps into this prestigious role, DeVries, who made a name for himself with a successful stint at Drake University, is eager to chart a bold new direction for the Hoosiers’ program.

DeVries, known for his dynamic coaching style and ability to elevate teams to championship contention, has carefully reviewed the resources and opportunities at Indiana. With a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the competitive Big Ten Conference, he shared a detailed plan outlining his vision for the Hoosiers’ future.

At the core of his strategy is an emphasis on player development. DeVries expressed that his primary goal is to build a balanced and versatile roster capable of competing at the highest level. “We’re going to recruit players who not only have talent but also the character and work ethic to succeed in this program,” DeVries stated. He made it clear that creating an atmosphere where athletes can grow on and off the court will be a top priority, ensuring their development as both players and individuals.

In addition to focusing on player development, DeVries also discussed the importance of instilling a winning mentality throughout the entire program. “This is about culture,” he emphasized. He plans to build a culture of toughness, discipline, and accountability, values that will be instilled in every facet of the program. DeVries recognizes that Indiana basketball has a rich tradition, and he intends to honor that legacy while pushing the Hoosiers toward a future of sustained success.

DeVries also touched upon the importance of a high-powered, fast-paced offense. Having developed a reputation for coaching high-scoring teams at Drake, he sees no reason why Indiana can’t embrace a similar style of play. “We want to be a team that is fun to watch and hard to beat,” he said, referencing his desire to bring an exciting, up-tempo game to the Assembly Hall.

While his plan is ambitious, DeVries is ready to put in the work required to turn the Hoosiers into perennial national contenders. With the Indiana program undergoing a fresh and energetic change, fans can expect a new chapter of growth, success, and excitement under Coach Darian DeVries’ leadership.

In a groundbreaking move, the Indiana Hoosiers have officially introduced Darian DeVries as their new head coach, replacing Mike Woodson. The announcement, which has sent waves through the college basketball world, marks a new era for the program, with DeVries bringing a wealth of experience and a stellar reputation to Bloomington.

DeVries, 46, has spent the past decade turning around the fortunes of Drake University, where he built a competitive program from the ground up. Under his leadership, Drake achieved unprecedented success, including multiple NCAA tournament appearances and a reputation for strong defense and efficient offense. His coaching style, which focuses on discipline and player development, is seen as the perfect fit for a program with high expectations like Indiana.

The Hoosiers’ investment in DeVries is substantial, with reports indicating that his contract is worth $360 million over the next decade. This hefty deal reflects not only the university’s confidence in his ability to lead the team but also the financial commitment necessary to compete at the highest level in college basketball.

DeVries takes over a program with rich history, but one that has struggled to reclaim its former glory in recent years. The departure of Mike Woodson, who failed to meet expectations during his tenure, has created an opening for a fresh perspective. DeVries’ track record at Drake, where he consistently overachieved, gives fans hope that Indiana can once again become a powerhouse in college basketball.

With the Hoosiers now firmly under his guidance, DeVries has made it clear that his focus will be on restoring Indiana to national prominence, starting with a relentless pursuit of talent and success on the court. Fans are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds.