Indiana Basketball is almost back. The Hoosiers tip off their first exhibition on Friday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Bloomington, when they face Marian in front of a home crowd eager to see this revamped squad in action. But before the first ball is tossed, fans will have a chance to celebrate the season in a new way.
On Thursday, October 2 from 8–10 p.m., both the men’s and women’s teams will headline Hoosier Hoops on Kirkwood, a fan-focused event designed to bring the community closer to its players. For Head Coach Darian DeVries, it’s an opportunity to bridge the gap between the court and campus.
“Yeah, I think some of it – we brought in a new one [event], we brought an old event back. I think from our standpoint, we want to make sure that we’re a big part of the community, big part of the campus,” DeVries said Tuesday. “We want to give as many chances as we can to have those interactions because I think we have a group that’s fun to be around. They’re a good group of guys, and we want people to be able to see them on a different level besides just on the basketball floor.”
DeVries’ vision is clear: Indiana Basketball shouldn’t just be something fans watch, but something they feel a part of. After watching his squad during their first open practice in August, it’s easy to see why he wants that connection. The 2025 roster is brimming with energy, talent, and personalities that thrive on engagement both on and off the court.
“I just think we’re at a place where basketball is incredibly important, Indiana basketball is important to a lot of people, so I want them to be able to have access to something they really find valuable and important to them,” Coach DeVries explained. “That’s what we want. We want people to feel like they’re not watching from afar. We want them to feel like they’re right on the inside and they’re stride by stride with us as we go through it because from a fan standpoint, they have a huge impact on us winning and losing a lot of times.”
Coach DeVries has also made it a priority to open Indiana Basketball to the media and fans alike. Tuesday’s session marked the second open practice of the fall, a clear sign that he’s committed to transparency and building excitement around his program. For DeVries, it’s not just about preparing his team — it’s about making sure Hoosier Nation feels informed and invested.
That commitment extends to his players as well. Veteran forward — and his son — Tucker DeVries echoed the importance of building connections, especially with events like Hoosier Hoops designed to bring the community closer to the team.
“It’ll be great. I think it’s our first time—there were some people in Puerto Rico—but it’s our first time in front of the general fan base,” Tucker Devries said. “I think it’s great for us to build that relationship between the team, the fan base, [and] the students. I’m looking forward to a great year here and hopefully have their support throughout the full year. I think these events and stuff like this really goes a long way in doing that.”
This week’s event isn’t just a pep rally — it’s a launchpad. With a completely revamped roster and a new era under Head Coach Darian DeVries, Indiana Basketball is aiming to rebuild its identity and restore the program’s tradition of excellence. After Indiana Football’s surge in 2024, Athletic Director Scott Dolson made it clear: Hoosier hoops needed a fresh start, too. And DeVries is ready to lead that charge — with the help of the fans.
“We have a night where every time we toss that ball up, this building and our fan base impacts helping us win, and that’s critical,” Coach DeVries emphasized. “So we want them to be a part of it. We want all of you to be a part of it. It’s something that I’m sure you love covering, and I’m sure there’s times you’ll even have advice, but that’s okay. People love this game. They love this game here at Indiana, and we do, too, and we want everyone to feel a part of that.”
That first chance to come together arrives Thursday night, October 2, when Hoosier Hoops on Kirkwood lights up downtown Bloomington from 8–10 p.m. With the season opener right around the corner, the countdown is on. The DeVries era is here — and it’s time for Hoosier Nation to show up, get loud, and get hyped.
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