The Indiana Hoosiers opened the exhibition season in Darian DeVries’ first season in Bloomington with a 107-46 romp over the Marian Knights. The Hoosiers led 67-22 after the first 20 minutes as they knocked down 60% of their 20 three-point attempts.
Tucker DeVries was the standout, racking up five three-pointers and 23 points before the intermission. DeVries made a concerted effort to get others involved in the second half and he only played limited minutes but it was a very encouraging performance from the senior and proof that he is 100% healthy after offseason surgery. Walk-ons and cobbled together lineups played most of the final fourth of this game as IU coasted to the finish line. Last season’s squad had a season-high of 12 three-pointers made in any game (Rutgers, once).
It took this year’s team exactly one night to top that as they banged in 15 on the evening despite sitting the starters for much of the second half. It would be foolish to make any grandiose statements after one game, particularly a contest against an overmatched NAIA opponent, but we can at least make some observations worth monitoring as we move forward.
- Tucker DeVries is a major difference-maker and if he stays healthy, he’ll be a real threat to finish the season on the All-Big Ten team. If defenses leave him open, he is going to make them pay. In addition, he made a number of nice passes that set his teammates up for good looks.
- Trent Sisley will go through some freshman growing pains but he’s ready to contribute right away. Sisley had 23 points and eight rebounds and was noticeable every time he was on the floor tonight.
- Reed Bailey’s ability to handle the ball and pass opens up some interesting offensive options and potential dilemmas for defenses. IU played a lineup with Bailey and fellow big man Sam Alexis on a number of occasions and that pairing will need to be successful against bigger opposition.
- Nick Dorn, Jason Drake, Josh Harris and Aleksa Ristic were all held out with injuries. The Hoosiers really need Dorn to get back into action as his 6’7” frame would give Indiana another capable wing player. Without Dorn and Harris, in particular, IU is limited to a seven-man rotation.
Indiana will have another full week of practice before taking on the Baylor Bears in Indianapolis next Sunday in the last tune-up before the regular season begins.