Indiana fans, look out — something special is brewing in Bloomington. Sports have been buzzing across campus lately, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing down. On Wednesday night, the Indiana Men’s Basketball team tipped off the 2025-26 season with a big win, dismantling Alabama A&M in a dominant 98–51 victory.
It marked the first regular-season win — and game — under new head coach Darian DeVries, whose debut couldn’t have gone much better. After a complete roster overhaul in the offseason, what DeVries has assembled already looks like the start of something beautiful in Bloomington.
This new-look Indiana squad carries a completely different identity — confident, fast, and fearless when it comes to shooting the basketball. “We have a team with a bunch of shooters,” said starting guard Lamar Wilkerson after the game. “So, shots going in, that’s a good thing.”
Shots were going in all night — and at an incredible rate. The Hoosiers shot a blistering 62.1% from the field, knocked down 10 threes at a 41.7% clip, and didn’t miss a single free throw, going a perfect 16-for-16 at the line. The offense was electric, and fueling that spark was none other than Sam Houston transfer Lamar Wilkerson, who wasted no time making his mark in his first game as a Hoosier.
“He’s No. 1 for sure,” said forward Reed Bailey when asked where Wilkerson ranks among shooters he’s played with. “I’ve got to give it to him. It’s fun to play with him. He spaces the floor well, and you see it when he shoots it from the logo and it still goes in. It’s fun to be out there with him and get him the ball.”
Wilkerson was on fire Wednesday night. Each time he rose up to shoot, fans in Assembly Hall couldn’t help but gasp in anticipation — and more often than not, they erupted in celebration. Against the Bulldogs, Wilkerson put up 19 points on 53.8% shooting, adding three steals, two rebounds, and two assists. Four of his seven field goals came from beyond the arc, where he shot 40%. Only Reed Bailey, the Davidson transfer who poured in 23 points and threw down four of Indiana’s 13 dunks, outscored him. Wilkerson’s debut made one thing clear: Coach Darian DeVries’ trust in him is well placed.
“If you watch his tape from last year, he didn’t even have to prove anything this summer,” Coach DeVries said postgame. “He can shoot — and some guys just have that ability. He puts in the time. He’s one of those guys you’ve got to kick out of the gym because he’s in there so much. He has incredible range [and] can shoot it with ease from anywhere. We want him to be super aggressive. Whenever he gets a space that he wants to let it go — let it go.”
Wilkerson’s performance shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone familiar with his résumé. After three standout seasons with Sam Houston, he arrived in Bloomington already known for his shot-making prowess and playmaking flair. Last year, he started all 32 games for the Bearkats, averaging 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 44.7% from the field and a blistering 44.5% from three. Now, as part of DeVries’ system, Wilkerson looks ready to torch Big Ten defenses — not just from deep, but by attacking all three levels.
“In the most humblest way — even at Sam Houston, teams tried to run me off the line,” Wilkerson said. “So I really took that personal, [and] during the summer I tried to put the ball on the ground and expand my game to score at three levels. That way they can’t stop me; I won’t be one-dimensional.”
That mindset, paired with his relentless drive, is exactly what coaches dream of — and what could make Wilkerson one of the Big Ten’s most exciting players this season. His confidence, range, and competitiveness embody the fresh energy surrounding this Indiana team.
Indiana Basketball feels alive again — and perhaps in its best form in years. The Hoosiers now have a few days to recharge before hosting the Marquette Golden Eagles on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. EST on ESPN. If Wednesday night was any indication, Hoosier fans are in for one thrilling ride this season.