Trent Sisley puts summer progress on display in IU basketball’s exhibition win in Puerto Rico

Trent Sisley dunks in an exhibition game in Puerto Rico.

CAROLINA, Puerto Rico – In a gym full of new faces, it was a freshman who stood out.

It wasn’t one of Indiana’s incoming transfers, but it was Trent Sisley who carried the freight in the Hoosiers’ 98-47 exhibition win Wednesday night against Universidad de Bayamón.

Sisley led all Indiana scorers with 21 points in his first unofficial collegiate game.

“What you saw today is a product of all the work he’s put in this summer.” Indiana coach Darian DeVries said postgame. “His adjustment to college basketball has been really good.”

Entering the game midway through the first quarter, Sisley struggled to score. But things quickly changed after he converted on a layup early in the second stanza. On the ensuing possession, the Santa Claus, Indiana, native drilled a right-wing three, instilling confidence in the young shooter.

Though the five-point outburst was his only output of the half, it was the beginning of what became a clinic.

Sisley was automatic in the second half. The top-100 prospect added 16 second-half points, finishing with the team-high 21 points.

The freshman forward finished 9-for-12 from the field, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. In addition to his scoring output, Sisley had two assists and three rebounds.

“Once that first one goes in, obviously, you’ve got to keep shooting,” Sisley said. “I got some open looks, so that was good.”

Not only was Sisley filling up the statsheet, but he was all over the floor on both ends.

In addition to his team-high in points, Sisley played 23:19 on Wednesday, the most of any Hoosier. His fourth-quarter run with the second team showed his versatility. No matter who he was on the floor with, Sisley was leading the charge.

The open practice last week at Cook Hall proved Sisley’s belonging as a freshman on the court against his teammates. The same on-court presence was evident in his first game, reflecting his comfort level against a new opponent.

“I think anytime you’re a young player and you can have success early, it’s always good for your confidence,” DeVries said. “To know, ‘Hey, I’ve been doing some things in practice. I’ve been working hard.’ And then to get rewarded for it in the game. I think that’s always a good thing.”

The pure athleticism displayed on Wednesday evening demonstrated that Sisley can play anywhere on the floor. Whether pushing the ball after a miss or soaring for a putback dunk, the freshman constantly caught attention.

Despite the lopsided score in the fourth, Sisley’s intensity remained constant as if it were a one-possession game. The effort on the floor carried to the starters on the bench.

During a defensive possession in the fourth quarter, the five starters started a ‘defense’ chant sparked by Sisley’s relentless pressure – a true testament as to how the freshman is viewed by his teammates.

DeVries is hesitant to comment on players’ roles in the rotation for the season. However, he’s confident that summer practices and games will help mold the freshman into a role.

The competitive nature of Wednesday night’s game was equal to an exhibition against an NAIA opponent, with all 11 dressed Hoosiers scoring. However, it provided the opportunity for newcomers like Sisley to shine.

The second-half explosion against a subpar opponent in August could spark unnecessary expectations for mid-November. Still, it could very well be the genesis of a stellar career in the cream and crimson.

“Now you’ve set the bar pretty high,” DeVries joked. “Anytime you’re a young player and can have success early, it’s good for your confidence.”

Sisley will look to continue his growth in Indiana’s Saturday evening contest with the Serbian professional team Mega Superbet.

(Photo credit: IU Athletics)

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