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6-Banner Sunday: IU basketball erases 23-point deficit, routs Mega Superbet

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IU basketball guard Lamar Wilkerson makes a pass.

Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, where we highlight the five most essential IU basketball stories of the past week, plus take a look at how the other IU sports programs are doing.

After a bit of a summer break, 6-Banner returns to publishing at the same time IU basketball once again took to the court. While it was only exhibition games, it provided the first glance at what the new Hoosier coach Darian DeVries’ squad might look like.

Besides this, recruiting and the football season are approaching. As usual, we will conclude with weekly shows and a look at other IU sports, highlighted by field hockey announcing it will host this year’s Big Ten tournament.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• IU erases 23-point deficit and routs Mega Superbet
• Hoosiers dominate Universidad de Bayamón in Puerto Rico opener
• Class of 2026 recruiting updates
• IU football season preview
• Podcast on the Brink and Back Home Network shows
• Hoosier Roundup

Banner #1 – IU erases 23-point deficit and routs Mega Superbet

The Hoosiers trailed by 23 points in the second quarter against Serbian professional squad Mega Superbet in Puerto Rico. Trailing by large margins and losing big was a primary issue during the tenure of former Indiana coach Mike Woodson.

With this contest being an exhibition match that had little bearing on the future, no one would have blamed IU if they folded. However, under DeVries and an entirely different roster, this was not an option as the team turned the game around from this point on.

By halftime, the deficit was down to 13 points. Then the Hoosiers came back to even things up in the third period before pulling away and winning easily 93-71. Senior Lamar Wilkerson led the way with 18 points while the Hoosiers made 10-29 from long range.

The game was not broadcast live on TV or radio. However, Inside the Hall was on-site and provided highlights, as well as interviews and analysis.

Banner #2 – Hoosiers dominate Universidad de Bayamón in Puerto Rico opener

The challenge against a local college squad to open this foreign tour in Puerto Rico was nowhere near as daunting. This one saw the Hoosiers dominate from start to finish in a 98-47 rout against Universidad de Bayamón.

Freshman Trent Sisley made an immediate impact, leading the way with 21 points. While Indiana was just 9-for-33 from downtown, both contests show the emphasis DeVries is putting on the 3-point line, which stands in contrast to previous seasons.

Once again, this game was not broadcast live on TV or radio. However, Inside the Hall was also on site for this one and provided highlights, as well as interviews, and extensive analysis.

Banner #3 – Class of 2026 recruiting updates

Recruiting is off to a rousing start under DeVries as he goes all in for the 2026 class. With Prince-Alexander Moody already in the fold, the Hoosiers are attemping to bolster the class.

Indiana is a finalist for several five-star prospects. This includes Arafan Diane, Jordan Smith, and Ethan Taylor, as well as Anthony Thompson, who has an upcoming campus visit.

Banner #4 – IU football season preview

While 6-Banner is a basketball-focused newsletter, the success of IU football in 2024 has led to unprecedented excitement amongst the fan base and increased media coverage for the program. As a result, Inside the Hall took a look at the secondary for the upcoming season as well as provided video from coach Curt Cignetti’s media availability following practice. Also, several players received preseason recognition.

Banner #5 – Podcast on the Brink and Back Home Network shows

Inside the Hall’s Podcast on the Brink published a new episode on Thursday morning. On it, the site’s own Josh Pos joined from Puerto Rico to discuss IU’s dominant win over Universidad de Bayamón.

The Back Home Network was on air multiple times this week. Assembly Call, Crimson Cast, Dribble Drive, Football Weather, Sideline Stories, and Xs and Joes all had shows over the last few days.

Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup

• Field hockey announced IU will host this fall’s Big Ten tournament in Bloomington.

• Men’s soccer began preseason practice and announced its TV schedule. Also, former Hoosier Nyk Sessock signed a pro deal with Atlanta United.

• Women’s soccer hosted exhibition matches against Cincinnati and Notre Dame.

• Volleyball began practice this week and named its captains.

• Former IU swimming legend and Olympic champion Lily King competed at the final event of her career before retirement.

• Several track and field Hoosiers had strong summers at various world events.

Thanks for your continued support of The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall. We’ll be back next weekend with a new roundup.

Now go enjoy yourself a 6-Banner Sunday.

Aaron (Ari) Shifron
Assembly Call Contributor

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(Photo credit: IU Athletics)

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