IU basketball’s all-around success in Puerto Rico signals a fresh start

Indiana coach Darian DeVries claps on the sideline.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – His hands shot up in celebration, followed by high fives and smiles. IU basketball had completed its second comeback in three days and the man in the east stands was exhilarated.

It was only an August exhibition, but that didn’t matter to Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson. He had just watched his newest hire begin laying the foundation for a new-look program.

Less than five months earlier, Dolson had introduced Darian DeVries, hoping to jumpstart a fresh chapter in Indiana basketball. At the introductory press conference, the former IU basketball manager pointed to DeVries’ leadership as the defining trait that sold him.

“He is an absolute perfect fit on and off the court,” Dolson said in March. “His style is going to really resonate, particularly how he looks forward.”

Dolson made it abundantly clear that he was going to do everything possible to bring Indiana basketball back to prominence. One of the first stops on that journey was this week’s trip to play three exhibition games, providing DeVries with the opportunity to understand the dynamics of his brand-new roster better.

Indiana spent the past week growing together both on and off the floor. The Hoosiers roamed San Juan, going on excursions such as kayaking, beach volleyball, and snorkeling, among other activities.

The photos and videos the program posted on its social media provided a glimpse into the relationship DeVries has with his players.

Above all, they were able to connect with the fans who made the trip and stayed at the team hotel. A group dinner allowed fans to meet players and coaches face-to-face, giving them a chance to match names with new faces.

As Indiana made their comebacks on Saturday and Monday, bench players led ‘defense’ chants. The fans joined in, making their voices heard. By the end of the trip, a sense of community had developed between the program and the fans.

“It’s been great to see the guys the way they’ve interacted, not only amongst each other, but with the people at the hotel,” DeVries said. “I think they’ve handled themselves in a very good way.”

After one of the exhibitions, DeVries went down the line of courtside seats, shaking hands in gratitude for those who made the trip. The small gesture was a stark contrast to the previous coaching staff’s attitude toward the fans over the last four years.

In addition to the off-court leadership, there was an eagerness to see how Indiana would perform under their new coach.

Since his introductory press conference, there’s been optimism that DeVries would return a modern, up-tempo offense to Bloomington. Given the incoming transfers’ skill sets, it was clear Indiana would rely on 3-point shooting and a fast-paced offense.

In its three games on the island, Indiana attempted 87 3-pointers and made 26, shooting just under 30 percent.

The transition offense was as advertised, too. All five players consistently pushed the ball upcourt, attacking quickly and scoring in transition before the defense could get set.

The Hoosiers averaged 90.6 points per game, scoring at least 81 points in each game. The pace at which Indiana played wore down both opponents by the end of the first half.

“I think stylistically, we’re playing to how we want to play,” DeVries said of the three games. “Most of that comes down to that movement, being able to give yourself up so that we can get another guy an open shot.”

In years past, Indiana’s downfall was a severe lack of in-game adjustments.. Instruction during games was minimal.

Under DeVries, that has changed. He made timely adjustments that helped guide his team to two comeback wins. Throughout each game, he and his staff consistently coached and taught from the bench.

There were multiple instances where the officials warned the Indiana coaching staff to sit down. However, it didn’t deter any of them. Constant chatter came from the front of the bench, with coaches barking instructions to the five players on the floor.

An unblemished record was a positive takeaway from the trip. More importantly, the journey gave Indiana a chance to leave the past behind and begin a new chapter.

Dolson and Indiana needed to turn the page on everything tied to the Mike Woodson era. If one week in August proved anything, it’s that they’ve taken a monumental step in the right direction.

(Photo credit: IU Athletics)

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