Video, Quotes: Darian DeVries reacts to win against Peru

Darian DeVries addressed the media following IU basketball’s 115-36 win against Peru in the FISU America Games in Lima, Peru.

The Hoosiers are representing the United States in the FISU America Games and will play again on Thursday night against the Virgin Islands.

Watch postgame comments from DeVries below:

A full transcript is available below:

On goals in a game with such a huge talent disparity:

“Yeah, the number one thing we talked about before the game was just making sure whatever the scoreboard says, that we’re continuing to just work on the things that we’re prioritizing and I thought the guys did a really good job of that. Especially in the second half.

“I thought the first half, as it kind of went on, we started gambling, got a little aggressive and lacked a little baby discipline of what we would normally do. But I thought as the game went on, we really settled into some of the things that we want to establish on the defensive end. And I thought we really made things hard in that second half. And then the offensive rebound, that was probably our second biggest thing we talked about was just making sure we continue to establish that type of effort that we got guys consistently going to the glass and going to the glass with force and creating those second and third chance opportunities.

“So I thought overall, from start to finish, guys did a really good job of staying focused and maintaining, trying to work on the things that we thought were going to be important, because this is an opportunity for us to play in the summertime when we want to make use of every opportunity we get.”

On maintaining focus with such a big lead:

“I thought the guys did a great job, to be honest with you. As you mentioned, sometimes when you get those leads, guys just start to hunt and take bad shots and things. I thought our guys did a really good job of continuing to move the ball, share the ball, make plays for one another. And then defensively, just stayed sound in what we were trying to do and allowed us to work on a few different things.

“Not crazy noticeable, maybe on film, but just some switching and some trapping in the post, that type of stuff that, we’ve been working on here throughout the summer. So it just gave us a chance to do that as well. But overall, really pleased just for the way the guys approached it and the way they finished out the game.”

On communication:

“Yeah, I thought our communication was certainly better. And that’s going to be a process that akes a little bit longer. It’s just getting guys to really recognize the importance of communicating, especially at the defensive end.

“You know, great communicating teams can eliminate mistakes even when there is a potential for a breakdown. It allows guys to cover for each other, react a little bit better. And guys are starting to understand that it’s something that as this group has gone on over the summer, we saw it as something that maybe we’re not great at and we want to be elite at it. So we’ll continue to make that a focus point for us.”

On bringing Sam Alexis to Peru to play in the upcoming games:

“Adding Sam just gives us some more versatility without two of our other bigs, just to be able to sub a little bit more, also potentially slide eight into the four. So just so we have enough bodies to be able to do that.

“So we’ll look for some opportunities to do that as well. And just having his experience from last year, being around the guys. So it’s a great opportunity for us to take advantage of him, being able to participate and kind of provide some leadership from his knowledge of last year and going into this year for this group.”

On whether Sam is trying to get another season of eligibility:

“Right now, our intention is just to have that body. That’s why we brought him here is just to add to it. Again, like I said, we originally were going to have to play six games in eight days.

“And we just didn’t think with the bodies that we had, that that was going to be enough. So thankfully, Sam was able to do it. The timing worked out with him getting done with OKC on Sunday and he was able to get here earlier this morning. So it just helps us to take full advantage of this trip.”

On playing a lot of guys and building chemistry:

“Yeah, I think the hardest part when you’re doing events like this is we’re only allowed to play 12 guys a night. So there’s going to be a couple guys every night that we’re not allowed to participate, but just with the rules that are in front. But overall it can be a little challenging just with rotations and things, because you’re trying to get everybody some time, trying to give them reps, trying to give them experience.

“But at the same time, trying to say maybe some of those guys that are potential starters, it’s given them the opportunity to play together as well, because they’re all new to each other, too. So we want to be able to do a mixture of both, get the young guys their minutes, but also get some of those older vets a chance to play with one another in different types of situations.”

On Vaughn Karvala:

“Yeah, I think Vaughn’s done a great job. He’s really bought into doing the things we ask. He’s got great size, athleticism. He can really run. He’s skilled. And you got to see a little bit of all that in the game tonight. Well, maybe you didn’t. It depends on how clear that view was. But he was aggressive attacking the glass. He caught a lob, shooting threes. So he’s someone that’s just going to continue to get better and better, because I think there’s a lot there for him to continue to grow into.”

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