Get ready for the thrill of the court – in just 22 days, the Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team will ignite the season with a high-stakes home opener that could set the tone for everything ahead! We're counting down to that electric tip-off, much like we did for football, and today, we're shining the spotlight on a player whose story is as intriguing as it gets: redshirt senior forward Tucker DeVries.
Player Profile
Name: Tucker DeVries
Height/Weight: 6'7" / 225 lbs
Hometown/High School: Waukee, Iowa / Waukee High School
Class: Redshirt Senior
Position: Forward
NIL Store: Explore Tucker's official NIL gear here
Tucker DeVries is stepping into what could be the defining chapter of his college basketball journey right here in Bloomington, Indiana – the heart of Hoosier Nation. For those new to the game, Bloomington isn't just any college town; it's a basketball mecca where legends are made at Assembly Hall. What's fascinating about Tucker? He's spent his entire collegiate career playing under the guidance of his father, Darian DeVries, who is now the head coach at Indiana. When Darian got the big job in Bloomington last year, Tucker made the move too, joining the Hoosiers for this pivotal final season. Now, before you jump to conclusions, let's clear the air: this isn't about nepotism or easy rides. Tucker has proven time and again that he's a legit talent – a true 'baller' who earns every minute on the floor. Just check out his stats on ESPN to see the numbers back it up (Tucker's ESPN profile).
His story kicked off at Drake University, where he really hit his stride. In his standout 2023-2024 season – think of it as his breakout year after building experience – Tucker was a scoring machine, putting up an impressive 21.6 points per game on average. But he wasn't just an offensive threat; he grabbed 6.7 rebounds, dished out 3.7 assists, and swiped 1.6 steals per contest. For context, if you're new to college hoops, assists are those clever passes that set up teammates for easy buckets, and steals are all about that quick defense turning the game around. His dominance earned him a slew of awards in the Missouri Valley Conference – that's a competitive mid-major league known for gritty, fundamentals-driven play. In fact, he wrapped up that season ranked 10th in all of Division I college basketball for total points scored. Impressive, right? It shows how he can light up the scoreboard against top competition.
After that stellar run at Drake, Tucker followed his dad to West Virginia University when Darian took the head coaching gig there. And here's where it gets a bit controversial... Some folks might whisper about family ties giving him an unfair edge, but let's flip that: transferring with your coach-father could mean extra pressure to perform under the microscope, or does it build unbreakable trust on the court? That stint at WVU was short-lived – just one season – and it wasn't smooth sailing. Injuries sidelined him for much of the year, which is a tough break for any athlete still chasing NBA dreams. But when he did suit up for those 8 games, Tucker showed flashes of brilliance that reminded everyone of his potential. Take his standout performance in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament against Arizona (box score details) – a prestigious early-season event where elite teams clash in the Bahamas. There, he exploded for 26 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, while draining 8 out of 12 three-pointers. For beginners, three-pointers are those long-range shots from beyond the arc that can swing momentum in a heartbeat, and Tucker's efficiency there was elite-level stuff.
But this is the part most people miss: Tucker DeVries is arriving in Bloomington fully recovered and hungry to elevate his game even further. With the NBA undoubtedly on his radar – that professional league where the best of the best compete – he possesses all the ingredients to make it happen. Offensively, he's got that rare blend of sharpshooting accuracy, the ability to create his own shots in traffic, and a creative flair that keeps defenses guessing. Picture a forward who can pull up from deep or drive to the rim with finesse. Defensively, don't sleep on him either; at 6'7" and 225 pounds, he brings physicality, hustle, and that tenacious mindset to lock down opponents. He might just emerge as the Hoosiers' go-to star this year, earning every chance to guide the team back to its glory days of March Madness runs and Big Ten titles. And yeah, that father-son duo? It could be the secret sauce – or the spark for endless debate. Does it create harmony or added scrutiny?
The Hoosiers are gearing up to launch their regular season right at home in the iconic Assembly Hall on November 5th, facing off against Alabama A&M in what promises to be an energetic start. For example, these early non-conference games are crucial for building chemistry and shaking off any rust before the tougher Big Ten battles begin. Keep your eyes glued to Hoosier Huddle (support us here) for non-stop coverage of Indiana basketball, football, and every other IU sport you love. We're your go-to source, all season long!
What do you think – is Tucker's family connection a massive advantage or does it pile on the pressure? Could he really be the key to reviving Hoosier hoops? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; we'd love to hear if you're Team 'Dynasty in the Making' or Team 'Prove It Every Night'!
