Indiana Hoosiers Men’s Basketball 2026–27 Season Preview: More Size, Proven Scoring, and a Push Toward March Madness

Indiana enters the 2026–27 season looking to turn a promising roster into a return to the NCAA Tournament. Darian DeVries begins his second season with an experienced scoring guard in Markus Burton, substantial frontcourt additions, and several newcomers competing for meaningful roles.

The Hoosiers have reasons for optimism, particularly around the basket. Whether that translates into a significant improvement will depend on perimeter consistency, defensive execution, and how quickly the new rotation develops chemistry.

How Did Indiana Do Last Season?

Indiana finished 18–14 overall and 9–11 in Big Ten play in 2025–26, missing the NCAA Tournament. The Hoosiers averaged 78.2 points per game while allowing 72.2, but their positive scoring margin did not translate into enough conference victories.

Their season ended with a 74–61 loss to Northwestern in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament. That followed a 91–78 defeat at Ohio State in the regular-season finale, leaving Indiana without the strong finish it needed.

For DeVries, the task now is building a team that can sustain its performance through the conference schedule. Winning difficult road games and avoiding extended offensive droughts will be essential to improving Indiana’s postseason position.

Coaching Staff: Darian DeVries Enters Year Two

DeVries has approached this roster with greater physicality in mind. Indiana’s own preseason coverage identifies the addition of center Samet Yigitoglu as a response to the demands of Big Ten basketball. That gives the Hoosiers a clear opportunity to become more competitive around the rim.

The coaching staff includes assistants Drew Adams, Thomas Carr, Rod Clark, Kenny Johnson, and Nick Norton. Ryan Carr serves as executive director of basketball, while Mike Bargen is special assistant to the head coach.

The staff’s biggest tactical decision will be balancing size with spacing. Indiana can use substantial frontcourt combinations, but those lineups must leave room for Burton to attack. Developing dependable perimeter defenders will be equally important; interior size cannot compensate for every breakdown outside.

Centers: Samet Yigitoglu Provides an Interior Foundation

Samet Yigitoglu arrives from SMU after averaging 10.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks last season. He shot 62.8% from the field and started all 34 games in which he appeared. His production gives Indiana an established center rather than a player learning the position at this level.

At 7-foot-2 and 270 pounds, Yigitoglu offers the size to establish deep position, set strong screens, and compete for rebounds against the conference’s biggest frontcourts. His ability to finish efficiently should make him a valuable target for the guards.

The main test will come defensively against teams that force him away from the basket. Indiana must coordinate its perimeter coverage with his positioning to avoid surrendering open shots or uncontested drives.

Freshman Clemens Sokolov, listed at 7-foot and 265 pounds, provides another center option. His readiness for college competition will help determine how much flexibility DeVries has behind Yigitoglu.

Forwards: Aiden Sherrell Adds Versatility

Aiden Sherrell could be one of Indiana’s most consequential additions. At Alabama last season, he averaged 11.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks, while shooting 33.8% from three-point range. His shot-blocking and ability to step outside offer a different skill set from a traditional interior scorer.

Sherrell projects as a player who can contribute beside Yigitoglu or handle interior responsibilities in a smaller lineup. His shooting must remain credible enough to prevent opponents from crowding the paint.

Sam Alexis supplies returning experience after averaging 8.8 points and 4.8 rebounds, shooting 68.7% from the field last season. His eligibility was restored through a preliminary injunction in September; his availability remains connected to ongoing proceedings. If available throughout the season, he gives Indiana a valuable additional finisher and rebounder.

Trent Sisley returns after averaging 4.2 points and 2.8 rebounds as a freshman. He has an opportunity to earn greater responsibility, but improving his shooting consistency will matter after making 27.1% of his three-point attempts last season.

Freshmen Trevor Manhertz and Vaughn Karvala, along with sophomore Ben Winker, provide additional forward options. Their minutes should depend on defensive readiness and their ability to complement the veteran contributors.

Guards: Markus Burton Drives the Offense

Markus Burton gives Indiana a proven scorer against major-conference competition. He averaged 18.5 points and 3.7 assists in 10 games at Notre Dame last season before an ankle injury ended his campaign. The previous season, he averaged 21.3 points and earned second-team All-ACC honors.

Burton projects as Indiana’s primary creator, particularly when an initial offensive action fails. His ability to draw defensive attention should generate opportunities for the big men and perimeter shooters. Staying healthy and balancing scoring with distribution will be crucial.

Bryce Lindsay arrives from Villanova after averaging 12.3 points and making 78 three-pointers at a 35.6% rate. He provides an established perimeter threat who can help punish opponents for concentrating on Burton.

Transfers Darren Harris, formerly of Duke, and Jaeden Mustaf, formerly of Georgia Tech, add size to the guard rotation. Freshman Prince-Alexander Moody offers another developmental option.

The key question is who supplies dependable secondary creation. Indiana will be harder to defend if Burton can occasionally work away from the ball while another guard organizes the offense.

Season Prediction

My projection is 21–23 regular-season victories, a finish between sixth and ninth in the Big Ten, and an NCAA Tournament berth in the No. 7–10 seed range.

The frontcourt additions give Indiana a plausible path to better rebounding and rim protection. Burton raises the offense’s potential, while Lindsay provides shooting that should help the pieces fit together.

My postseason prediction is a second-round NCAA Tournament appearance, with a Sweet 16 run possible if the perimeter defense improves and the rotation stays healthy. The principal concern is whether Indiana can produce consistent offense when opponents limit Burton’s penetration.

Conclusion

Indiana has assembled a roster with clearer interior strength and a proven lead scorer. Yigitoglu and Sherrell can change the Hoosiers’ presence around the basket, while Burton gives them someone capable of creating difficult shots.

The next step is turning those individual strengths into reliable team play. If Indiana defends without excessive fouling, protects the ball, and gets steady shooting around its primary creators, DeVries’ second season can end with the Hoosiers back in March Madness.