Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, 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.

IU is playing rare July exhibition basketball games in Peru as part of its foreign tour. This was not the only major story in the world of Hoosier basketball this week, as additional big games for the pre-Big Ten schedule were learned.

Also, the current Indiana football squad added another top recruit and is preparing for its upcoming fall season. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the IU sports scene, which was led by women’s basketball adding a staff member.

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• IU Dominates First Three Peru Games To Advance To Championship Of FISU American Games

• Basketball Adds More Top Games To Schedule For Before Big Ten Play

• Football Bags Another Top Recruit

• Football Season Preview

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Women’s Basketball Adds Staff Member

Banner #1: IU Dominates First Three Peru Games To Advance To Championship Of FISU American Games

IU normally is months away from playing competitive basketball games in July. However, this summer is an exception, as the Hoosiers, representing the USA, are part of the FISU American Games in Peru.

Showing off their entirely remade team, the Hoosiers have dominated lesser competition, winning three games so far by wide margins to advance to the tournament finals. They started the event by rolling over the tournament hosts 115-36 in pool play and followed that up by blasting the US Virgin Islands 120-63 to win the group.

IU did not let up in the semi-finals on Saturday in the knockout round, dominating Chile 107-40 to advance to the championship game. Here they will have a rematch with the same US Virgin Islands squad they faced earlier in the week.

After their opening tournament victory, Indiana got a surprise addition to their team in Sam Alexis, who was a contributor on last year’s IU squad to replace the ineligible Samet Yigitoglu, who is the projected big man for this coming season. However, since Yigitoglu does not have American citizenship, he is ineligible to represent the USA as a member of the Hoosiers.

Indiana head coach Darien DeVries spoke after the opening win over Peru. Also, highlights were posted after each victory by Inside the Hall as the games are being streamed on YouTube. Finally, updated stats can be viewed here.

Banner #2: Basketball Adds More Top Games To Schedule For Before Big Ten Play

Two more premium games were learned about for IU before the Big Ten schedule begins. One will count against Indiana’s record and represent their fourth serious test against a P5 opponent this fall when they take on John Calipari and Arkansas on Nov. 17 at Madison Square Garden in New York. This contest joins the already announced games against Syracuse (Nov. 9), Kentucky (Nov. 20), and Missouri (Dec. 18) as the biggest challenges before conference play that will count towards the squad’s final record.

However, the exhibition schedule will provide quite the tune-up as the NCAA now allows three scrimmage games before actual preseason play begins. The Hoosiers are taking full advantage of this as they announced a road game at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Oct. 11 against Butler.

This matchup is the third such exhibition matchup, joining already known games against North Carolina (Oct. 18) and Western Kentucky (Oct. 25) in Evansville. Also, Indiana’s state capital will apparently serve as an unofficial second home for the Hoosiers in 2026-2027 as they will play no less than five games in Indianapolis and potentially more.

The game against the Bulldogs on Butler’s campus joins the contest against the Tar Heels and Orange in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Big Ten Tournament will also take place next spring. Meanwhile, the matchup with the Wildcats will be in Lucas Oil Stadium on Nov. 20.

Banner #3: Football Bags Another Top Recruit

The final big news in Hoosier land this week was on the football field and involved recruiting. Fresh off their commitment from elite WR Monshun Sales, IU Coach Curt Cignetti struck big again.

This time the announcement came for a 2028 prospect and is for the most important position on the gridiron. The pledge came from elite QB target Lukas Prock, who ranks in the top-100 nationally for his class and chose Indiana over Florida, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. His ESPN ranking at No. 87 in the class trails only Sales in terms of where that number stands for the Hoosiers all-time when it comes to recruiting.

Banner #4: Football Season Preview

Once again, the football program at IU is expecting big things this fall. This is after coming off their national championship last winter.

Indeed, most expect little drop-off as Indiana ranks near the top of college football again heading into the fall. As a result, Inside the Hall continued previewing each position for the squad separately. This week looked at the offensive tackles, interior offensive line, and tight ends,

Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel

Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.

The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both

Jerod Morris and Tony Adragna have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.

Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?

Get 20% off at Homefield now

Banner #5: Weekly Shows

The Back Home Network has many shows. As a result, it was on air several times this week with programming.

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Plus, you get perks (see here) when people sign up using your link.

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Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Hoosier Roundup-Women’s Basketball Adds Staff Member

• Women’s Basketball added a staff member in Sammy Smith, who will be the Team and Recruitment Analyst.

• Field Hockey signed a future recruit.

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

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Leave a comment

Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, 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.

IU played a rare July exhibition basketball game in Bloomington as it prepares for its foreign tour. This was not the only major story in the world of Hoosier sports this week, as Football got a commit from the highest-ranked recruit in program history.

Also, the current Indiana basketball squad is preparing for its upcoming summer tour and a football season preview. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the IU sports scene, which was led by baseball having a player drafted by the MLB.

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• IU Beats Canada As Team USA In Exhibition Game In Bloomington

• Monshun Sales Commits To Indiana Football As Highest Ranked Recruit In Program History

• Basketball Prep For Upcoming Peru Trip

• Football Season Preview

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Baseball’s Bergman Drafted By MLB

Banner #1: IU Beats Canada As Team USA In Exhibition Game In Bloomington

IU normally is months away from playing competitive basketball games in Assembly Hall in July. However, this summer is an exception, as the Hoosiers, representing the USA, played Canada this week.

Showing off their entirely remade team, the Hoosiers won in a rout 98-64, in preparation for the FISU American Games in Peru. Aiden Sherell especially stood out with 16 points in the contest.

Afterwards, Indiana head coach Darien DeVries spoke, and Inside the Hall had a photo gallery, players’ stats, and highlights from the victory. Also, Alex Bozich penned Five Takeaways.

Banner #2: Monshun Sales Commits To Indiana Football As Highest Ranked Recruit In Program History

The other big news in Hoosier land this week was on the football field and involved recruiting. Fresh off their national championship, IU showed they will likely be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

This is because Indiana landed a commit from the highest-ranked prospect in program history. This player is WR Monshun Sales, who plays in-state for Lawrence North and is ranked in the top-15 nationally.

Sales pledged to the Hoosiers on the Pat McAfee show on Friday and in doing so became the first 5-star player ever to pick IU. Lawrence North was also the high school of recent NFL draftee Omar Cooper and current Indiana WR Davion Chandler.

Banner #3: Basketball Prep For Upcoming Peru Trip

With the exhibition contest now over, IU continues to prepare for its trip to Peru. Practice continues for these games, and while incoming transfer Samet Yigitoglu will be unable to play during the trip as a non-American (he did play in the game this last week, though), the Hoosiers nonetheless expect big things from him during this upcoming season. Also, incoming freshman Trevor Manhertz is expected to contribute.

The games themselves start this week. They will run July 20-Aug 1 with Indiana representing the USA squad.

Banner #4: Football Season Preview

Once again, the football program at IU is expecting big things this fall. This is after coming off their national championship last winter.

Indeed, most expect little drop-off as Indiana ranks near the top of college football again heading into the fall. As a result, Inside the Hall continued previewing each position for the squad separately. This week looked at the linebackers, defensive tackles, and defensive ends.

Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel

Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.

The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both

Jerod Morris and Tony Adragna have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.

Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?

Get 20% off at Homefield now

Banner #5: Weekly Shows

Podcast on the Brink returned this week. On it, USBWA Hall of Famer Rick Bozich joined to discuss the Hoosiers’ exhibition victory.

Also, The Back Home Network has many shows. As a result, it was on air several times this week with programming.

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Do you enjoy The Assembly Call? Please consider sharing our work with other IU fans in your life who you think would appreciate it.

Plus, you get perks (see here) when people sign up using your link.

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And if you want to get generous, consider gifting a premium subscription to the extra special IU fans in your life.

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Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Baseball’s Bergman Drafted By MLB

• IU baseball pitcher Jackson Bergman was drafted in the 18th round of the MLB draft by the Chicago White Sox.

• Soccer’s Palmer Ault was given a deal to play professional soccer in the US.

• Volleyball had an athlete compete at the U22 European Championships as part of Team Serbia, and her squad took home the silver medal. Also, the program announced which players will represent IU at Big Ten Media Day.

• Wrestling had a player earn the silver medal at the U-20 Pan American Championships.

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

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Leave a comment

Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, 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.

IU added a solid non-conference opponent to its home slate. While it is not necessarily a brand name, it is nonetheless a solid challenge from a regional foe of comparable strength.

Also, the current Indiana squad is preparing for its upcoming summer tour, a football season preview, and former Hoosiers are taking their shot at the NBA by competing in the Summer League. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the IU sports scene, which was led by women’s golf adding a staff member.

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• IU Adds Power Five Non-Conference Opponent To Home Slate

• Hoosiers Practice For Upcoming Peru Trip

• Football Season Preview

• Former IU Basketball Players’ Summer League Performances

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Women’s Golf Adds Staff Member

Banner #1: IU Adds Power Five Non-Conference Opponent To Home Slate

Indiana fans have been clamoring for a non-conference home game in Assembly Hall against high-level competition. This was especially true following the announcement of the Syracuse and Kentucky matchups taking place in Indianapolis, nearby but on a neutral court nonetheless.

Now, it was reported this week by Jon Rothstein that IU will play a Power Five squad in Assembly Hall on December 18 before Big Ten play begins. While it won’t be the elite brand name of the Orange or the Wildcats, it will still be solid competition.

This opponent is Missouri, which is coming off back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and is ranked inside the top-40 for next year according to Bart Torvik. There will be no return match in Columbia in the future, according to the report, and the teams will meet for the first time in 22 years.

Banner #2: Hoosiers Practice For Upcoming Peru Trip

IU continues to prepare for its summer trip to Peru as part of the FISU American Games it will compete in. Also, this week it was revealed which uniforms the Hoosiers will wear for the event as Team USA.

Practice continues for these games, and Alabama transfer Aiden Sherrell is looking forward to competing. Sherell was made available to the media at practice this week, as were a couple of other players, including incoming freshman Trevor Manhertz and SMU transfer Samet Yigitoglu. Also, head coach Darian DeVries spoke with Andy Katz.

Banner #3: Football Season Preview

Once again, the football program at IU is expecting big things this fall. This is after coming off their national championship last winter, which featured star QB Fernando Mendoza honored by the Big Ten as the male athlete of the year.

Indeed, ESPN expects little drop-off as they rank Indiana sixth nationally heading into the fall in their FPI Rankings. As a result, Inside the Hall began previewing each position for the squad separately. This week looked at special teams, cornerbacks, and safeties.

Banner #4: Former IU Basketball Players’ Summer League Performances

While no one from last year’s Hoosiers squad was drafted into the NBA, a few recent IU players will get their chance to earn their way into the pros through a tougher avenue. Sam Alexis, Reed Bailey, Tucker DeVries, Luke Goode, and Lamar Wilkerson got a chance in the NBA’s Summer League with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Thunder, respectively.

With the league now underway, these players are now officially competing, and it has been a struggle for these guys to see the court, with Goode the most successful. Goode made his debut in the second game the Lakers played in, scoring three points and then nine points in the subsequent game. He also got into a contest late on Saturday night, but his final point total was not available at the time of 6-Banners’ publication.

Also, Wilkerson put up two points off the bench in his debut in his squad’s first game but has not appeared since. Meanwhile, Alexis did make his first appearance against the Jazz and scored a couple of points. Finally, DeVries and Bailey have yet to see action at all as of this publication.

Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel

Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.

The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both

Jerod Morris and Tony Adragna have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.

Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?

Get 20% off at Homefield now

Banner #5: Weekly Shows

The Back Home Network has many shows. As a result, it was on air several times this week with programming.

Refer a friend

Do you enjoy The Assembly Call? Please consider sharing our work with other IU fans in your life who you think would appreciate it.

Plus, you get perks (see here) when people sign up using your link.

Refer a friend

Gift subscriptions

And if you want to get generous, consider gifting a premium subscription to the extra special IU fans in your life.

We promise we’ll make it worth their while — and your hard-earned money!

Give a gift subscription

Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Women’s Golf Adds Staff Member

• Women’s Golf added an assistant coach to its staff.

• Baseball star Hogan Denny made the USA Collegiate National Team.

• Volleyball had a player make the U22 European Championships.

• Former IU soccer star Daniel Munie made the MLS All-Star roster.

• Field hockey signed a couple of recruits for the future.

• Track and Field will have athletes in summer competition.

• Finally, a couple of Hoosiers received the conference’s Sportsmanship Award.

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

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Leave a comment

On Wednesday, and will discuss the Hoosiers’ incoming freshmen with another edition of Doing The Work — our show dedicated to the Indiana women’s basketball team.

Watch on our YouTube channel below. (Open the link in YouTube to see a replay of

the show or chat with the WorkAholics during the show.)

Subscribe to Doing The Work

Subscribe to the Doing The Work podcast for free at any of the following places:

• YouTube

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Google Podcasts

• Art19

• Podcast feed RSS (use this to subscribe in any player)

• Search for “doing the work” wherever you listen to podcasts. If you don’t find us, email Jerod.

Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, 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.

Former Hoosiers are taking their shot at the NBA by competing in the Summer League. Also, players already with their foot firmly in the league for several years inked deals for next season.

Also, the current Indiana squad is preparing for their upcoming summer tour, a season preview, and athletic director Scott Dolson speaks out. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the IU sports scene, which was led by baseball losing a staff member to the pros.

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• Former Hoosiers In NBA

• Hoosiers Practice For Upcoming Trip

• Season Preview

• Scott Dolson Speaks On Big Ten Network

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Baseball Loses Staff Member To Pros

Banner #1: Former Hoosiers In NBA

While no one from last year’s Hoosiers squad was drafted into the NBA, a few recent IU players will get their chance to earn their way into the pros through a tougher avenue. Sam Alexis, Reed Bailey, Tucker DeVries, Luke Goode, and Lamar Wilkerson all inked deals to play in the NBA’s Summer League with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Thunder, respectively.

As for former Indiana players already in the league, two were confirmed to be returning to the same squads they played on last year. Thomas Bryant resigned to play with the Cleveland Cavaliers while Trayce Jackson-Davis had his team option picked up by the Toronto Raptors.

Banner #2: Hoosiers Practice For Upcoming Trip

IU continues to prepare for its summer trip to Peru as part of the FISU American games it will compete in. Before that, though, they will play an exhibition game in Assembly Hall against Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf of Canada on July 15 at 7 pm, and plenty of tickets remain.

Practice continues for these games, and rising sophomore Trent Sisley was made available to the media after one of the recent sessions. Sisley will be a key to next season’s team as the only returning player from last year’s rotation.

Banner #3: Season Preview

Once the real season begins, Indiana is expected to be much improved due to the addition of an elite transfer portal class. Bart Torvik has IU at No. 27 in the nation, which is seventh in the Big Ten, and ESPN has them in a similar spot.

If these rankings come to fruition, the Hoosiers will comfortably make a return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022-2023. Indeed, Joe Lunardi has them as a seven seed in his early bracketology from mid-June.

Banner #4: Scott Dolson Speaks On Big Ten Network

The state of IU athletics was discussed by the person at the top. Athletic director Scott Dolson spoke with Rick Pizzo of the Big Ten Network recently. The conversation, as expected, focused on the football and men’s basketball programs.

Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel

Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.

The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both

Jerod Morris and Tony Adragna have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.

Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?

Get 20% off at Homefield now

Banner #5: Weekly Shows

Inside the Hall’s Podcast on the Brink returned this week. On it, the Indianapolis Star’s Zach Osterman joined Alex Bozich to discuss a recent book he wrote about the football program’s rise as well as the state of the basketball program.

The Back Home Network has many shows. As a result, it was on air several times this week with programming.

Refer a friend

Do you enjoy The Assembly Call? Please consider sharing our work with other IU fans in your life who you think would appreciate it.

Plus, you get perks (see here) when people sign up using your link.

Refer a friend

Gift subscriptions

And if you want to get generous, consider gifting a premium subscription to the extra special IU fans in your life.

We promise we’ll make it worth their while — and your hard-earned money!

Give a gift subscription

Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Baseball Loses Staff Member To Pros

• Baseball announced the departure of staff member Denton Sagerman to the pros.

• Volleyball announced its captains for the upcoming fall.

• Softball had a player named to the TC Colorado College All-Star Team.

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

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Leave a comment

Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, 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.

Another game was announced for the upcoming fall. While it is just an exhibition contest, it will take place in Evansville.

Also, a former IU manager is headed to the NBA, former Hoosiers have received Exhibit 10 deals, and Inside the Hall continued a series previewing each Big Ten team. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the IU sports scene, which was led by women’s soccer announcing its schedule.

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• Hoosiers To Play Western Kentucky In Exhibition Game In Evansville

• Former IU Manager Dusty May Leaves Michigan For NBA Job

• Former Hoosiers Sign Exhibit 10 Deals With NBA Teams

• Inside the Hall’s Big Ten Team Preview And Hoosier Season Preview

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Women’s Soccer Announces Schedule

Banner #1: Hoosiers To Play Western Kentucky In Exhibition Game In Evansville

While it will not count towards their record, a couple of tune-up exhibition matchups were announced this week. One is against Western Kentucky in Evansville. It will be on Sunday, October 25, at 4 pm in the Ford Center.

The other will be in a few weeks in Assembly Hall as the team prepares for their upcoming trip to Peru. Indiana will face Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf from Canada on July 15 at 7pm.

These join the previously announced exhibition contest against fellow blueblood North Carolina, which will take place on Sunday, Oct. 18, in Indy. Other known dates for IU’s 2026-27 schedule that do count include Eastern Illinois on November 2 at Assembly Hall, Bellarmine on November 5 at Assembly Hall, Syracuse on November 9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Kentucky on November 20 at Lucas Oil Stadium and Bowling Green on November 27 at Assembly Hall.

Banner #2: Former IU Manager Dusty May Leaves Michigan For NBA Job

A major story in the Big Ten this week has IU ties. Recent national title winner Michigan lost its coach to the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.

Dusty May, who is also a former manager for the Hoosiers, has moved on to the pros. It leaves the Wolverines in a bit of a conundrum after May was thought to be one of the upcoming elites of the league in his position. Assistant coach Mike Boynton (who struggled at Oklahoma State previously) will have to try to hold the squad together as an interim coach before Michigan decides what to do permanently.

Banner #3: Former Hoosiers Sign Exhibit 10 Deals With NBA Teams

No Hoosiers were drafted in last week’s NBA draft. However, two recent former IU players, in Tucker Devries and Lamar Wilkerson, were given Exhibit 10 deals afterward. Devries’ deal is with Boston while Wilkerson’s is with Oklahoma City. An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, non-guaranteed NBA training camp deal for the minimum salary. It allows teams to bring a player to camp, retain their G League rights, and offers players a special bonus if they are waived and remain with the team’s G League affiliate.

Banner #4: Inside the Hall’s Big Ten Team Preview And Hoosier Season Preview

Inside the Hall continued a series looking at all the Big Ten squads in detail. This week saw teams projected in the very top of the field previewed in Illinois, Michigan, and Michigan State.

As for IU, they are expected to be much improved this upcoming fall. This follows offseason roster changes that saw the Hoosiers bring in an elite transfer portal class that includes Markus Burton, Jaeden Mustaf, and several others, as well as the return of Trent Sisley. Indiana also brings in a solid freshman class that will compete for playing time right away that includes Prince-Alexander Moody, as well as Vaughn Karvala.

Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel

Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.

The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both

Jerod Morris and Tony Adragna have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.

Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?

Get 20% off at Homefield now

Banner #5: Weekly Shows

The Back Home Network has many shows. As a result, it was on air several times this week with programming.

Refer a friend

Do you enjoy The Assembly Call? Please consider sharing our work with other IU fans in your life who you think would appreciate it.

Plus, you get perks (see here) when people sign up using your link.

Refer a friend

Gift subscriptions

And if you want to get generous, consider gifting a premium subscription to the extra special IU fans in your life.

We promise we’ll make it worth their while — and your hard-earned money!

Give a gift subscription

Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Women’s Soccer Announces Schedule

• Women’s soccer announced its upcoming schedule.

• Baseball announced its conference schedule for next spring as well as an early-season tournament it will compete in.

• Softball signed a transfer for next year.

• Finally, former IU women’s basketball star Shay Ciezki made her WNBA debut here in Indiana this week against the Fever, hitting a late three-pointer.

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

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Leave a comment

Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth are joined by Scott Caulfield for a fun and thought-provoking discussion about the evolution of college basketball coaching. Looking back at some of the sport’s most memorable personalities, the guys explore why coaching icons once loomed so large over the game—and why today’s coaches often feel very different.

The Golden Age of Coaching Personalities

The conversation begins with a trip down memory lane as Bob, Mike, and Scott revisit some of the unforgettable characters who once dominated college basketball.

• Why coaches like Bob Knight, Jim Valvano, John Thompson, Jerry Tarkanian, Lou Carnesecca, and Rollie Massimino became household names

• The quirks, stories, and larger-than-life personalities that made coaches stars in their own right

• How many of these coaches became synonymous with their programs and even their conferences

• Which legendary coaches would make the best dinner companions

Along the way, the guys share plenty of stories, laughs, and memories from college basketball’s colorful past.

Why Today’s Coaches Feel Different

The discussion then turns to the modern game and why today’s coaches often seem more corporate, measured, and interchangeable.

Topics include:

• The “nerdification” and professionalization of coaching

• How media scrutiny, social media, and 24/7 coverage have changed coaching behavior

• Why modern coaches often look more like executives than old-school basketball lifers

• The impact of shorter coaching tenures and increased job movement

The group also debates whether the sport has simply changed—or whether we’ve lost something valuable along the way.

NIL, Realignment, and the New Coaching Reality

As the conversation evolves, Bob, Mike, and Scott examine how NIL, the transfer portal, and the changing economics of college sports have fundamentally altered the coaching profession.

• Why college coaching may now be more difficult than NBA coaching

• How roster management and fundraising have reshaped the head coach’s job

• Whether today’s coaches are being hired primarily to win games rather than build programs and young men

• Why the modern environment may discourage the kind of eccentric personalities that once thrived in the sport

The guys also discuss Dusty May’s departure for the NBA and what it says about the future of college basketball coaching.

Is There Room for Characters to Return?

The episode closes with a fascinating discussion about whether coaching personalities could eventually make a comeback.

Could larger support staffs and general managers eventually free coaches to simply coach again? Or has college basketball permanently moved into a more corporate era?

It’s a thoughtful conversation about leadership, culture, nostalgia, and where the sport may be headed next.

Bottom line: This episode is equal parts basketball history, cultural analysis, and old-school storytelling as Bob, Mike, and Scott explore why college basketball once felt full of unforgettable characters—and whether those days are truly gone for good.

This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.

The YouTube video is below, and you can listen to the audio wherever podcasts are available.

Use these links to subscribe to the podcast:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Amazon Music

• PocketCasts

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• Don’t see it somewhere you normally listen to podcasts? Let us know.

If you thoughts or comments about the episode, feel free to comment on YouTube video, comment below, or reach out to Mike (@M_Wiemuth_) and Bob (@BobMoats) on Twitter or in our BHN Discord.

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Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, 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.

A third game in Indianapolis was announced for the upcoming fall. While it is just an exhibition contest, it will take place against a blueblood.

Also, Inside the Hall continued a series previewing each Big Ten team, Indiana’s season projections, and women’s basketball added a couple of recruits. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the IU sports scene, which was led by baseball, giving head coach Jeff Mercer an unannounced extension back in 2023.

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• Hoosiers To Play North Carolina In Exhibition Game In Indianapolis

• Inside the Hall’s Big Ten Team Preview

• Season Projections

• Women’s Basketball Adds Recruits

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-IU Baseball Coach Jeff Mercer Received Unannounced Extension in 2023

Banner #1: Hoosiers To Play North Carolina In Exhibition Game In Indianapolis

Two premium non-conference games for IU in Indianapolis were previously announced previously for the upcoming year: Syracuse on Nov. 9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Kentucky on Nov. 20 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Now a third game in Indianapolis and the second at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was made public this week.

While it will not count towards their record, a tune-up exhibition matchup against fellow blueblood North Carolina will take place on Sunday, Oct. 18. Plenty of tickets for this contest are available at this link directly through the venue. While a time has not been announced yet, it will presumably be late in the afternoon after the Indianapolis Colts’ 1 pm home game against the Tennessee Titans down the street.

This showdown wraps up a huge weekend for Indiana athletics, coming one day after the gargantuan Hoosier football vs. Ohio State matchup on Saturday in Bloomington. IU football is expected to be in the running for a second straight Big Ten and national championship, with the Buckeyes arguably their main challenger to these thrones once again.

Banner #2: Inside the Hall’s Big Ten Team Preview

Inside the Hall continued a series looking at all the Big Ten squads in detail. This week saw teams projected in the top half of the field previewed in USC, IU, UCLA, Ohio State, and Nebraska.

Banner #3: Season Projections

IU is expected to be much improved this upcoming fall. This follows offseason roster changes that saw the Hoosiers bring in an elite transfer portal class that includes Markus Burton, Darren Harris, and several other highly sought-after players. Projections rank Indiana relatively highly heading into 2026-2027, both in the Big Ten and nationally. Joe Lunardi’s early bracketology has IU safely back in the NCAA Tournament field as a seven seed after the roster overhaul.

Banner #4: Women’s Basketball Adds Recruits

While the IU women are in offseason mode, that does not stop them from recruiting. While it is not big names or anyone with much information on them, the team did round out their roster for 2026-207 by adding two international prospects this week.

While not in as comfortable a position as the men to return to the NCAA Tournament, they are nonetheless in decent shape to do so, assuming health and the expansion to 76 teams. This optimism is due to the return of starters Maya Makalusky, Zania Socka-Nguemen, and Lenee Beaumont, as well as the addition of the highest-ranked recruiting class in program history (no. 8 overall), which features the first two players ever ranked inside the top-30 nationally to come to Indiana straight out of high school.

Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel

Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.

The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both

Jerod Morris and Tony Adragna have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.

Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?

Get 20% off at Homefield now

Banner #5: Weekly Shows

The Back Home Network has many shows. As a result, it was on air several times this week with programming.

Refer a friend

Do you enjoy The Assembly Call? Please consider sharing our work with other IU fans in your life who you think would appreciate it.

Plus, you get perks (see here) when people sign up using your link.

Refer a friend

Gift subscriptions

And if you want to get generous, consider gifting a premium subscription to the extra special IU fans in your life.

We promise we’ll make it worth their while — and your hard-earned money!

Give a gift subscription

Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-IU Baseball Coach Jeff Mercer Received Unannounced Extension in 2023

• Baseball gave head coach Jeff Mercer an unannounced extension following an elite year in 2023 that runs through 2028, as I reported this week. The last publicly known information about the expiration of his contract was after this season, but that is not the case, given this new data. The squad has struggled since that 2023 spring and has made the NCAA Tournament in just two out of the last seven campaigns. Meanwhile, a former program legend was elected to the Collegiate Baseball Hall of Fame.

• Softball had two players finish in the top-100 nationally.

• Field Hockey announced its fall schedule.

• Men’s Tennis had a couple of its athletes attempting to qualify for the US Open but ultimately failed to do so.

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

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Leave a comment

In this episode of The Assembly Call, the crew checks in from the quiet part of the offseason—but with plenty to discuss.

From the first glimpses of summer workouts to Indiana’s exhibition schedule and the ongoing debate around NCAA Tournament expansion, there’s no shortage of reasons to start getting excited for basketball again.

The Banner Moment: Summer Workouts Are Here

For the first time, we’re getting a peek behind the curtain at this completely rebuilt roster.

• Early practice observations from those in attendance

• Why Coach Tonsoni is suddenly paying attention to practice videos

• What stood out from the first few days in Bloomington

• Looking ahead to Peru and why those games could be so valuable

Breaking Down the New-Look Roster

The conversation digs into what little we’ve seen—and what it might tell us.

• Why Indiana’s roster construction feels more intentional this time around

• The importance of having multiple ways to create spacing offensively

• Which newcomers could quietly become the biggest difference-makers

• A fun exercise: if you’re scouting Indiana, who do you try to stop first?

The discussion also explores why this team may simply have more answers than recent IU squads when defenses take away the first option.

Scheduling, Expansion, and the Bigger Picture

The show wraps with a look beyond the roster.

• Thoughts on playing marquee games in Indianapolis versus Assembly Hall

• Whether expanding the NCAA Tournament to 76 teams actually improves the event

• How a larger field could change scheduling philosophy across college basketball

• A few final reflections on the ever-changing landscape of the sport
  

Live Show and Replay

Thank you to our sponsors

We appreciate the support of our sponsors who help make our continued coverage of Indiana basketball possible.

• Presenting sponsor: Homefield Apparel (promo code HOME23 for 15% off your first order)

• Promotional partner for Meaningful Moment: Hoosier Ticket Project

• Promotional partner for Inside the Numbers: Megan Mahaffey’s JacksonHewitt franchise locations in and around Bloomington

• Game Ball sponsor: Bloomington Environmental (mention Assembly Call for a free radon test kit and mitigation estimate)

• Hoosier Hustle Award sponsor: Security Pro 24/7 (formerly Evansville Security Services)

Subscribe to The Assembly Call

Subscribe to The Assembly Call podcast for free at any of the following places:

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• Search for “assembly call” wherever you listen to podcasts. If you don’t find us, email Jerod.

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Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, 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.

One former Hoosier won a title. Not only is OG Anunoby an NBA Champion again, but he was a major player in getting his team over the finish line this time.

Also, Inside the Hall launched a series previewing each Big Ten team, Indiana’s season projections, and women’s basketball got a commitment from a recruit. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the IU sports in action, which were led by volleyball announcing its fall schedule.

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• Former Hoosier OG Anunoby Hits Game Winner In NBA Finals As He Celebrates NBA Championship

• Inside the Hall’s Big Ten Team Preview

• Season Projections

• Women’s Basketball Adds Recruit

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Volleyball Announces Fall Schedule

Banner #1: Former Hoosier OG Anunoby Hits Game Winner In NBA Finals As He Celebrates NBA Championship

While the number of former Hoosier basketball players currently thriving in the NBA is limited, there is one particular exception. This exception is New York Knicks starter OG Anunoby, who was instrumental in his squad’s championship run this week.

Anunoby averaged over 16 points per game in the regular season, which he has upped to over 20 in the playoffs. It could be argued that, outside of superstar Jalen Brunson, Anunoby was the Knicks’ best player in the postseason.

This duo’s play was superb as New York tore through the playoffs, and the reason the franchise’s first banner since 1972 will hang from the rafters. Anunoby himself had the game winner on an offensive rebound this week to help finish off a comeback from 29 points down on Wednesday while scoring 33 points individually. The Knicks concluded their title chase on Saturday as Anunoby hit the game-clinching free throw. He was also interviewed on the ABC broadcast after the buzzer sounded as his squad celebrated.

As Anunoby thrives in the NBA, it is easy to forget his roots began at IU, where he was discovered by former head coach Tom Crean at a camp while scouting Juwan Morgan, being overlooked by the recruiting world. Anunoby then played under Crean for two seasons from 2015-2017 and came on in Big Ten play to help the Hoosiers win the league title his freshman season.

He then missed most of his sophomore year with injury. However, he had shown enough to be drafted by the Toronto Raptors, where his squad won a title despite him being sidelined by appendicitis. Eventually, he joined the Knicks, where he has thrived after developing a three-point shot, despite periodic injuries sidelining him at times.

With his title in New York, he joins Isiah Thomas as the only former Hoosier to win multiple NBA Championships. Anunoby just completed his ninth season in the league, where his career is far from over.

Banner #2: Inside the Hall’s Big Ten Team Preview

Inside the Hall continued a series looking at all the Big Ten squads in detail. This week saw teams projected in the middle of the field previewed in Wisconsin, Iowa, Maryland, Oregon, and Purdue.

Banner #3: Season Projections

IU is expected to be much improved this upcoming fall following the offseason roster changes. Projections have Indiana projected relatively highly heading into 2026-2027, both in the Big Ten and nationally. This is after adding a much-improved front court and several top-end transfers that rank very highly.

Banner #4: Women’s Basketball Adds Recruit

While the IU women are in offseason mode, that does not stop them from recruiting. While it is not a big name or anyone with much information on them, the team did add an international prospect this week in Camille Pangonis for 2027.

The squad also found out who their home and away opponents will be for conference play this season. The 18-game slate features the permanently protected double-play with Purdue and a flip of venues with everyone else from last season.

Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel

Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.

The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both

Jerod Morris and Tony Adragna have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.

Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?

Get 20% off at Homefield now

Banner #5: Weekly Shows

Inside the Hall’s Podcast on the Brink returned this week. On it, Dylan Burkhardt again joined Alex Bozich to discuss the upcoming Big Ten season.

The Back Home Network has many shows. As a result, it was on air several times this week with programming.

Refer a friend

Do you enjoy The Assembly Call? Please consider sharing our work with other IU fans in your life who you think would appreciate it.

Plus, you get perks (see here) when people sign up using your link.

Refer a friend

Gift subscriptions

And if you want to get generous, consider gifting a premium subscription to the extra special IU fans in your life.

We promise we’ll make it worth their while — and your hard-earned money!

Give a gift subscription

Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Volleyball Announces Fall Schedule

• Volleyball announced its fall schedule.

• Baseball revealed where its players will play in the upcoming summer leagues.

• Track and Field finished tied for 35th at the NCAA Outdoor National Championships.

• Field hockey announced a signing and named an associate head coach.

• Women’s tennis promoted a staff member to associate head coach.

• Finally, the Hoosiers had 150 student-athletes honored for their academics by the Big Ten.

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

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Leave a comment

Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, 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.

The recently former Hoosiers are taking their shot at the NBA. While they might face an uphill battle, workouts with pro franchises nonetheless took place.

Also, Inside the Hall launched a series previewing each Big Ten team, Indiana’s season projections, and the beginning of preparing for a summer trip to Peru for the Hoosiers. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the IU sports in action, which were led by men’s soccer announcing its fall schedule.

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• Former Hoosiers Workout For NBA Teams

• Inside the Hall’s Big Ten Team Preview

• Season Projections

• IU To Begin Workouts For Peru Trip

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Football Sets Kickoff Times For First Five Games

Banner #1: Former Hoosiers Workout For NBA Teams

While no recent former Hoosiers are necessarily projected to be drafted, that doesn’t mean teams are not interested in trying them out. Between Summer League contracts, G-League contracts, and two-way deals, the ways into the NBA can go beyond draft night, even if the odds are longer.

This week, both Lamar Wilkerson and Sam Alexis got workouts with NBA teams. This duo was joined by Tucker DeVries, who also showed off his skills for the pros.

Banner #2: Inside the Hall’s Big Ten Team Preview

Inside the Hall started a series looking at all the Big Ten squads in detail. This week saw teams projected near the back of the field previewed in Penn State, Rutgers, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Washington.

Banner #3: Season Projections

IU is expected to be much improved this upcoming fall following the offseason roster changes. Projections have Indiana projected relatively highly heading into 2026-2027, both in the Big Ten and nationally.

This has fans relatively optimistic for the fall. Inside the Hall will provide coverage throughout the season with two new student reporters, Ian Plaskoff and Zach Horwitz.

Banner #4: IU To Begin Workouts For Peru Trip

Many teams are in offseason mode. However, the Hoosiers are in a different spot with competition relatively soon. This is because Indiana will compete this summer as Team USA in Peru as part of the FISU American Games. IU is already working out and preparing for this event.

Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel

Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.

The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both

Jerod Morris and Tony Adragna have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.

Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?

Get 20% off at Homefield now

Banner #5: Weekly Shows

Inside the Hall’s Podcast on the Brink returned this week. On it, Dylan Burkhardt joined Alex Bozich to discuss the upcoming Big Ten season.

The Back Home Network has many shows. As a result, it was on air several times this week with programming.

Refer a friend

Do you enjoy The Assembly Call? Please consider sharing our work with other IU fans in your life who you think would appreciate it.

Plus, you get perks (see here) when people sign up using your link.

Refer a friend

Gift subscriptions

And if you want to get generous, consider gifting a premium subscription to the extra special IU fans in your life.

We promise we’ll make it worth their while — and your hard-earned money!

Give a gift subscription

Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Men’s Soccer Announces 2026 Fall Schedule

• Men’s soccer announced its upcoming fall schedule.

• Women’s basketball added an assistant coach.

• Volleyball competed on its exhibition foreign tour.

• Softball had its coaches named as the regional coaching staff of the year.

• Swimming and diving will compete in the First College Swimming League Season.

• Wrestling had five Hoosiers earn All-American status at the U20 World Team Trials and U23 Nationals.

• Field hockey announced a signing.

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

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Leave a comment

The show opens with a look back at an unforgettable Indy 500 and some thoughts on why events like that become part of Indiana's identity.

• Why this year's race was one of the most memorable in recent years
• Curt Cignetti's comments on the future of college athletics
• The growing pressure on college sports to figure out NIL and governance

Is Indiana's Roster Actually Better?

This is where the basketball discussion really gets rolling.

• Why the guys think IU largely accomplished what it needed to in the portal
• The additions that could have the biggest impact next season
• How Marcus Burton changes the equation offensively
• What makes this roster feel different from recent IU teams

There's also a deeper conversation about spacing, shot creation, offensive rebounding, and why this team may have more answers when games get tight.

How Much Should Fans Trust the Hype?

Preseason rankings are starting to appear, and Indiana is showing up in some interesting places.

• What the early projections are saying about IU
• Why portal rankings are harder to evaluate than recruiting rankings
• The gap between talent on paper and actual results
• What a successful first full season under Darian DeVries would really look like

Bottom line:

The roster looks better. The projections are encouraging. But as the guys discuss throughout the episode, the real question isn't whether Indiana won the offseason—it's whether all of these pieces can come together once the games start.

This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.

The YouTube video is below, and you can listen to the audio wherever podcasts are available.

Use these links to subscribe to the podcast:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Amazon Music

• PocketCasts

• RSS Feed (to add it to a different podcast player)

• Don’t see it somewhere you normally listen to podcasts? Let us know.

If you thoughts or comments about the episode, feel free to comment on YouTube video, comment below, or reach out to Mike (@M_Wiemuth_) and Bob (@BobMoats) on Twitter or in our BHN Discord.

Leave a comment

Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, 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.

The non-conference schedule for IU has continued to take shape for the upcoming fall. It was confirmed this week that the Hoosiers’ matchups with Kentucky and Syracuse in Indianapolis are official.

Also, Inside the Hall continued its series on next season’s roster, an Indiana season preview, and the annual event at Huber’s Winery took place. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the Hoosier sports in action, which was led by football announcing times for its early matchups.

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• Non-Conference Schedule Update

• Inside the Hall’s Transfer Portal Player Spotlight

• Season Preview

• Annual Huber’s Winery Event

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Football Sets Kickoff Times For First Five Games

Banner #1: Non-Conference Schedule Update

The non-conference schedule has continued to take shape for the upcoming fall for IU. The Hoosiers were already scheduled to play Kentucky in Indianapolis.

However, a change to the date was necessary for the contest from Saturday, December 27, to Friday, Nov 20, with tickets available here. This is due to the fact that the Indianapolis Colts have primary tenancy over Lucas Oil Stadium, where the matchup will take place.

The Colts host the Cincinnati Bengals that same December weekend with a TBA date. The NFL’s late-season scheduling rules dictate that this game could take place on either Saturday or Sunday. The league’s strict flexible scheduling procedures do not allow franchises to block out dates or request exemptions for stadium conflicts during December. It is likely Indiana and Kentucky knew this risk when choosing the original date and anticipated that a change might be necessary.

Meanwhile, IU's high-profile clash against Syracuse on Monday, November 9, was confirmed in Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Thursday, June 4.

It should also be noted that this game faces no risk of a conflict with the Indiana Pacers once the NBA releases its schedule. Under NBA scheduling rules, franchises are explicitly allowed to block out specific dates for secondary arena events, meaning this date should be set in stone.

Other known matchups for IU this coming season are with Eastern Illinois (November 2), Bellarmine (November 5), and Bowling Green (November 27) coming to Bloomington. Other potential games will be announced later this summer, which should include a home game with a power opponent and potentially more neutral-site contests.

Banner #2: Inside the Hall’s Transfer Portal Player Spotlight

Inside the Hall continued a series looking at the incoming transfer players in detail. This week saw Bryce Lindsay and Justin Monden looked at.

Banner #3: Season Preview

IU is expected to be much improved this upcoming fall after the roster changes this offseason. Bart Torvik’s updated rankings have Indiana at No. 26 overall heading into 2026-2027, which would put them safely back in the NCAA Tournament. Torvik’s rankings appear to match consensus, as most other publications have the Hoosiers ranked in a similar spot somewhere in the 20’s.

Banner #4: Annual Huber’s Winery Event

IU held its annual event at Huber’s Winery this week. Indiana coach Darian DeVries was among the speakers, as was the Football coach of the defending national champion Hoosiers, Curt Cignetti.

Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel

Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.

The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both

Jerod Morris and Tony Adragna have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.

Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?

Get 20% off at Homefield now

Banner #5: Weekly Shows

Inside the Hall’s Podcast on the Brink returned this week. On it, the Des Moines Register’s Tyler Tachman joined the program to discuss Iowa’s Elite Eight run.

The Back Home Network has many shows. As a result, it was on air several times this week with programming.

Refer a friend

Do you enjoy The Assembly Call? Please consider sharing our work with other IU fans in your life who you think would appreciate it.

Plus, you get perks (see here) when people sign up using your link.

Refer a friend

Gift subscriptions

And if you want to get generous, consider gifting a premium subscription to the extra special IU fans in your life.

We promise we’ll make it worth their while — and your hard-earned money!

Give a gift subscription

Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Football Sets Kickoff Times For First Five Games

• Football announced kickoff times for its first five contests.

• Track and field had 19 athletes qualify for the NCAA East Regional, with five advancing to the National Championship.

• Women’s Golf had Sheridan Clancy competing as an individual at the NCAA Championships, where she placed in the top-30 overall.

• Volleyball competed on its exhibition foreign tour.

• Swimming and diving added an assistant coach to its staff.

• Wrestling will have 15 of its athletes competing at the U20 World Team Trials and U23 Nationals.

• Men’s tennis has a couple of its athletes attempting to make the US Open later this summer for the doubles competition. The team also announced a signing for next season.

• Women’s tennis also announced a signing for next season.

• Field hockey announced a signing as well.

• Softball had several of its players earn Academic All-District.

• Water Polo had several of its athletes earn academic honors.

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

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Leave a comment

On Wednesday, and will discuss the Hoosiers’ incoming transfers with another edition of Doing The Work — our show dedicated to the Indiana women’s basketball team.

Watch on our YouTube channel below. (Open the link in YouTube to see a replay of

the show or chat with the WorkAholics during the show.)

Subscribe to Doing The Work

Subscribe to the Doing The Work podcast for free at any of the following places:

• YouTube

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Google Podcasts

• Art19

• Podcast feed RSS (use this to subscribe in any player)

• Search for “doing the work” wherever you listen to podcasts. If you don’t find us, email Jerod.

Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, 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.

IU may be participating in an elite non-conference tournament in 2027. It was reported this week that the Hoosiers could possibly be part of the Diamond Cup, which will feature many of the top teams in college basketball.

Also, Inside the Hall started a series looking at next season’s roster, Indiana’s freshmen are highly ranked, and a special event celebrated IU Athletics. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the Hoosier sports in action, which were led by volleyball announcing a foreign tour.

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• IU Could Add Elite Non-Conference Tourney For 2027

• Inside the Hall’s Transfer Portal Player Spotlight

• All Three IU Incoming Freshmen Ranked Highly

• Victory And Vision Event Takes Place In Carmel

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Volleyball Announces Foreign Tour

Banner #1: IU Could Add Elite Non-Conference Tourney For 2027

As the 2026-2027 schedule has started to take shape, an event further down the road for 2027-2028 was reported as a possibility. This preseason tournament would be called the Diamond Cup.

This Diamond Cup could feature some of the top teams in college basketball, along with IU, including Arizona, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, and UConn. Any final announcement on this could come later this summer, and games would be on neutral sites.

It should be noted that the Hoosiers are already scheduled to play Kansas, Kentucky, and Michigan in 2027-2028. As a result, it is likely Indiana would be matched up with any of the other four squads should this event come to fruition.

Banner #2: Inside the Hall’s Transfer Portal Player Spotlight

Inside the Hall started a series looking at the incoming transfer players in detail. This week saw Jaeden Mustaf, Darren Harris, Markus Burton, Samet Yigitoglu, and Aiden Sherrell looked at.

Banner #3: All Three IU Incoming Freshmen Ranked Highly

The Hoosiers have three freshmen coming in for 2026-2027. How much this trio of newcomers can contribute remains to be seen.

Most of them are projected relatively highly by the RSCI (Recruiting Services Consensus Index), though. Vaughn Karvala comes in the highest at no. 57 nationally, while the more recently signed Trevor Manhertz comes in just behind at. no. 72, and Prince-Alexander Moody did not make the final top-100 ranking.

Banner #4: Victory And Vision Event Takes Place In Carmel

IU held an event in Carmel recently at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. The gathering titled “Victory and Vision” sold out all 1,600 seats in the Payne & Mencias Palladium. Hoosier Coach Darian DeVries was among the speakers and spoke on a variety of topics.

Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel

Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.

The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both

Jerod Morris and Tony Adragna have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.

Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?

Get 20% off at Homefield now

Banner #5: Weekly Shows

Inside the Hall’s Podcast on the Brink returned this week. On it, CrimsonCast’s Galen Clavio discussed IU’s busy spring in basketball.

The Back Home Network has many shows. As a result, it was on air several times this week with programming.

Refer a friend

Do you enjoy The Assembly Call? Please consider sharing our work with other IU fans in your life who you think would appreciate it.

Plus, you get perks (see here) when people sign up using your link.

Refer a friend

Gift subscriptions

And if you want to get generous, consider gifting a premium subscription to the extra special IU fans in your life.

We promise we’ll make it worth their while — and your hard-earned money!

Give a gift subscription

Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Volleyball Announces Foreign Tour

• Volleyball announced an immanent foreign tour with exhibition matches in multiple countries.

• Rowing finished seventh at the Big Ten Championships.

• Track and field also competed at the Big Ten Championships and had 19 athletes qualify for the NCAA East Regional.

• Baseball had three players named to the All-Big Ten Team.

• Water Polo had four All-Americans.

• Swimming and diving announced that Luke Ryan was promoted to associate head coach.

• Field hockey announced a signing.

• Wrestling also signed someone.

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

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Leave a comment

Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, 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.

IU continues to close in on a full roster for next season. For the second straight week, a new commitment has pledged to the Hoosiers, marking the 12th player to join the squad for next year.

Additionally, Big Ten opponents were announced, all of Indiana’s freshmen are highly ranked, and the Hoosiers once again had strong attendance. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the IU sports in action, which were led by baseball and softball having their seasons end.

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• IU Adds 12th Scholarship Player To Roster

• Big Ten Opponents Announced For Next Season

• All Three IU Incoming Freshmen Ranked In Top-100

• Hoosiers Lead Big Ten In Attendance

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Baseball and Softball Seasons Come To An End

Banner #1: IU Adds 12th Scholarship Player To Roster

IU reportedly added its 12th scholarship player for this coming fall. The Hoosiers have their roster nearing completion and are now filling the last few spots on it.

The addition this week is Justin Monden, a six-foot senior guard, who previously played at Maryland East Shore. Here, he averaged 6 points and 1.2 rebounds for them.

Indiana is not the only squad in the Big Ten that has nearly completed filling out its roster. Nearly every conference foe has also done so.

Banner #2: Big Ten Opponents Announced For Next Season

Speaking of conference foes, IU had its schedule breakdown finalized for Big Ten play. The Hoosiers caught a break with how it lays out as they draw Northwestern and Maryland for double plays to go along with the guaranteed home and home series yearly with Purdue.

Also, when it comes to single plays, Indiana avoids having to go to league powers Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, or Los Angeles, drawing all these squads only at home, along with Ohio State and Rutgers. When it comes to road games, the only tougher venues the Hoosiers will have to visit are Nebraska and Wisconsin. Otherwise, it’s trips to somewhat easier places in Iowa, Minnesota, the Pacific Northwest, and Penn State.

Banner #3: All Three IU Incoming Freshmen Ranked In Top-100

The Hoosiers have three freshmen coming in to go with eight transfers (including Monden) and the return of Trent Sisley so far. How much this trio of newcomers can contribute remains to be seen.

However, all of them are projected relatively highly by 247Sports despite not necessarily being blue chippers, as the class ranks no. 21 nationally. Vaughn Karvala comes in the highest at no. 64 nationally, while the more recently signed Trevor Manhertz comes in just behind at. no. 69, and at no. 86 is Prince-Alexander Moodie.

Banner #4: Hoosiers Lead Big Ten In Attendance

While IU generally announces tickets sold when it comes to final attendance, they nonetheless come in very highly nationally in total numbers. With nearly all seats accounted for via season tickets and student sales, Indiana is able to announce sellouts for all the games when school is in session. The only games coming in at less than that are over holiday breaks when the entire student section has to be sold to the general public.

While the total number of people who actually show up at the games appears much lower due to the above, the Hoosiers led the Big Ten in attendance at an average of 15,677 tickets sold per game. This was also good for ninth nationally.

Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel

Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.

The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both

Jerod Morris and Tony Adragna have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.

Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?

Get 20% off at Homefield now

Banner #5: Weekly Shows

Inside the Hall’s Podcast on the Brink returned this week. On it, The Sporting News’ Mike DeCourcy discusses the Hoosiers portal class.

The Back Home Network has many shows. As a result, it was on air several times this week with programming.

Also, when it comes to the Hoosiers making media appearances recently, incoming point guard Markus Burton appeared nationally on the Field of 68. Also, ITH put together a highlight package for the recently committed Clemens Sokolov.

Refer a friend

Do you enjoy The Assembly Call? Please consider sharing our work with other IU fans in your life who you think would appreciate it.

Plus, you get perks (see here) when people sign up using your link.

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And if you want to get generous, consider gifting a premium subscription to the extra special IU fans in your life.

We promise we’ll make it worth their while — and your hard-earned money!

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Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Baseball and Softball Seasons Come To An End

• Baseball had arguably its worst season in many years come to an end with a series win over Illinois after Purdue closed out a sweep of IU. Assembly Call was on site against the Illini and Boilers, and wrote about how the talent of the last few years has not matched the results, and whether a player development first model is compatible in college.

• Softball was selected to the Knoxville Regional, going 1-2 overall, beating Northern Kentucky but falling twice to Virginia to close their season. It was another successful one as Shonda Stanton’s squad finished 43-16 overall and made the NCAA Tournament for a fourth straight year.

• Women’s golf closed its season by placing eighth at the NCAA’s Simpsonville Regional. However, junior Sheridan Clancy performed strongly here, coming in as the runner-up of the tournament, and will compete as an individual at the NCAA Championships as a result.

• Men’s soccer added an elite forward from the transfer portal for this coming fall.

• Field hockey announced an addition for next season.

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

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Leave a comment

Bart Kaufman Field In Bloomington Where Indiana Plays Its Home Baseball Games

It’s mid-July, and the longtime Bloomington Limestones are a Single A squad in the MLB Minor Leagues that use Bart Kaufman Field in the summer to develop talent and play as all the boys of summer do. Fans love the squad, and it has sent multiple pros to the next level. However, the humble beginnings for these prospects are with the Limestones, where the players made mistakes and grew up before our eyes, while results didn’t matter. The fans who come every year under head coach Jeff Mercer love the relationship with the squad and enjoy the $1 hot dog promotions and fireworks on a beautiful Friday night.

It’s a beautiful utopia of a baseball factory. The only problem? The Limestones don’t exist, and it is what Mercer has now created with IU baseball, essentially.

Back in the real world, the Hoosiers are not the Limestones, and they compete in the Big Ten in somewhat unpredictable spring weather, and results do matter to many fans and alumni who see the IU logo on the jersey. Unfortunately, this is the conundrum for a program that has sent 31 picks, including 17 pitchers, to the draft during Mercer’s tenure, which is now in its eighth season.

While the development is top notch, it often seems player development trumps winning in Mercer’s world. Despite having all these pros, the results on the field are much less successful. The team has not won the league since 2019 despite having the best talent during this time. Furthermore, they have made an NCAA Regional just twice in the last seven seasons during Mercer’s tenure, and one of those invitations was slightly controversial with athletic director Scott Dolson on the selection committee for a bubble squad.

This comes after going to the postseason every single year between 2013 and 2019, save for 2016. Also, the program went without a losing record overall in a single season between 2008 and 2021. Now that 2026 has concluded, it is the second time in the past five seasons that the final standings have the squad below .500 for the entire year and towards the very bottom of the league.

Furthermore, IU had not missed the conference tournament since 2011. Now, even that impressive streak comes to an end as the decline in results continues.

The disconnect in the results is the previously mentioned 17 pitchers drafted, yet team ERAs are generally near the bottom of the conference. Also, an above average amount of defensive errors at the wrong time always seem to occur. This leaves fans to wonder if the radar gun and analytics that pro scouts prioritize are more important in Bloomington than the raw results on the field.

This is not the first time an experiment of this kind in college seems to prioritize development over results. For IU fans, they need to look no further than three hours south to another basketball-first school in Lexington. However, for this university, the disconnect was on the court with John Calipari in that place’s primary sport.

Calipari famously told Kentucky fans that his greatest achievement was the number of players he sent to the NBA, not the number of trophies he put in the case. While this model worked for a while, it eventually led to the end of his tenure when Wildcats fans got worn out over results not matching talent.

It should be noted that college baseball is not college basketball, and the pressure to win on the diamond is much less. However, this does not mean fans enjoy what is going on at IU, where results not matching talent have led to increasingly diminishing attendance, even on nice weather days.

It should also be mentioned, though, that there seem to be sections of the fan base who do show up still and don’t mind the current model. However, for casual Hoosier supporters, this player development first mentality will not come close to filling Bart Kaufman Field.

Contrast this with what is across the street at Andy Mohr Field. Here, softball coach Shonda Stanton has built a program no one before her has managed to do since the 1980’s in that sport in Bloomington. While the talent may not be as high, the results are top notch, and an identity and culture have been built based on elite power and stealing bases, which has resulted in yearly postseason appearances. The joy and energy seen in the dugout here are also palpable as every pitch is thrown.

The question for Mercer here is what identity or culture he has created outside of getting players to the pros. This is the situation the athletic department will have to consider, and whether that is enough to stick with the current regime. It is a safe option in the NIL world where every dollar saved can go to sports that produce more revenue than Big Ten baseball does, and Mercer’s lab is working exactly as he intends.

Mercer emphasized they are developing players to be pros as part of the college baseball cycle.

“We’ve had 9 or 10 pitchers drafted,” Mercer said. “We lose a lot of guys to the draft and most pitching staffs are running six to nine games out on a weekend. You have your “A” group, and you are trying to develop that next group. We have to continue to recruit and develop.”

It comes down to whether creating a minor league experience of development first is compatible with a college atmosphere. This is the decision facing IU athletic director Scott Dolson this summer, and there are certainly arguments either way on where to go.

Mercer and his staff are arguably the best technical ‘heart surgeons’ in the college game. They can fix a pitcher’s spin axis with their eyes closed and have their players time up and crush pro prospects’ fastballs like no one else. But being a Big Ten head coach is brain surgery—it’s about the whole system, the culture, the weather, and most importantly, the scoreboard, where hitting off speed college pitching is equally important. The administration will have to ask if they’re paying for surgeons when they need general doctors.

An argument can be made either way, and it’s an unenviable position to be in. However, when you have the college ball Hoosiers and not the fictional Single A Limestones, it’s a decision that must be made carefully.

If IU decides to make a change, though, there is an ideal candidate sitting over in Oxford, Ohio, at Miami University, 90 miles to the East. His name is Brian Smiley, and he is a 41-year-old Indiana Native who spent many years under two of the most respected coaches in the game, Rick Heller and Mitch Hannahs, at Indiana State. Since taking the job with the RedHawks, he has turned them around into conference elites for the first time in a couple of decades and got them back to the NCAA Tournament.

What happened 20 years prior, though, is why he is such a perfect fit. This is the last time Miami (OH) was a relevant mid-major under a guy every Hoosier fan has heard of by the name of Tracy Smith, who built IU into a Big Ten power from ground zero upon taking the job.

Between him and Terry Hoeppner, Bloomington has had good luck with guys from this University, and Smiley could be the latest. This contrasts with schools in Dayton (Wright State and University of Dayton), which are always mid-major powers, and coaches here have seemingly struggled at the next level between Archie Miller and now Mercer. IU has spent too long looking for the next ‘Golden Child’ from the Dayton monopoly. It’s time they returned to the Oxford blueprint if it is decided that a change in leadership is needed.

There is an argument to be made that the Hoosiers are the best job in the Big Ten Conference outside of the West Coast schools and Nebraska. Given the much milder spring weather than other Big Ten programs and the lack of competition from an MLB squad, Bloomington offers the only program with this combination, along with the Cornhuskers, that is not on the Pacific Coast. They also have a relatively new stadium in Bart Kaufman Field that Smith ensured got built less than 15 years ago.

Again, if this were the Limestones, Mercer would be the ideal guy, and the decision would be easy if he were the right man for the job. However, as a college baseball program, results seemingly matter to many fans, and right now, a noticeable decline in winning is occurring despite all the talent brought in and pros being churned out.

Mercer emphasized his plan of development as his staff come from pro organizations who would like them to return there later.

“You look at (former pitching coach) Dustin Glant that has been here the last four or five years is in the big leagues now,” Mercer said. “(Current pitching coach) Matt Myers was the minor league pitching coach of the year for the Pirates. (Assistant Coach/Pitching & Catching) Denton Sagerman every professional organization in the country calls and tries to hire (him).”

All of this seems to lead to the conclusion that Mercer is a baseball development savant in a manager role who knows analytics like the back of his hand. The question is whether Indiana is OK with this in the context of college sports, where rosters are always transient and wins are arguably paramount.

_____________________________________________________________________

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The crew opens with something Indiana fans haven’t had in a while during May: actual basketball stuff to look forward to.

Between the Peru trip, summer practices, and a roster that finally looks balanced on paper, there’s a real sense of momentum around the program.

• Why the Peru trip could end up being way more important than just “extra games”
• The hidden value of IU adding “practice body” depth pieces late in the portal cycle
• How Darian DeVries may have quietly overachieved in the transfer portal
• Why this roster feels fundamentally different from some recent IU teams
• The discussion turns into a surprisingly optimistic conversation about fit, shooting, and actual roster construction

There’s also some fun reflection on the current state of IU athletics overall — from football momentum to the feeling that Indiana is finally showing up in national conversations for positive reasons again.

And yes… the guys briefly spiral into memories of the 1992 Final Four loss to Duke, because some wounds apparently never heal.

Segment 2: The Big Ten Schedule Is Out… and IU Might’ve Actually Caught a Break

The conference opponents are officially set, and the panel wastes no time dissecting what’s good, what’s dangerous, and what could become sneaky problem spots.

A few major themes emerge quickly:

• Not having to visit Illinois, Michigan, and Michigan State feels enormous
• Why this schedule may set up well for a first-year roster still learning how to play together
• The road games everyone says are “winnable”… but somehow never feel comfortable
• An unfortunate amount of skepticism about beating Northwestern despite their roster turnover
• Wisconsin in Madison somehow turns into its own emotional subplot

The conversation eventually drifts into way-too-early Big Ten record predictions, and suddenly the panel is casually throwing around numbers that would represent Indiana’s best conference season in years.

Some restraint is attempted. It does not last long.

Segment 3: NCAA Tournament Expansion, College Basketball Chaos, and Coach Wants Golf Partners

The final segment tackles the looming NCAA Tournament expansion debate, and the conversation gets surprisingly thoughtful about what the tournament should actually represent.

Topics include:

• Why expanding the field feels inevitable whether fans like it or not
• The biggest issue with the current “First Four” setup
• A genuinely interesting idea for helping mid-major teams and preserving tournament magic
• Why the NCAA still doesn’t know how to properly treat smaller schools that earn tournament bids
• The guys accidentally workshop better tournament formats than the NCAA itself

And in true offseason fashion, the episode closes with:

• Indy 500 talk
• summer basketball plans
• podcast updates
• retirement excitement
• And Coach Tonsoni openly recruiting Assembly Call listeners to play golf with him around Indiana

Which honestly feels exactly right for a mid-May IU basketball show.

Live Show and Replay

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Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, 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.

IU continues to close in on a full roster for next season. After a couple of weeks without a new commitment, the Hoosiers finally received a pledge from the 11th player to their squad for next year.

Additionally, all of Indiana’s freshmen are highly ranked, the rest of IU’s outgoing transfers have found new homes, and we look ahead to next season. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the Hoosier sports in action, which was led by softball, awaiting its NCAA Tourney selection later today.

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• IU Adds 11th Scholarship Player To Roster

• All Three IU Incoming Freshmen Ranked In Top-150

• Rest Of IU Transfers Find New Home

• 2026-2027 Season Preview

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Softball Awaits NCAA Tournament Selection

Banner #1: IU Adds 11th Scholarship Player To Roster

While not the splash moves of previous portal additions, IU reportedly added its 11th scholarship player for this coming fall. The Hoosiers already have their primary big men for next season, but they seemingly added a backup here to compete for rotation minutes off the bench.

This addition comes in the form of 19-year-old Clemens Sokolov, who previously played in Europe for Wuerzburg in Germany’s ProB league. Here, he averaged 6.4 points and 5 rebounds for this squad.

Banner #2: All Three IU Incoming Freshmen Ranked In Top-150

The Hoosiers have three freshmen coming in to go with seven transfers (including Sokolov) and the return of Trent Sisley so far. How much this trio of newcomers can contribute remains to be seen.

However, all of them are projected relatively highly by On3/Rivals despite not necessarily being blue chippers as the class ranks no. 20 nationally. The recently signed Trevor Manhertz comes in highest at no. 78 while Vaughn Karvala slides in just behind him at no. 81. Meanwhile, Prince-Alexander Moodie rounds out at no. 101.

Banner #3: Rest Of IU Transfers Find New Home

Jason Drake, Jasai Miles, Josh Harris, Nick Dorn, Andrej Acimovic, and Aleksa Ristic all left IU this offseason and entered the transfer portal. Now all of them have new destinations.

After Harris, Ristic, Drake, and Dorn announced their new schools last week, Miles and Acimovic made there’s known in the last few days. Miles will head to Loyola Marymount while Acimovic will move to Missouri State.

Banner #4: 2026-2027 Season Preview

Projections continue to be high for the Hoosiers next season after their massive transfer portal overhaul. Bart Torvik has the Hoosiers at no. 25 nationally. With the expectations, IU coach Darian Devries spoke to the media about the upcoming year as well as several other topics.

Before the regular season can start, though, Indiana announced another foreign tour over the summer with exhibition games. This time, though, they will represent the USA as a whole in the FISU American Games from July 20 to Aug 1.

Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel

Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.

The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both

Jerod Morris and Tony Adragna have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.

Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?

Get 20% off at Homefield now

Banner #5: Weekly Shows

The Back Home Network has many shows. As a result, it was on air several times this week with programming.

Refer a friend

Do you enjoy The Assembly Call? Please consider sharing our work with other IU fans in your life who you think would appreciate it.

Plus, you get perks (see here) when people sign up using your link.

Refer a friend

Gift subscriptions

And if you want to get generous, consider gifting a premium subscription to the extra special IU fans in your life.

We promise we’ll make it worth their while — and your hard-earned money!

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Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Softball Awaits NCAA Tournament Selection

• Softball knocked off Illinois to close its regular season before taking out Washington in the Big Ten Tournament. However, elite Nebraska was too much for them in the semifinals. With that said, at 42-14 and an RPI in the 30’s, IU is expected to hear its name called tonight for the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight year.

• Baseball had arguably its worst week of a bad season. They lost a series to lowly Northwestern and twice blew a late lead to arch-rival Purdue, as their year is all but over with only one more series left.

• Men’s golf finished 16th at the Big Ten Championships.

• Track and field hosted the Billy Hayes Invitational.

• Women’s basketball will compete in a tournament next November in Fort Myers, Florida, against Georgia Tech and Mississippi State. Also, two former Hoosiers made WNBA rosters.

• Volleyball revealed its opponents in conference play for next fall.

• Men’s Soccer alumni will compete in the TST for the fourth straight year.

• Finally, many IU athletes were amongst the students who graduated this weekend.

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

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Leave a comment

Welcome to another edition of 6-Banner Sunday, a joint production between The Assembly Call and Inside the Hall, and presented by our friends at Homefield Apparel, 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.

A controversial change to the NCAA Tournament appears to be close to implementation for next season. Also, the students are moving closer to the court at Assembly Hall.

Additionally, some of IU’s outgoing transfers have found new homes, and we look ahead to next season. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the Hoosier sports in action, which was led by softball continuing to play well.

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Here is what is in this week’s edition:

• NCAA Tournament Could Be Expanding To 76 Teams

• IU Students Moving Closing To Court In Assembly Hall

• Several IU Transfers Find New Home

• 2026-2027 Season Preview

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Softball Hits 40 Wins

Banner #1: NCAA Tournament Could Be Expanding To 76 Teams

While not yet official, the NCAA appears ready to finalize an expansion of March Madness for both men’s and women’s basketball. Based on reports, the NCAA Tournament will controversially expand from 68 to 76 teams and go from a ‘First Four’ to a ‘First 12’.

Under the proposal, 24 teams would compete on Tuesday and Wednesday. Additionally, a second site besides Dayton could be added out west.

The Hoosiers have made the NCAA Tournament just twice in the last decade, in 2022 and 2023. However, IU has been among the first teams out frequently. Under this proposed expansion, Indiana likely would have been invited to participate in 2019, 2024, and 2025.

Banner #2: IU Students Moving Closing To Court In Assembly Hall

Through the mid-2000’s, IU’s student section included the bleachers behind the north and south baskets at Assembly Hall. However, a change at this point gave the north basket seats to the general public as premium seating.

For several seasons after students lost these close seats, a ‘stand up old people chant’ was done at times when the opponent shot free throws. However, this quickly faded away as newer generations of students were unaware that these seats once were part of their section.

Now, roughly 20 years later, those north side bleachers behind the basket are being included in the student section again. This will double the student seating on the court area from 600 back to roughly 1,200.

Where the 600 premium season ticket holders previously in these seats are moving to has not yet been announced. However, having more students near the court should improve the Assembly Hall atmosphere and make them more visible to the television cameras.

Banner #3: Several IU Transfers Find New Home

Jason Drake, Jasai Miles, Josh Harris, Nick Dorn, Andrej Acimovic, and Aleksa Ristic all left IU this offseason and entered the transfer portal. Now four of them have announced new destinations.

Harris is moving to Florida Atlantic, Ristic will head to Belmont, and Drake will go to Temple. However, the biggest move announced was that of Dorn late in the week. Dorn will head to Miami (FL), where former Hoosier Malik Reneau had a breakout season in 2025-2026.

Banner #4: 2026-2027 Season Preview

While the NCAA Tournament may be expanding (see above), early projections say IU should be safely in March Madness this time and has high expectations. ESPN projects the Hoosiers at no. 25 for 2026-2027, and several other publications have Indiana in a similar spot.

Several other Big Ten schools project highly as well. However, IU could be amongst the most improved after their elite haul in the transfer portal.

Presenting Sponsor: Homefield Apparel

Homefield’s annual Black Friday sale has already begun. Use the promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 20% off your entire order.

The item of the week for this week is the new “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” snapback hat. Both

Jerod Morris and Tony Adragna have it, and can attest to its quality and fit.

Plus, how cool is it to have an item celebrating the great teams under Branch McCracken?

Get 20% off at Homefield now

Banner #5: Weekly Shows

Podcast on the Brink returned this week. On it, Inside the Hall’s own Josh Pos joined to discuss potential NCAA Tourney expansion.

The Back Home Network has many shows. As a result, it was on air many times this week with programming.

Refer a friend

Do you enjoy The Assembly Call? Please consider sharing our work with other IU fans in your life who you think would appreciate it.

Plus, you get perks (see here) when people sign up using your link.

Refer a friend

Gift subscriptions

And if you want to get generous, consider gifting a premium subscription to the extra special IU fans in your life.

We promise we’ll make it worth their while — and your hard-earned money!

Give a gift subscription

Banner #6: Hoosier Roundup-Softball Hits 40 Wins

• Softball had another huge week, taking a series from Michigan, and knocking off Evansville, and Illinois to reach 40 wins as they cruise towards a fourth straight NCAA Tournament berth.

• Baseball fell to Iowa, recovered to beat Louisville, and has split its first two with Northwestern.

• Women’s golf finished fourth at the Big Ten Championships and was selected to the NCAA Tournament.

• Track and field competed at the Jesse Owens Classic.

• Rowing won the Dale England Cup for the ninth straight year.

• Wrestling had four Hoosiers place at the U.S. Open.

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

The Assembly Call is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Leave a comment