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.

Once again, the major news story in Bloomington happened on the gridiron this week as Indiana football continued its defense of its national title against Howard. That side of the ball looked ready to roll in another dominant win.

Also, a rundown of conference football scores, a potential basketball Hoosier was featured in a magazine, and a Big Ten basketball roster 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 men’s soccer opening conference play with a victory.

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:

• Football Shuts Out Howard

• Big Ten Football Rundown

• Sam Alexis on Lindy’s Regional Cover

• Big Ten Basketball Roster Preview

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Men’s Soccer Wins Big Ten Opener

Banner #1: Football Shuts Out Howard

IU football’s defense of its national title continued on Saturday at Memorial Stadium with that side of the ball leading way. After their victory over North Texas, Howard came calling to Bloomington, as the Hoosiers are once again expected to be near the top of the conference and amongst the best teams in college football.

The question was not if Indiana would win, but how they would look in doing it. While the competition level must be taken into account, Rolijah Hardy and the defense looked much improved this week, allowing just four first downs all day in a 55-0 victory. The only slight question mark was QB Josh Hoover, who was solid, but less sharp and accurate than week one. Nonetheless, Charlie Becker bailed out Hoover with three touchdown catches on less-than-perfect throws with a couple of them and continued to show he is arguably the best WR in the country.

Afterward, IU Coach Curt Cignetti spoke, and Inside the Hall had a photo gallery. Also, Ian Plaskoff wrote a column about the improvements the team made this week.

Earlier in the week, the program held media availability before the contest. Cignetti gave his weekly update at a press conference and had his weekly radio show. Also, Hardy and Becker were the players who spoke.

Banner #2: Big Ten Football Rundown

While the Big Ten was expected to have a solid week as a whole on the gridiron, it didn’t go completely as planned in high-profile matchups outside of a few exceptions. While Michigan as well as Iowa scored massive power-four victories for the league, and UCLA got a solid performance against San Diego State, others were less lucky.

In other big-time games for the league, Oregon suffered an embarrassing loss to Oklahoma State, who were on a long losing streak, while Ohio State blew a 20-point lead late against Texas. Other games against high-level competition also were a problem as Illinois was edged by Duke, Minnesota was blown out by Mississippi State, Purdue lost a heartbreaker to Wake Forest, and Rutgers was edged by Boston College.

Banner #3: Sam Alexis on Lindy’s Regional Cover

In a sign of the times, IU is still not sure if Sam Alexis will get a fifth year of eligibility as his case plays out in the courts. However, Lindy’s Sports still put him as a featured athlete on their regional cover that will be sold in Indiana.

Banner #4: Big Ten Basketball Roster Preview

The Big Ten saw massive roster turnover across multiple programs, including IU. As a result, Inside the Hall looked at where each team’s personnel stands heading into this fall.

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

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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-Men’s Soccer Wins Big Ten Opener

• Men’s Soccer opened up Big Ten play with a victory over Michigan after a dominant performance against Denver earlier in the week.

• Women’s soccer beat Ohio on the road and opened their conference year with a dramatic late win at Nebraska.

• Field hockey beat Central Michigan as well as Cornell.

• Volleyball beat Southern Indiana, Cal Poly, and Eastern Illinois, but fell to Tennessee.

• Baseball’s fall exhibition practices are underway.

• Swimming and Diving had three Hoosiers named to the U.S. Junior National Team.

• Rowing made an addition to its coaching staff.

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 major news story in Bloomington happened on the gridiron this week as Indiana football began its defense of its national title against North Texas. The offense looked ready to roll in a dominant win.

Also, a former Hoosier wants to return to the NBA, IU’s legendary announcer had a new documentary debut about him, and a Big Ten basketball roster preview. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the Hoosier sports scene, which was led by volleyball getting two huge victories over the SEC conference.

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:

• Football Dominates North Texas In Season Opener

• Victor Oladipo Wants Another Chance In NBA

• Don Fischer Documentary Debuts

• Big Ten Basketball Roster Preview

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Volleyball Picks Up Two Huge Wins Over SEC

Banner #1: Football Dominates North Texas In Season Opener

IU football’s defense of its national title kicked off Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The Hoosiers are once again expected to be near the top of the conference and amongst the best teams in college football.

With expectations so high, Indiana opened its season with a showdown against North Texas as the heavy favorite. The program even held media availability last week before the contest. Curt Cignetti gave his weekly update, and Inside the Hall had a full transcript of his quotes.

In terms of players, offensive tackle Carter Smith, linebacker Isaiah Jones, and defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker were at the podium. Inside the Hall had a full transcript of their quotes.

With a veteran-laden squad, as well as excellent depth, including Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt for now, Indiana rolled to a 52-16 victory over the Mean Green in front of a sellout crowd. While the defense surprisingly struggled and Indiana’s trench play looked rusty, other areas thrived.

The offense and TCU transfer QB Josh Hoover was fantastic, going 13-for-16 with four touchdowns. Also, WR’s Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh looked in midseason form with tough touchdown grabs, and new RB Turbo Richard looked excellent as well.

Afterward, Cignetti spoke, and Inside the Hall had a photo gallery as a championship celebration took place pregame to reveal the new marquee in the stadium showing the national championship won in 2025. IU returns to action next week at noon on BTN against Howard.

Banner #2: Victor Oladipo Wants Another Chance In NBA

Former IU star Victor Oladipo had a turbulent NBA career. After starring for the Hoosiers and leading them to the number one ranking in the country during 2012-2013, he was drafted into the league by the Magic.

He initially lived up to the hype, having a solid career in Orlando and Oklahoma City. However, his big break appeared to come in 2017 when he was traded in the offseason back to Indiana and became the Pacers’ primary star during the next year. He led them to a near upset of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs and was named the league’s most improved player, averaging a career-high 23.1 points per game.

However, despite being embraced by the fans back home and appearing to be the next franchise cornerstone as a two-time All-Star, the following season changed his trajectory forever. On January 23 of 2019, he went down on a fast break in a game against the Raptors with a ruptured quadriceps tendon.

After this, he was never the same player again, losing a step in his athleticism and continually suffering injuries. Eventually, he was forced out of the league and played in China for a brief time.

He was since given a chance in G League last season. However, he recently penned a letter in the Player’s Tribune to GM’s asking for one more chance in the NBA, believing he is now healthy at 34 years old.

Whether anyone takes a flier on him remains to be seen. With that said, he remains one of the most beloved Indiana players of recent times between his stints with IU and the Pacers as their go-to contributor while there.

Banner #3: Don Fischer Documentary Debuts

IU legendary broadcaster Don Fischer had a documentary about him released recently. The lead producer and writer is Mark Alesia for the film Timeless: Don Fischer’s half-century broadcasting IU sports.

It debuted at Assembly Hall recently and is an Indiana Public Media production. It can be viewed on YouTube here.

Banner #4: Big Ten Basketball Roster Preview

The Big Ten saw massive roster turnover across multiple programs, including IU. As a result, Inside the Hall looked at where each team’s personnel stands heading into this fall.

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-Volleyball Picks Up Two Huge Wins Over SEC

• Volleyball had a huge week against the SEC, beating Georgia and defending national champ Texas A&M.

• Men’s soccer tied Louisville and beat Cal Poly.

• Field hockey lost to Louisville but beat New Hampshire.

• Women’s soccer fell to St. Louis.

• Women’s golf finished tied for ninth in its season-opening tournament.

• Men’s golf finished tied for 16th in its season-opening tournament.

• Cross country ran its season-opening event with the Sam Bell Invitational.

• Baseball had an incoming recruit receive preseason honors.

• Softball announced its fall exhibition schedule.

• Track and Field announced its upcoming recruiting class.

• Ten IU swimmers made the US National Team.

• Finally, personnel were announced for the Student Athletic Board.

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

Armstrong Stadium, Where The Soccer Match Was On Thursday Evening

Soccer’s 2026 Season Starts With A Bang, But IU Must Prevent Last Year’s Whimper

BLOOMINGTON — First off, I am back for an eighth season covering Hoosier sports for Assembly Call. While I may not be able to cover quite as many games as in the past, I still plan to write about a handful of matchups throughout the IU athletic season. I also apologize for the late start compared to past years; I was on vacation out of the country when the action got underway.

Turning our attention to the pitch, Indiana is now 3-0 after a 1-0 win over Butler in their third match of the season. The 1-0 score line does not reflect the dominant nature of the home side. Indiana outshot the Bulldogs 33-2 in a match where the opposition sat back and absorbed pressure, parking 9 to 10 men behind the ball for the majority of the night.

IU coach Todd Yeagley said Butler’s strategy may have been more about the game flow then intentional

“I don’t think that was out of design,” Yeagley said. “I think they tried to get after us and press and we just had that much of the ball. If you’re playing the shape they play they are going to naturally to get five on the back line which will get you a little deeper.”

With the victory, the IU soccer team has gotten off to a fast beginning. This quick start is the complete opposite of traditional seasons under Todd Yeagley, when results typically came more slowly early on before a fast finish led to a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Last fall, the script flipped: the Hoosiers started strong but struggled as the year went on in conference play, ultimately exiting the NCAA Tournament in the second round. It was their earliest tournament defeat when chasing a title since 2014. It is imperative this time around that the quick start holds up if Indiana wants to secure a College Cup appearance.

Yeagley said he hopes this season goes well from beginning to end.

“There are a lot of factors that come in honestly,” Yeagley said. “I think we’re always a team that is playing near our best at the end. Our game is tough. So I think our consistency of getting better throughout the season is what I’m proud of. You are always learning from the early games.”

Hoosiers Feature An Uber-Talented, Brand-New Roster

Indiana’s squad has been heavily remade through the transfer portal. This is a massive departure from the past, when the Hoosiers relied almost exclusively on homegrown talent, and reflects the current reality of college sports as a whole.

While stalwarts like Alex Barger, Easton Bogard, Charlie Heuer, and Collins Oduro remain, newcomers Westin Carnevale, Alex Matthews, Nick McHenry, Michael Mroz, Oliver Moller-Jensen, and Stephen Njike fill out an uber-talented side. How quickly the veterans and newcomers continue to gel will determine this team’s ceiling. Early returns are promising, and another year of national title contention appears to be here.

College Soccer Is In Serious Trouble, And It’s Not IU’s Fault

Finally, the elephant in the room is the systemic state of college soccer as a whole. Yeagley has been at the forefront of trying to fix the sport’s structural issues. However, attempts at reform by IU and other elite programs have mostly fallen on deaf ears.

To understand how the game reached this tipping point, it helps to look back. For decades, the NCAA was the primary development pipeline for top American talent. While college soccer was never going to be confused with the World Cup, it offered some of the best organized and most tactical matches in North America.

The Hoosiers were always at the pinnacle of this era. Up until the COVID-19 pandemic, Bloomington was the epicenter of college soccer, boasting eight national championships and a long history of deep College Cup runs. While Indiana’s pedigree remains unchanged, the overall talent pool has shifted. IU still lands the best players who choose the college route, but that tier of talent is now much further down the national hierarchy.

The primary culprit is the compressed fall schedule, which pushed U.S. Soccer to redirect its top prospects toward Major League Soccer (MLS) youth academies. While this aligns with global development models and arguably benefits the players’ long-term growth, it leaves college soccer in a difficult position. The sport is increasingly dominated by second-tier American and international players, resulting in a lower-quality on-field product.

Recognizing this talent drain, Yeagley and several other top college coaches have been increasingly vocal. They argue that crowning a national champion in mid-December—after a compressed season and amid a crowded winter sports calendar—has essentially turned the tournament into a random lottery.

Yeagley has consistently advocated for the “21st-Century Model,” which would split the season across the entire academic year, much like college golf. This shift would eliminate the grueling necessity of playing multiple matches a week, allow for proper training and recovery, and crown a champion in warmer spring weather when the sport can capture a larger share of the media spotlight.

The sport actually trialed this format during the pandemic. In the spring of 2021, Indiana advanced to the national title game in a College Cup that arguably received more public attention in May than any tournament in recent history.

The 21st-Century Model appeared to gain real momentum last offseason when U.S. Soccer firmly threw its support behind the proposal. However, that momentum stalled this summer when the plan was sent back to committee, where it currently sits. Yeagley expressed frustration and bafflement as to why the reforms didn’t cross the finish line as expected.

“I don’t know where it’s going to land,” Yeagley said. “This has been a slippery one from the start. I thought there was a lot of momentum. It’s been remanded and kicked the can back to the committee for more questions to be answered.”

What happens next remains to be seen. With college soccer losing mainstream popularity and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collectives directing funds toward football and basketball, the future of both the Hoosier program and college soccer as a whole is highly uncertain. Until this 21st-Century Model finally becomes a reality, IU fans have every reason to be concerned.

Yeagley emphasized that while the proposal is held up, it is not completely dead—though it remains highly frustrating.

“Those questions have all been answered. I don’t quite understand why it’s been kicked back,” Yeagley said. “It passed the first step, which is the most difficult. It should then go to the Board of Governors and really be quickly pushed through. There were questions from people in that room who have no idea what’s going on in men’s soccer, pushing back, and it becomes very political at that point. It’s not a dead deal, but we’ll be waiting to hear.”

_____________________________________________________________________

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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.

Both Indiana basketball and football had major services offer outlooks on their potential for the coming year. They are about what is expected, as football is two weeks away from their season beginning and basketball is about two months from theirs.

Also, football continues fall camp, and Inside the Hall continued a series reviewing each basketball player’s summer. As usual, we will conclude with a look at the weekly shows and the rest of the IU sports scene, which was led by men’s soccer opening their season with a victory.

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:

• Football Ranked Sixth In Preseason AP Poll

• Basketball Hoosiers An Eight Seed In Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology

• Football Continues Fall Camp

• Inside the Hall’s IU Basketball Summer In Review Series

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Men’s Soccer Opens Season With Win Over Notre Dame

Banner #1: Football Ranked Sixth In Preseason AP Poll

IU football’s defense of its national title will kick off early next month at Memorial Stadium. The Hoosiers are once again expected to be near the top of the conference and amongst the best teams in college football.

While some may see this ranking as a bit low given their national title last season, Indiana will start the year at No. 6 according to the Associated Press Poll. They also received eight first-place votes.

Banner #2: Basketball Hoosiers An Eight Seed In Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology

The basketball Hoosiers are amongst the many teams in the league to see mass turnover on their basketball roster. With the use of the transfer portal, Indiana is expected to be much improved this upcoming fall and should be safely back in the NCAA Tournament after a three-year absence.

Indeed, Joe Lunardi has IU as an eight seed in his 2027 NCAA Tournament Bracketology. They would face Providence in Charlotte, according to him, with Duke awaiting in the next round.

Banner #3: Football Continues Fall Camp

With expectations so high, Indiana continued fall practice for the upcoming season as the first game comes into view. Indeed, the showdown against North Texas is less than two weeks away, and who will play big roles in this contest and throughout the year is becoming increasingly apparent.

The program held media availability last week. Curt Cignetti gave his weekly update on practice so far this fall, and Inside the Hall had a full transcript of his quotes.

Also, offensive lineman Carter Smith, linebacker Isaiah Jones, and defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker were at the podium. Inside the Hall had a full transcript of their quotes.

Finally, running backs Lee Beebe Jr., Khobie Martin, and Turbo Richard talked this week as high expectations exist at this position. Inside the Hall also had a full transcript of their media availability.

Banner #4: Inside the Hall’s IU Basketball Summer In Review Series

Inside the Hall continued a series reviewing each player’s summer in detail. This week saw the impact transfers looked at, in Aiden Sherrell, Darren Harris, Samet Yigitoglu, Markus Burton, and Jaeden Mustaf.

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-Men’s Soccer Opens Season With Win Over Notre Dame

• Men’s soccer topped traditional power Notre Dame to open their 2026 season in front of a massive crowd of over 7,000. Also, several Hoosiers received preseason recognition from multiple places.

• Women’s soccer beat Youngstown State and tied Bellarmine.

• Volleyball had a preseason scrimmage. They also added a player.

• Baseball announced its fall exhibition schedule.

• Men’s Tennis announced its fall schedule, as did women’s tennis.

• Wrestling promoted a staff member.

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 Kathy Amos will preview the Hoosiers’ 2026-27 squad on the next 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.

Yet another game was reportedly added to basketball’s nonconference schedule. While it is a buy game against a mid-major, the schedule is nonetheless getting filled in.

Also, Inside the Hall started a series reviewing each basketball player’s summer, a look ahead to Big Ten basketball, and the current Indiana football squad 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 soccer opening the Hoosier’s fall athletic season with a victory.

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:

• Western Illinois Added To Non-Conference Schedule

• Inside the Hall’s IU Basketball Summer In Review Series

• Big Ten Basketball Preview

• Football Season Preview

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Women’s Soccer Opens IU’s Athletic Season With Win

Banner #1: Western Illinois Added To Non-Conference Schedule

Indiana basketball’s non-conference schedule continues to take shape. While not a signature game by any means, it nonetheless is another piece to the puzzle for IU outside of conference play.

Western Illinois reportedly becomes the eighth game on the pre-Big Ten slate known. The Leathernecks were just 5-26 in 2025-2026 and are not projected to be much better this upcoming fall.

Banner #2: Inside the Hall’s IU Basketball Summer In Review Series

Inside the Hall began a series reviewing each player’s summer in detail. This week saw some of the younger guys looked at, in Prince-Alexander Moody, Vaughn Karvala, Trevor Manhertz, and Trent Sisley.

Banner #3: Big Ten Basketball Preview

The Hoosiers are amongst the many teams in the league to see mass turnover on their basketball roster. With the use of the transfer portal, Indiana is expected to be much improved this upcoming fall, ranking No. 27 nationally according to Bart Torvik, which is good for seventh in the Big Ten and would put IU safely back in the NCAA Tournament after a three-year absence.

Torvik was not the only one to preview this upcoming season. Several other publications are also looking ahead and have IU and other conference rivals around the same spot nationally.

Banner #4: IU Football Season Preview

Proving Indiana is once again a legitimate championship contender will take place on the field beginning next month. However, they are once again expected to be near the top of the conference and amongst the best in college football.

With expectations so high, Indiana continued fall practice for the upcoming season. The program also held media availability multiple times during the last week as the preparation for the season opener next month continues.

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, Alex Bozich is joined by Tony Adragna to discuss the upcoming basketball 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-Women’s Soccer Opens IU’s Athletic Season With Win

• Women’s soccer opened the regular fall athletic season at IU with a victory over Hampton.

• Volleyball is ranked in the top-20 nationally to open the season, which is the first time in program history opening the year in the polls. They seemed to prove they are worthy of that ranking, beating Notre Dame in an exhibition match.

• Men’s soccer announced its final roster for this fall as they open regular season play this week. Also, the promotional schedule for each home game was announced.

• Swimming and diving released their schedule for this upcoming winter. Also, some of the program’s athletes will compete in the Pan Pacific Championships.

• Cross country also announced its upcoming schedule.

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.

As has happened many times recently, the NCAA lost a court battle regarding player eligibility. This was to Indiana’s benefit as it allowed three key contributors to return to IU across football and men’s basketball.

Also, a look ahead to Big Ten basketball, and the current Indiana football squad 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 volleyball taking part in its Big Ten media day.

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:

• Alexis Confirms Return To IU After Court Ruling Makes Him Eligible

• Wyatt and Dailey Also Confirm Return For IU Football After Court Ruling

• Big Ten Basketball Preview

• Football Season Preview

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Volleyball Takes Part In Big Ten Media Day

Banner #1: Alexis Confirms Return To IU After Court Ruling Makes Him Eligible

Indiana basketball seemingly got a surprise addition to their team for 2026-2027 at a position of desperate need. As it turns out, Sam Alexis was among those fighting for an additional year of eligibility following new NCAA rules that were supposed to take effect in 2027, allowing five seasons of play with no more appeals or redshirts.

However, now a judge has ruled the changes to eligibility must take effect immediately and granted Alexis and others the ability to play in 2026-2027. Alexis then made it known he will choose to play for IU, has which has an open scholarship.

This is an important development for a squad that has two elite frontcourt players coming in from the transfer portal in Aiden Sherrell and Samet Yigitoglu. While this solidifies the starting five, a backup big man was desperately needed, which Alexis fills.

Alexis averaged 8.8 points a game last year and was forced to play a larger role than ideal due to the lack of options at center for Indiana. However, as a backup, he should fill an ideal niche and give the Hoosiers the depth up front they need.

Also, Alexis gives the team a second scholarship player returning from the 2025-2026 roster. He joins rising sophomore Trent Sisley, who showed promise last year.

Banner #2: Wyatt and Dailey Also Confirm Return For IU Football After Court Ruling

As it turns out, Alexis was not the only Hoosier to benefit from the above court decision. While he was the lone IU player on the hardwood to use this to his advantage, the gridiron players benefit as well from the judge’s ruling.

As a result, Indiana football’s already elite defense got a boost with two of last year’s stars announcing their return. This came in the form of defensive linemen Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt, who played a major part in IU’s success last fall.

Banner #3: Big Ten Basketball Preview

The Hoosiers are not the only ones to see mass turnover on their basketball roster. Most other Big Ten schools also will see huge changes to their personnel. However, Indiana has a leg up on their conference rivals by being able to develop chemistry with their recent competition at the FISU American Games in Peru.

Banner #4: IU Football Season Preview

Proving Indiana is once again a legitimate championship contender will take place on the field beginning next month. However, they are once again expected to be near the top of the conference and amongst the best in college football.

With expectations so high, Indiana continued fall practice for the upcoming season. The program also held media availability as the preparation for the season opener next month continues.

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-Volleyball Takes Part In Big Ten Media Day

• Volleyball took part in the sport’s own Big Ten Media Day next week. Also, the TV schedule for the squad was revealed as the season begins soon.

• Men’s soccer announced a sponsorship with the IU Credit Union. Also, the squad opens the preseason, and its television schedule was revealed.

• Women’s soccer announced new titles for all three assistant coaches and had a trio of players honored by the Big Ten.

• Men’s and women’s golf released their schedule for this upcoming year.

• Water polo is moving back to the CWPA conference for 2028 after a stint in the MPSF.

• Finally, IU athletics as a whole announced a sponsorship agreement with Merchants Bank.

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 Kathy Amos will talk with Hoosier guard Lenee Beaumont on the next 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 concluded playing its rare July exhibition basketball games in Peru as part of its foreign tour. This was not the only major story in the world of college sports, as a judge has ruled seniors eligible for next season.

Also, the current Indiana football squad took part in Big Ten Media Days 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 baseball filling out its coaching staff.

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 Wins Championship Game Of FISU American Games

• NCAA Rules Seniors Eligible For This Next Season

• Football Takes Part In Big Ten Media Day

• Football Season Preview

• Weekly Shows

• Hoosier Roundup-Baseball Fills Out Coaching Staff

Banner #1: IU Wins Championship Game 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 dominated lesser competition, winning all games by wide margins, including the tournament finals this last week. The final score was 99-57 in a rematch with the Virgin Islands to win the gold medal.

Indiana head coach Darien DeVries spoke after the win. Also, highlights were posted afterward by Inside the Hall, with the game being streamed on YouTube. Finally, updated stats can be viewed here as well as Five Takeaways from the event.

Banner #2: NCAA Rules Seniors Eligible For This Next Season

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 was ineligible to represent the USA as a member of the Hoosiers.

As it turns out, Alexis was among those fighting for an additional year of eligibility following new NCAA rules that take effect next year, allowing five seasons of play with no more appeals or redshirts. However, now a judge has ruled the changes to eligibility must take effect retroactively, which would grant Alexis and others the ability to play in 2026-2027. Whether he will choose to play for Indiana or somewhere else is unclear, but IU has an open scholarship should he return to Bloomington.

Banner #3: Football Takes Part In Big Ten Media Day

The Hoosiers took part in football’s Big Ten Media Day, which featured all 18 schools. IU coach Curt Cignetti spoke following last season’s national championship. Whether Indiana can repeat the performance from the fall of 2025 remains to be seen, but expectations are once again high in Bloomington.

Banner #4: Football Season Preview

Proving Indiana is once again a legitimate championship contender will take place on the field beginning next month. However, they are once again expected to be near the top of the conference and amongst the best in college football.

With expectations so high, Inside the Hall continued previewing each position for the squad separately. This week looked at the running backs, wide receivers, and quarterback.

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, Brian Tonsoni crossed over from Assembly Call to discuss IU basketball’s games in Peru.

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 Fills Out Coaching Staff

• Baseball filled out its coaching staff for next spring.

• Volleyball will take part in the sport’s own Big Ten Media Day next week. Also, a couple of players were honored by the conference, and single-game tickets went on sale for home matches.

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 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.

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-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.

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’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

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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)

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

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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