[Xs & Joes #28] Analyzing the Darian DeVries Hire
In this special live episode, hosts Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth break down Indiana's hiring of Darian DeVries as the program's 31st head basketball coach
In this special live episode, hosts Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth break down Indiana's hiring of Darian DeVries as the program's 31st head basketball coach. The hosts dive into DeVries's background, coaching philosophy, and what Hoosier fans can expect moving forward with a mix of cautious optimism and analytical insight.
The conversation explores DeVries's impressive track record at Drake (where he won 25 games per season at a program that averaged just 13 wins before his arrival) and his promising single season at West Virginia. The hosts examine his offensive and defensive systems, recruiting success, and why IU fans should be excited about the future while maintaining realistic expectations.
What You'll Hear:
Why DeVries's Drake teams overachieved compared to the program's historical averages by a remarkable margin
How DeVries runs a modern five-out offense that creates space, emphasizes ball movement, and generates quality three-point shots
Details on his defensive approach that emphasizes ball pressure, communication, and disrupting passing lanes
The impact Tucker DeVries (his son and a potential transfer) could have on IU's roster
Why DeVries might be able to turn the program around quickly with Indiana's NIL resources
This episode strikes a balance between enthusiasm for the future and an understanding that championship-level success takes time. As the hosts point out, DeVries wasn't necessarily on many fans' radar initially, but his track record of program-building and ability to win immediately at both Drake and West Virginia make him an intriguing hire for a program looking to return to national prominence.
Whether you're thrilled, skeptical, or somewhere in between about the hiring, this episode provides valuable context about what DeVries brings to Bloomington and what to watch for as he begins building his program at Indiana.
The YouTube video is below, and you can listen to the audio wherever podcasts are available.
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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.
I hope that the new IU basketball coach works out as the last national championship was in 1987, 38 years ago!!!
Thank you for the analysis, guys!