[Xs & Joes 53] What Is Darian DeVries Running? (with Tony Adragna and Brian Tonsoni)
Indiana basketball fans have spent the season trying to figure out exactly what Darian DeVries’ offense looks like — and this episode dives deep into the answer.
Indiana basketball fans have spent the season trying to figure out exactly what Darian DeVries’ offense looks like — and this episode dives deep into the answer.
Bob Moats and Mike Wiemuth welcome Brian Tonsoni and Tony Adragna for a coach-level breakdown of IU’s evolving offensive concepts, player development trends, and why the program’s foundation may already be stronger than the record suggests.
The Evolution of Modern College Offense
The conversation begins with a wide-angle look at how college basketball offenses have changed in recent years. From continuity ball screens to five-out spacing and hybrid systems blending Princeton, Euro, and modern spread concepts, the group explores how today’s best teams mix old ideas with new spacing principles — and why versatility and skill across positions now matter more than size alone.
So… What Is DeVries Actually Running?
Rather than a rigid playbook, Indiana’s offense appears built around concepts and reads.
The hosts explain how DeVries organizes families of actions that allow players to react to defensive coverage instead of executing robotic sets. Through film examples, they highlight screen-to-screener actions, flare concepts, and counters that evolve throughout games — evidence of intentional design even when possessions don’t end in points.
Optionality vs. Robotic Basketball
One recurring theme: IU’s offense feels different because every action contains multiple outcomes. Screeners slip, shooters relocate during drives, and reads develop in real time, making the system harder to scout.
The panel contrasts this flexibility with previous IU offenses, noting how modern spacing and simultaneous movement create advantages even without elite downhill creators.
Player Development Showing Up in Real Time
Lamar Wilkerson becomes a central case study in development within the system. The coaches discuss his progression from cutter to driver to multi-level scorer, emphasizing improved strength, balance, and playing off two feet.
The conversation expands to broader roster growth, suggesting several players have improved throughout the season despite structural limitations.
The Foundation vs. the Roster Ceiling
While praising scheme and adaptability, the group agrees IU still lacks certain roster pieces — particularly a consistent downhill creator and rim protection. Still, the coaching staff’s adjustments, scouting preparation, and conceptual clarity signal a program building toward sustainability rather than short-term fixes.
Modern Shot Selection and the Three-Point Debate
The episode closes with discussion of Indiana’s three-point volume relative to elite offenses nationally. Rather than criticizing shot totals, the hosts frame success around shot quality, spacing, and roster versatility — arguing that improved personnel could unlock the full efficiency of DeVries’ system.
This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel.
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Thanks! Very helpful.