San Juan, Puerto Rico – his hands shot up in celebration, followed by high five and smiles. Iu Basketball had completed his second comeback in three days and the man in the eastern stands was excited.
It was just an exhibition in August, but that didn’t matter for the athletic director Scott Dolson from Indiana. He had just seen his newest rent that started to lay the foundation for a new-look program.
Less than five months earlier, Dolson Darian had introduced Devries, hoping to start a new chapter in Indiana Basketball. During the introductory press conference, the former IU basketball manager pointed to the leadership of Devries as the determining property that sold him.
“He is an absolutely perfect fit on and next to the field,” said Dolson in March. “His style will really resonate, especially how he looks ahead.”
Dolson made it abundantly clear that he would do everything possible to bring Indiana basketball back to a fame. One of the first stops on that trip was this week’s journey to play three exhibition games, giving Devries the opportunity to better understand the dynamics of his brand new Roster.
Indiana spent together both on and outside the floor last week. The Hoosiers roamed San Juan and went on excursions such as kayaking, beach volleyball and snorkeling, including activities.
The photos and videos that the program placed on his social media provided a look at the relationship that Devries has with his players.
Above all, they were able to make contact with the fans who made the journey and stayed in the team hotel. A group dinner enabled fans to meet players and coaches face-to-face, giving them the opportunity to match names with new faces.
While Indiana made their comebacks on Saturday and Monday, banking players led ‘Defense’ songs. The fans took along and made their voices heard. Towards the end of the journey, a sense of community had developed between the program and the fans.
“It was great to see the boys as they dealt with, not only among each other, but also with the people in the hotel,” said Devries. “I think they have treated themselves in a very good way.”
After one of the exhibitions, Devries went to the court along the line of the seats and shake hands in gratitude for those who made the journey. The small gesture was a stark contrast to the attitude of the previous coaching staff compared to the fans in the past four years.
In addition to the Off-Court leadership, there was an eagerness to see how Indiana would perform among their new coach.
Since his introductory press conference, there has been optimism that Devries would return a modern, up-tempo attack in Bloomington. Given the skills of the incoming transfers, it was clear that Indiana would rely on 3-point shooting and a quick attack.
In his three games on the island, Indiana tried 87 3-Pointers and made 26, who shoot a little less than 30 percent.
The transition violation was also as advertised. All five players consistently pushed the ball upcourt, attacked quickly and scored in the transition before the defense could be established.
The Hoosiers had an average of 90.6 points per match and scored at least 81 points in every match. The pace at which Indiana played bore both opponents towards the end of the first half.
“I think stylistically, we play at how we want to play,” Devries said about the three games. “Most comes down to that movement, and can give yourself up so that we can get another man an open shot.”
In recent years, the downfall of Indiana was a serious lack of adjustments in the game. Instruction during games was minimal.
That has changed under Devries. He made timely adjustments that his team helped with two comeback victories. During every match, he and his staff consistently coached the bank.
There were several cases where the officials warned the coaching staff of Indiana to sit down. However, none of them has deterred. Constant Babbel came from the front of the bank, with coaches barking instructions for the five players on the floor.
A flawless record was a positive collection meal of the trip. What is even more important, the journey gave Indiana the opportunity to leave the past and start a new chapter.
Dolson and Indiana had to turn the page to everything that was linked to the Mike Woodson era. If a week in August were to prove something, it is that they have taken a monumental step in the right direction.
(Photocredit: iu athletics)
See more: Media, 2025 Puerto Rico Trip
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