San Juan, Puerto Rico – Darian Devries was not worried. He had seen Lamar Wilkerson light up in the past eight weeks too often to doubt what was going on.
Even after a rough shooting evening, the first -year coach in Indiana knew that his senior Guard would bounce back.
Wilkerson shot only 3-out-13 of three in the first exhibition of Indiana on Wednesday. But Devries remained confident.
“I like that he was struggling in an exhibition game, because he doesn’t struggle often,” said Devries. “He is one of those guys who don’t care if he goes 2-out-20, because that means that he goes 18-out-20 on an evening.”
Sam Houston’s transfer is a career of 40 percent 3-point shooter and shot 44.5 percent for the Bearkats last season.
In the victory of Indiana on Saturday evening against Mega Superbet, Wilkerson led the second half increase. His playmaker and timely shots led to a 70-19 point over two and a half quarter, so that the comeback of his team was fueled. De Run led De Hoosiers to a victory of 93-71 in Caliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan.
“It’s what it looked like,” Wilkerson said about how the run felt. “It felt good for all our pieces to coincide and make that run.”
The game was not easy for Wilkerson immediately. The 6-foot-5 guard was held in the first half and scored five points while collecting a few rebounds.
While Wilkerson’s shot started to fall, the rest of the team did that too. Wilkerson had eight points in the first five minutes of the third quarter and drilled a 3-pointer of each wing.
“He can just turn a game into two or three assets,” said Devries. “He can go 0-out-4 to 4-out-8, 6-out-10, rushed.”
While every shot rattled, Wilkerson’s eyes began to illuminate. The dual all-conference USA First Team selection found its Groove and did not intend to look back.
“It’s just like you’re in an empty gym,” said Wilkerson. “I don’t see anyone; I’m just mine.”
Wilkerson finished with a team-high 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including a 3-of-4 mark from Diep.
Although his 3-point shot made the big difference, Wilkerson filled it up from the arch. Making his four on seven shots of two was that Wilkerson played in his game. Wilkerson missed his only 2-point attempt in Wednesday’s Blowout victory.
A Wilkerson game stood out on Saturday evening. It remained unnoticed on the Statblad, but was crucial when shifting the momentum of the game.
He accelerated downhill to the basket for a layout and although he missed the Layout, Wilkerson caught the attention of three defenders. Furmer Sam Alexis threw down a thunderous putback Dunk and gave Indiana his first lead since the opening quarter of the game.
Indiana brought the Ashdown, Arkansas, from Bloomington to be a leader on the floor. However, Wilkerson has grown as the vocal leader of Indiana and even when his shot did not fell.
When Junior Guard Jasai Miles converted to one and one in the third quarter, Wilkerson was sitting on the couch. He did not sit long and stepped off the bank and in the 3-point line to give his teammate a high five.
Flash of leadership During the trip, the shares of Wilkerson saw rise as an emerging captain.
Just like his teammates, Wilkerson has something to prove. In his last year of suitability, he wants to leave a stamp in his only season as a Hoosier.
In the past eight weeks, Devries got to know every player on his selection. And when it comes to Wilkerson’s 3-point shot, his conviction has not been removed.
“I have the ultimate confidence in Lamar that takes photos,” said Devries. “I think you have seen a glimpse why we do that in the second half.”
See more: Media, 2025 Puerto Rico Trip, Lamar Wilkerson
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