Indiana proved it can hang with legitimate competition as the Hoosiers knocked off Marquette 100-77 in Chicago, methodically building a lead behind Tucker DeVries' unconscious first-half shooting (24 points on 8-12, 5-7 from three) before Lamar Wilkerson took over in the second half to fend off every Marquette run. Despite significant foul trouble that had multiple starters sitting with three or four fouls, IU never let the lead dip below 10 points and played their walk-ons in the final minute of a neutral-site game against a Big East opponent—a sentence nobody expected to write in November. Andy, Ryan, Coach Tonsoni, and Coach Moats break down how this victory against Shaka Smart's pressure defense validated everything we saw in the early games, examining the adjustments that kept IU in control despite 25 team fouls, and celebrating a performance that moved Indiana to 21st in KenPom.Tucker DeVries' masterclass setting the tone with 24 first-half points, including the heads-up pass to Sicily after slow-playing Marquette into thinking he'd pull it outLamar Wilkerson's second-half takeover with 15 points and multiple dagger threes that stopped every Marquette run cold when DeVries sat with foul troubleTrent Sisley stepping up huge in extended minutes (30 total, 16 in second half) with 11 second-half points including the crucial crosscourt pass to Wilkerson for a momentum-killing threeThe offensive versatility: ghost screens, guard-to-guard ball screens, backdoor cuts off face-guarding, and constant counters to everything Shaka Smart threw at them27 assists on 33 made field goals with only eight turnovers against havoc pressure, plus the starting three guards combining for 21 assists and just three turnoversManaging foul trouble masterfully—playing guys with 3-4 fouls extended minutes, backing off ball pressure strategically, and only having one disqualificationSam Alexis and Jasai Miles eating critical bench minutes when foul trouble hit, with Alexis going for 13 and 5 in 26 minutes as a plus-34 And much more. On the mics: Andy Bottoms, Ryan Phillips, Brian Tonsoni, and Bob Moats See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana basketball's new era is off to a flying start as the Hoosiers obliterated Alabama A&M 98-51 in Darian DeVries' official debut, showcasing exactly the brand of basketball that's been missing from Assembly Hall for far too long. The Hoosiers hung 58 points on the overmatched Bulldogs in the first half, shot over 40% from three (10-24), went a perfect 16-16 from the free throw line, and scored every single point either in the paint, from three, or at the charity stripe—no long twos in sight. Andy and Ryan break down how this dominant performance validated everything DeVries has been preaching about effort, unselfishness, and modern basketball principles, even acknowledging the massive talent gap while celebrating the habits and culture being established.Lamar Wilkerson's explosive seven-point stretch in two possessions (four-point play plus deep heat-check three) that ignited a 23-2 run and announced his arrival as a pure shooterSam Alexis going 5-5 in the first half for 15 points including a corner three nobody saw coming, bringing instant energy off the benchTucker DeVries crossing 2,000 career points while stuffing the stat sheet (18-11-4) and looking like an extension of his father's offense on the floorThe perfect 16-16 free throw performance after years of IU ranking among the nation's worst from the charity stripeAll 98 points coming in the paint, from three, or at the line—literally zero long twos and the analytics dream realizedEight players recording at least two assists showing the ball movement and unselfishness is real throughout the entire rosterDeVries using a 40-point lead to experiment with post-doubling schemes as preparation for tougher opponents, turning blowouts into teaching moments Plus, as always, the Banner Moment, Meaningful Moments You Might Have Missed, Inside the Numbers, and our Game Balls, Hustle Award, and Lingering Questions. That's all in this edition of The Assembly Call. On the mics: Andy Bottoms and Ryan Phillips See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana proved we can compete with high-level opponents in their second exhibition, grinding out a thrilling 76-74 victory over 17th-ranked Baylor in a game that felt nothing like an exhibition. Tayton Conerway's clutch drive with 12 seconds left provided the game-winner as the Hoosiers overcame a 31-18 first-half deficit to show the mental toughness and fight that could define this season. The crew breaks down how this hard-fought win revealed both the ceiling and the limitations of this Indiana roster, discussing the adjustments that sparked the comeback, the players who stepped up in key moments, and what it all means heading into the regular season. First Half: Surviving the Athletic MismatchHow Baylor's length and athleticism dominated early and the key adjustments Indiana made to chip away at the 13-point deficitBob Moats on Indiana's aggressive ball pressure and passing lane disruption that forced turnovers even when getting beat off the dribbleThe backdoor cuts and defensive switches that kept IU competitive despite being physically overmatchedWhy the free-flowing offense from the Marian game struggled against elite size and speed Second Half: Finding Ways to WinThree perimeter scorers carry the load: Wilkerson (12 second-half points), Conerway (13), and DeVries (9)The 20-of-21 free throw performance (95.2%) that became Indiana's path to victory when threes went cold (6-24, 25%)Jerod's excitement about the no-fouling-out trial run after Wilkerson picked up his fifth foul but stayed in the gameCoach Tonsoni's courtside observations on ball reversal concepts and how Indiana wore down Baylor with defensive intensity Reality Checks and Encouraging SignsWhy Reed Bailey and Trent Sisley struggled against Baylor's athleticism and what matchup-dependent performances mean for this rosterOvercoming a staggering 44-25 rebounding deficit and 18-3 second-chance points disadvantage through hustle and executionTucker DeVries' all-around brilliance (18 points, 6 boards, 5 assists in 38 minutes) playing a step ahead mentallyThe mental toughness that allowed seven players to log heavy minutes and never quit despite physical limitations On the mics: Jerod Morris, Brian Tonsoni, Bob Moats, and Ryan Phillips See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana basketball unveiled a dramatically different brand of hoops in Darian DeVries' debut, demolishing Marian 107-46 with relentless three-point shooting and defensive intensity. The Hoosiers launched 30 three-pointers, scored almost exclusively in the paint or from beyond the arc, and played with the kind of pace and ball movement that's been absent from Bloomington for years. Most encouragingly, the defensive effort never wavered—even up 40 points—with closeouts, ball pressure, and fundamental box-outs on display throughout.Trent Sisley scored 23 points on 8-9 shooting, showing the basketball IQ and instincts of a player who simply gets the gameTucker DeVries lit it up in the first half, finishing with 23 pointsThe offense flows through constant movement, backdoor cuts, and a willingness to share the ball (27 assists on 39 made field goals)Sam Alexis provides the hustle and two-handed rebounding Indiana desperately needsSix different players hit 3s as the Hoosiers embrace modern basketballConor Enright brings relentless ball pressure and disruption on defenseReed Bailey showcases his versatility, even bringing the ball up in transition and popping out for threes after post touches Plus, as always, the Banner Moment, Meaningful Moments You Might Have Missed, Inside the Numbers, and our Game Balls, Hustle Award, and Lingering Questions. That's all in this edition of The Assembly Call. On the mics: Brian Tonsoni, Jerod Morris, Andy Bottoms, Bob Moats, and a special appearance from Ryan Phillips See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What a day to be a Hoosier. Before we even got to talk basketball, Curt Cignetti made it official—signing an eight-year, $11.6 million per year extension that makes him the third-highest paid coach in college football. Brian and Ryan open with their reactions to the news that keeps Indiana's football renaissance alive, joined by Galen Clavio calling in from the road to break down what this means for the entire athletic department. Then it's time for basketball. With the first exhibition game against Marian just hours away, we dive into what Coach DeVries has been revealing at media days and in practice availability sessions. Here's what we're watching for as the DeVries era tips off: • How the three-point shooting philosophy translates to actual game action—spoiler: it's going to look dramatically different than what we've seen • The intriguing possibility of Bailey and Alexis playing together, and what a two-big lineup might mean for this offense • Rotation questions with key injuries to Drake, Dorn, and others limiting the backcourt depth early • What "limited sets" actually means for these exhibitions, and why DeVries isn't showing his full hand yet • The defensive identity taking shape—who's bringing that dog mentality on ball pressure? • Chemistry reads between players who've never played together, and where the gaps might show up • Why this completely rebuilt roster (zero returning points) makes these exhibitions even more critical Plus, as always, KenPom's first rankings (IU at #40), what Hoops on Kirkwood revealed about the program's new energy, Trent Sisley's balcony shot, why this feels different than any recent season, and our specific player focuses for tomorrow night's debut. On the mics: Brian Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, and Galen Clavio See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

IU football's dominant win over Illinois provided the perfect backdrop for discussing both the Hoosiers' incredible transformation under Curt Cignetti and the anticipation building around Darian DeVries' basketball program. Coach Tonsoni was on the scene at Memorial Stadium to witness the atmosphere firsthand, and broke down everything from the defensive front's relentless pressure to Mike Katic's legendary shirtless beer-chugging performance during "Mr. Brightside." Segment 1: Football Euphoria [00:00:00-25:00] - We dive into the electric atmosphere that had 56,000 fans waving towels in a sold-out Memorial Stadium, the complete dismantling of Brett Bielema's offense, and what this program transformation means for all IU athletics. Segment 2: Basketball Anticipation & Chase Brandham [25:00-36:00] - Discussion of the 2027 guard's commitment and that heartwarming video of Coach DeVries learning the news, plus early practice observations and the growing excitement around the new-look roster. Segment 3: Schedule Deep Dive [36:00-end] - Comprehensive breakdown of the released Big Ten schedule, including that brutal nine-game stretch from January to February and why IU's early conference slate could be crucial for building momentum. Key discussion points:How Cignetti's "standard is the standard" philosophy has created something unprecedented in BloomingtonWhether we're more excited for football's playoff chase or basketball's fresh start under DeVriesBreaking down IU's Big Ten schedule into tiers and identifying where those crucial four road wins might come fromThe challenge of rating teams in the transfer portal era when everyone has new rostersWhy that January 17th Iowa game is already circled on our calendars Plus, as always, debate about preseason rankings meaning anything anymore, Coach's tailgate adventures, and Ryan's impossible question that had everyone choosing sides between football and basketball season. That's all in this edition of The Assembly Call. On the mics: Andy Bottoms, Coach Tonsoni, and Ryan Phillips See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana athletics finds itself in a rare golden moment, prompting an unscripted celebration of everything going right in Bloomington. This edition of The Assembly Call brings together Coach Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, and Jerod Morris for a freewheeling conversation about the positive momentum across multiple sports and some exciting new developments in basketball. Going completely off-script without segments or a formal banner moment, we dive into what feels like the best time for Indiana athletics in decades. Soccer is ranked #1 nationally, football sits at 2-0 with genuine playoff aspirations, volleyball is thriving, and basketball is generating legitimate excitement under the new DeVries regime. Key Discussion Points Include:Hoosier the Bison's successful rollout - From the parachute entrance to Jeremy Gray's "outstanding" acting in promotional videos, the mascot has been a hit with fans young and oldCrimson Cast Live event recap - Ryan's experience on stage at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater discussing football with Mitchell Paige and Griffin GonzalezModern basketball philosophy - A deep dive into what "big vs. small ball" really means and how movement, not size, defines modern basketballRecruiting challenges and trust in DeVries - Whether Indiana's recent struggles have damaged the brand and why this coaching change feels differentCollege sports realignment concerns - Ohio State's potential push for unequal revenue sharing and what it means for programs like IndianaThe conversation's highlight comes with the announcement of Hoops on Kirkwood - replacing traditional Hoosier Hysteria with an outdoor event on Kirkwood Avenue from 8-10 PM on October 2nd. We're unanimously enthusiastic about this creative approach to connecting the basketball program with students and the community. Unscripted Tangents and Philosophy The show takes entertaining detours through topics ranging from favorite coaches to listen to (Shaka Smart, Matt Painter, and yes, even Brad Underwood), to speculation about future sports documentaries, to the importance of stepping away from social media when sports stop bringing joy. Throughout, there's an underlying theme of cautious optimism mixed with genuine excitement about the direction of Indiana athletics under Scott Dolson's leadership. Plus, as always, plenty of praise for the athletic department's creative thinking, excitement about connecting basketball to campus culture, and the recognition that this feels like the most positive moment for Indiana sports in anyone's recent memory. That's all in this unscripted edition of The Assembly Call. On the mics: Coach Brian Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, and Jerod Morris See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana basketball fans get a chance to reflect on the Hoosiers' successful three-game sweep in Puerto Rico while also building excitement for what promises to be a historic football season. This edition of Assembly Call Radio brings together Coach Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, Andy Bottoms, and Jerod Morris to discuss the early signs from the DeVries era and the anticipation building around both basketball and football. Segment 1: Headlines and Community Connection [00:00:00 - 00:20:00] The banner moment focuses on Coach DeVries' community engagement during move-in week - helping students move into dorms, appearing at the freshman rally, and visiting Homefield Apparel's new Kirkwood store. The hosts emphasize how refreshing it is to see a coach embracing all aspects of the job after years of perceived resistance to community involvement. Discussion includes the release of the Big Ten's top 40 player rankings with Lamar Wilkerson checking in at 29th and expectations for Tucker DeVries to land in the top 15. The conversation touches on Indiana's current "first four out" status in ESPN's early bracketology and upcoming exhibitions against Marian and Baylor. A significant portion focuses on football expectations, with both hosts projecting 8-9 wins and discussing the challenge of managing fan expectations in what could be another special season under Curt Cignetti. Segment 2: Puerto Rico Trip Analysis [00:21:00 - 00:45:00] Special guest Galen Clavio joins to discuss the three-game Puerto Rico sweep. The hosts emphasize looking at trends rather than results given the competition level, but note encouraging signs about pace, ball movement, and the team's ability to come back from double-digit deficits in the final two games. Key observations include the emphasis on three-point volume, improved spacing and movement compared to recent years, and the development of team chemistry among players who had never played together before. The conversation highlights how this represents a complete philosophical shift toward modern basketball. Galen also promotes the Back Home Network's expansion with new shows including Football Weather, The Big Red Carpet, and the upcoming Crimson Cast Live event at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Segment 3: Individual Standouts and Random Tangents [00:45:00 - 01:31:00] The final segment dives deeper into individual performances, particularly praising Taton Conway's ball pressure defense and improved offensive showing, plus Reed Bailey's versatility as a passing big man who can handle the ball. The hosts discuss how this team's depth could be a major asset with multiple players capable of contributing. The conversation takes several entertaining detours including Cowboys documentary discussions, predictions about future sports documentaries, and speculation about who would play Curt Cignetti in a hypothetical Indiana football movie. Throughout, there's underlying optimism about both programs heading into their respective seasons. Plus, as always, analysis of a trip none of them actually watched, excitement about finally seeing modern basketball concepts at Indiana, and the challenge of tempering expectations while embracing the obvious improvements in program culture and direction. That's all in this edition of The Assembly Call. On the mics: Coach Brian Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, Andy Bottoms, and Jerod Morris (with special guest Galen Clavio) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana basketball fans got their first real look at the new era under Darren DeVries as the Hoosiers dominated their opening exhibition game in Puerto Rico 98-47. This edition of The Assembly Call brings together Coach Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, Galen Clavio, and Bob Moats to break down a game none of them actually watched - relying instead on social media updates, live blogs, and video clips to piece together what happened. The banner moment says it all: 21 three-point attempts in the first half alone. While Indiana only hit six of them, the sheer volume represents everything fans have been hoping to see - a complete departure from the basketball of recent years. Key discussion points include:First impressions of the starting five and what their roles might beTrent Sisley's breakout performance and what it means for depthThe European influence and basketball IQ on displayEarly defensive concerns and growing pains with communicationWhat the pace and ball movement suggest about this new systemBreaking down video clips and unofficial stats from Puerto Rico The hosts emphasize not reading too much into results against inferior competition, but the style, energy, and philosophy on display have everyone excited about the direction of the program. Plus, as always, plenty of basketball analysis from a game nobody actually watched, excitement about movement and spacing finally coming to Assembly Hall, and optimism about what this new era might bring. That's all in this edition of The Assembly Call. On the mics: Coach Brian Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, Galen Clavio, and Bob Moats See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This edition of Assembly Call Radio, with hosts Coach Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, and Andy Bottoms, breaks down what these latest developments mean for the new era of Hoosier basketball.

Coach, Ryan, and Jerod were joined by the man of the hour, Galen Clavio, for a celebration that took some unexpected turns. From technical difficulties to traffic stops, this episode has it all.

This edition of The Assembly Call dives into Indiana's complete roster overhaul and what fans might expect heading into the 2025-26 season.

Join Galen Clavio from Crimson Cast and Bob & Mike from Xs and Joes as they discuss the exciting Lamar Wilkerson commitment from many angles.

Indiana basketball is in a transition phase as coach Darren DeVries begins building his staff and roster, with the hosts urging fans to remain patient during the transfer portal process.

This episode of The Assembly Call dives deep into IU's new basketball coach, Darian DeVries, analyzing his coaching philosophy and what fans can expect from this fresh start.

Indiana basketball ushers in a new era as Darian DeVries takes the helm, bringing proven program-building success and a modern basketball philosophy to Bloomington.

Indiana's Big Ten Tournament hopes ended abruptly with a 72-59 loss to Oregon in a rematch that featured all-too-familiar offensive struggles for the Hoosiers.

The Hoosiers overcame a 10-point second-half deficit behind clutch three-point shooting from Trey Galloway and the relentless defensive energy of Anthony Leal to finish the regular season at .500 in Big Ten play.

Indiana surrendered a late lead at Oregon, falling 73-64 after being outscored 10-0 in the final 1:30 when execution once again faltered at the worst possible time.

Indiana kept its late-season momentum rolling with a commanding 78-62 road victory over Washington, marking the Hoosiers' fourth win in their last five games and pushing their record to 18-11 (9-9 in Big Ten play).