Indiana Hoosiers Show Early Improvements in Exhibition Against Team Canada

Indiana Hoosiers Showcase Growth in Early Exhibition Game

The Indiana Hoosiers kicked off their 2026-27 season with an impressive performance, defeating Team Canada 98-64 in an exhibition game during the FISU America Games. This match provided fans with their first glimpse of a restructured team under head coach Darian DeVries, who is optimistic about the improvements this new roster can bring.

A New Look Team

The most notable aspect of the game was the physical transformation of the Hoosiers. With the addition of Aiden Sherrell and Samet Yigitoglu, the team displayed significant size and defensive capabilities that were lacking in previous seasons. Sherrell recorded three blocks and six rebounds, while Yigitoglu contributed six points and five rebounds in just over 21 minutes of play.

Emerging Talents

Freshman Prince-Alexander Moody stood out, drawing cheers from the crowd for his relentless defense. Moody recorded five steals, three rebounds, and three assists, shooting 5-of-11 from the field, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, finishing with 13 points. His instinctive play and ability to disrupt opposing offenses showcased his potential to be a key player moving forward.

Shooting Struggles

However, despite the scoreboard, Team USA’s three-point shooting left much to be desired, as they only converted 27.5% of their attempts (11 of 40). Moody and Darren Harris managed to go 3-of-7 from deep, but players like Bryce Lindsay struggled, hitting just 1-of-6. Head Coach DeVries noted that shooting form might just be a product of the summer timing, but emphasized the importance of escalating their shooting efficiency as the season approaches.

Defensive Communication

Early in the game, defensive communication was an evident issue, allowing Team Canada to gain an early lead. Yet, as the match progressed, the Hoosiers tightened their defensive efforts, showcasing improvements and better cohesion. Sherrell’s presence in the paint proved crucial in sealing off easy shot opportunities for Canada.

Rotation Insights

Another highlight of the game came from DeVries experimenting with player rotations. With starters playing between 21 and 25 minutes, the lineup featured Darren Harris, Bryce Lindsay, Markus Burton, Aiden Sherrell, and Samet Yigitoglu. The inclusion of promising freshmen into these starting minutes indicates a strategic approach to increasing the depth of the team compared to last year's squad.

As the Hoosiers prepare for the upcoming season, this exhibition serves not just as a win but as a glimpse into the depth and athleticism they now possess, promising a competitive year ahead for Indiana basketball.

Overall, while it’s early days in the season and the adjustments will continue to unfold, the Indiana Hoosiers have set a positive tone with their performance against Team Canada, displaying a bright future with a mixture of returning talent and fresh faces.