BLOOMINGTON — Indiana University basketball is bringing the pre-season hype to the heart of Bloomington. For the first time, both the men’s and women’s teams will hold a fan event, Hoosier Hoops, away from Assembly Hall, gathering at the iconic Sample Gates on Kirkwood Avenue on Thursday, October 2, from 8-10 p.m.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature player introductions, skills competitions, and opportunities for fans to meet the players. It’s a chance for the community to get an up-close look at the teams before the season officially begins.
New Era for Men’s Basketball
The men’s team is entering a highly anticipated new era under Head Coach Darian DeVries. DeVries, who took the helm this spring, has completely reshaped the roster, bringing in 10 transfers, including his son, Tucker DeVries, a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year.
Fifth-year senior guard Lamar Wilkerson (Sam Houston State) averaged 20.5 points per game and shot 44.5% from behind the 3-point line in 2024-25, while fifth-year senior forward Tucker DeVries (Drake, West Virginia) has averaged 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in 112 career games.
Women’s Team Looks to Continue Success
Under Head Coach Teri Moren, the women’s program aims to build on its recent success, having qualified for the NCAA Tournament for six consecutive seasons.
The team will be led by returning guard Shay Ciezki, the leading scorer from last season, and will welcome two of the past two Miss Indiana Basketball winners: freshman Maya Makalusky (2025) and transfer Chloe Spreen (2024), who joins the team from Alabama. Their arrival adds to an already talented roster aiming for another deep tournament run.
The move to Kirkwood Avenue gives fans a new way to celebrate the start of the basketball season and connect with their favorite players.
