[1083] What Have We Learned About IU Basketball Under Darian DeVries?

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)

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