Indiana's Tucker DeVries 'finally healthy' after three surgeries
By Jeff Goodman and Sam Lance
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – It’s been a long, winding road for Tucker DeVries throughout his college career.
He injured his shoulder in January 2024 while at Drake and continued to play through it before undergoing surgery in March prior to his senior season at West Virginia. Then, after eight games as a Mountaineer, DeVries was shut down for the season and had to once again undergo shoulder surgery. All in all, it’s been three different surgeries on both shoulders.
But now, the guard is healthy for the first time in a long time.
“The shoulder feels great,” DeVries said. “This is the first year in three years I’ve got to have an actual offseason, which is obviously really helpful and going into even the fall, just kind of being in shape already is very important. I think that allows you to get ready for a season well. And being able to lift again, it’s been also pretty helpful for more than a month before the season.”
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During Indiana’s three-game foreign trip to Puerto Rico, DeVries averaged 10.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals. Indiana will certainly be leaning on his offense this season. DeVries averaged just under 15 points per game at West Virginia before his injury and 18+ points per game his last two full seasons at Drake. Who knows what he’s capable of with a full offseason under his belt.
“I know he’s excited to hopefully stay [healthy] and be able to complete a whole season and be able to perform with a healthy shoulder,” said Darian DeVries, Tucker’s father and head coach throughout his entire college career.
Darian added the rehab process can be time consuming, having to basically start all over again. This time, Tucker’s been able to get “everything right” after the surgery.
“We’re excited about where he’s at right now,” Darian said.
For the Hoosiers, this is great news. Tucker gives Indiana a weapon on the perimeter and an elite 3-point shooter, as well as a steady presence in the locker room. After years of setbacks, it should be an electric last chapter in Tucker’s college career.
“I feel great,” he said. “I’m excited for this last go around.”
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