Aleksa Ristic adds versatile scoring, playmaking to Indiana
Indiana basketball is building toward the future with last month’s addition of 6-foot-5 Serbian wing Aleksa Ristic, a versatile guard expected to join the Hoosiers after competing in the upcoming U20 FIBA Euro Championship.
Ristic, who begins games in the Group Phase of the competition on Saturday morning, drew recruiting interest from Kansas, Louisville, Georgetown and Virginia Tech, but it was Indiana’s vision and connections that sealed the commitment.
Playing professionally for KK Dynamic VP in Serbia’s top league, the KSL, Ristic averaged 13.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. He shot 38.6 percent from 3-point range, hitting 39 of 101 attempts in 19 games.
Known for his quick release and size advantage, Ristic delivered multiple games with multiple 3-pointers and consistently scored in double figures.
Ristic also showed strong playmaking ability, accounting for nearly 30 percent of his team’s assists and maintaining a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
He averaged 9.4 points and shot 41.2 percent from deep while playing for Serbia’s U20 national team last summer.
Under new Indiana coach Darian DeVries, who emphasizes shooting, ball movement and spacing, Ristic’s ability to play both guard positions adds valuable flexibility. He can handle the ball as a playmaker or operate off the ball as a shooter.
His proficiency in pick-and-roll situations, using screens to create space for drives or 3-point attempts, complements the offensive style Indiana is expected to play under DeVries.
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Indiana’s backcourt for 2025-26 includes Tayton Conerway, Conor Enright, Jason Drake and Lamar Wilkerson, creating strong competition for minutes.
Ristic’s three years of professional experience overseas give him an advantage in readiness and polish. Still, he will need to adjust to the physicality and pace of Big Ten basketball.
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His 1.98 assist-to-turnover ratio last season would have ranked second on Indiana’s roster a year ago, highlighting his smart decision-making. Coaches also praise his floor vision and defensive effort but he will need to improve his lateral quickness and defensive communication to thrive in conference play.
With four years of eligibility remaining, Ristic is considered a long-term asset for the Hoosiers. His shooting and playmaking could help open the floor and create opportunities for teammates in DeVries’ system.
Ristic admires NBA players Anthony Edwards and Devin Booker for their composure and midrange shooting, traits he hopes to emulate as he adapts to college basketball.
As Indiana ramps up offseason workouts, Ristic’s arrival adds depth and versatility to a guard-heavy roster. Whether he sees immediate playing time or develops more gradually, Ristic’s skill set and experience position him as a promising piece in Indiana’s retooling effort.
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