Indiana Basketball Game Preview: Alabama A&M – key storyline, injury report, how to watch

Indiana basketball is officially back with the Darian DeVries era kicking off tonight when the Hoosiers host Alabama A&M at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

Indiana is coming off a busy and pivotal offseason that featured the hiring of Darian DeVries as head coach, the construction of an almost entirely new roster, and an international trip to Puerto Rico, where the Hoosiers competed in three games. They also played a pair of exhibition matchups against Marian University and Baylor, setting the stage for what should be an exciting new era of Indiana basketball.

Alabama A&M will be under the direction of first-year head coach Donte’ Jackson. Sophomore guard Bilal Abdur-Rahman (5.7ppg, 2.3apg) and junior forward Angok Anyang (2.6ppg, 1.7rpg) are the only two Bulldogs that returned to Huntsville this season. Senior guard Kintavious Dozier, one of seven transfers to follow Coach Jackson from Grambling State, averaged 12.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game last season.

Indiana basketball head coach Darian DeVries previews Alabama A&M

Key Question

A New Era of Indiana basketball officially begins tonight.

While there have technically been five exhibition games this offseason, tonight marks the official beginning of the Darian DeVries era of Indiana basketball. It’s the start of something new — a new style of play, a new roster, a new coaching staff, and a fresh identity that Hoosier Nation will witness as Indiana takes on Alabama A&M.

The last four years under the Mike Woodson era had their moments but were largely inconsistent, and after last season’s struggles, it became clear that a change was needed. Almost immediately after the offseason began, athletic director Scott Dolson made a bold move, hiring Darian DeVries away from West Virginia to lead the program forward.

DeVries wasted no time reshaping the team. He managed to keep freshman standout Trent Sisley committed, while also bringing in his son Tucker DeVries along with impact players like Lamar Wilkerson, Tayton Conerway, and Reed Bailey, among others.

The roster DeVries assembled is unlike anything Indiana fans have seen in years. It’s built around positional versatility, athleticism, pace, and shooting — all core elements of the modern game. This Indiana team will play with freedom and tempo, spreading the floor and emphasizing spacing, ball movement, and shot-making.

Expect a brand of basketball that Hoosier fans will quickly embrace — one that blends grit, toughness, and offensive creativity. The Darian DeVries era officially tips off tonight, and the Hoosiers will be looking to make a strong first impression.

Podcast: Talkin’ Bout The Hoosiers Ep. 59 – Indiana Basketball Preview

Matchup History

The season-opener will be the first meeting between Indiana and Alabama A&M. The Hoosiers hold a record of 11-0 in games against current SWAC schools. IU last hosted a SWAC school in the non-conference slate of the 2022-23 season. Indiana defeated Bethune-Cookman (101-49) on Nov. 10 and Jackson State (90-51) on Nov. 25 that year.

(On3+): Key Observations: 5 thoughts on Indiana’s exhibition wins

Injury Report

Nick Dorn – Dorn missed most of the summer and started to get back to going in fall practices. It has been a steady climb back for him with him recently being able to go full contact in practice. Darian DeVries is optimistic that he will be available vs Alabama A&M.

Josh Harris – Harris recently sustained an ankle/foot injury that has sidelined him most of the fall. Darian DeVries stated on his radio show that he “will be out for awhile.”

Jason Drake – The transfer guard from Drexel has missed nearly all the offseason for Indiana basketball with a lower body injury. It is unclear at this time how much longer he will be out but all signs point to it being at least the first month of play.

Aleksa Ristic – Ristic developed a lower body injury in the fall which forced him to miss Indiana’s exhibition vs both Marian and Baylor. The good news that even though he did not play vs Baylor, he did dress so he is at least questionable vs Alabama A&M.

Indiana basketball senior forward Tucker DeVries named to Naismith Trophy Watch List

Quick Hitters

Who? Indiana basketball vs Alabama A&M

When? Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 8:00 p.m. ET

Where? Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall

TV: BTN (Cory Provus and Robbie Hummel)

Radio: Indiana Hoosiers Sports Network

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