Oregon’s Dana Altman Breaks Silence on Indiana’s Bold Move to Hire Darian DeVries
The college basketball coaching carousel has taken another intriguing turn, and Oregon’s head coach Dana Altman has finally weighed in on one of the biggest moves of the offseason—Indiana’s decision to hire Darian DeVries as their next head coach. With years of experience and a strong reputation in the coaching world, Altman’s perspective carries weight, and his reaction to the Hoosiers’ bold hiring choice is drawing attention across the NCAA landscape.
Indiana’s High-Stakes Gamble on Darian DeVries
The Indiana Hoosiers are a program with rich basketball history and high expectations. Following their recent coaching transition, the school made the surprising yet calculated decision to bring in Darian DeVries, a name that, while well-respected, isn’t the flashy hire some fans had hoped for. DeVries, who gained recognition for his impressive work at Drake, has built a reputation as a disciplined leader who can develop talent and compete at a high level.
Still, Indiana’s choice to go with DeVries over some of the more established big-name candidates has sparked debates in the basketball community. Some see it as a brilliant move to inject fresh energy into the program, while others wonder if he can handle the immense pressure that comes with leading a historic powerhouse like Indiana.
Dana Altman’s Take on the Hire
Dana Altman, one of the most respected coaches in college basketball, didn’t hesitate to share his thoughts on Indiana’s move. As someone who has built Oregon into a perennial contender and understands what it takes to sustain success at a high level, Altman’s opinion holds significant weight.
“I’ve followed Darian’s career for quite some time, and he’s an exceptional coach,” Altman said when asked about the hire. “He’s done tremendous work at Drake, and he understands what it takes to build a winning culture. Indiana made a strong choice, and I have no doubt he’s going to bring a lot of energy to that program.”
Altman’s endorsement of DeVries should ease concerns for those skeptical about the hire. Having successfully built a powerhouse in the Pac-12, Altman knows firsthand what it takes to transition from a mid-major program to the bright lights of a national stage.
What This Means for Indiana and College Basketball
For Indiana, bringing in DeVries signals a commitment to building a long-term winning culture rather than chasing a quick fix. His ability to develop players, focus on fundamentals, and create a team-first atmosphere could be exactly what the Hoosiers need to return to prominence.
At Drake, DeVries turned the Bulldogs into a force in the Missouri Valley Conference, leading them to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. If he can replicate that success at Indiana, the Hoosiers could once again become a dominant force in the Big Ten.
However, with great expectations come immense pressure. Indiana fans expect immediate results, and DeVries will have to prove he can recruit at an elite level, compete with powerhouse programs, and handle the scrutiny that comes with leading one of college basketball’s most storied teams.
Altman’s Final Word: A Future Star in the Making?
Altman’s praise for DeVries isn’t just lip service—it’s a testament to the growing respect DeVries has earned within coaching circles. While some may still have doubts about whether he’s the right fit for Indiana, Altman’s comments suggest that the Hoosiers may have landed a rising star in the coaching world.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, all eyes will be on DeVries and how he navigates his first year in Bloomington. If he can meet the high expectations set by the program and its passionate fan base, Indiana’s bold move could end up being one of the smartest hires in recent college basketball history.
