Advertise on podcast: The Assembly Call IU Basketball Podcast and Postgame Show

In this episode of The Assembly Call, we react to Indiana’s massive transfer portal haul and what it might mean for year two under Darian DeVries. After a disappointing season, the tone has shifted quickly—and the conversation wrestles with how much of this excitement is justified versus how much still needs to be proven on the court. Segment 1: Inside Indiana’s Portal Haul The discussion centers on just how dramatic this roster overhaul has been—and why it feels different from past offseasons. Why this group appears more balanced than recent Indiana teamsHow the pieces might actually fit together in a modern offenseThe significance of adding a true lead guard and legit size up frontA surprise commitment during the show that adds another wrinkleWhether this is finally a roster without an obvious fatal flaw Segment 2: What It Means (and What’s Still Missing) The excitement is real—but so are the questions. How much of last year’s struggles were roster vs. coachingWhy this offseason suggests the staff may have learned from year oneThe importance of continuity and multi-year playersWhat positions still need to be addressed before the roster is completeThe big unknown: how it all comes together once games actually start Bottoms line: There’s real momentum—and a real plan. But this episode makes it clear: April wins don’t mean much unless they translate to November. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana fell to Northwestern 74–61 in the Big Ten Tournament, dropping to 18–14 and surely ending any remaining hopes of an NCAA tournament bid. The Hoosiers built an early 10-point lead and looked sharp offensively before a late first-half collapse and second-half defensive breakdown allowed Northwestern to seize control and pull away. Andy Bottoms, Coach Tonsoni, Jerod Morris, and Ryan Phillips break down the season-ending loss and what it revealed about Indiana’s roster and program direction: The strong opening stretch where Tucker DeVries, Lamar Wilkerson, and Sam Alexis fueled an early double-digit Indiana lead before everything unraveledThe brutal offensive collapse late in the first half that flipped momentum and set the tone for the rest of the gameNorthwestern’s Nick Martinelli dominating the second half and why Indiana never found a defensive answer for himThe recurring defensive strategy questions — especially switching decisions that repeatedly created favorable matchups for NorthwesternFrustration with Indiana’s shot selection and empty possessions during a pivotal second-half stretchA bigger-picture discussion of the offseason ahead and why portal additions will define the next phase of Darian DeVries’ rebuildPlus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana fell to Ohio State 91–78 in Columbus in the regular-season finale, dropping to 18–13 overall and 9–11 in Big Ten play and effectively ending their at-large NCAA tournament hopes. The Hoosiers kept the game competitive early but were undone by Ohio State’s hot perimeter shooting and Indiana’s inability to match the Buckeyes’ physicality and shot creation for long stretches. Jerod Morris, Ryan Phillips, Mike Wiemuth, and Bob Moats break down the disappointing road loss and what it says about Indiana’s roster and future: Ohio State’s blistering three-point shooting that repeatedly stretched Indiana’s defense beyond its limitsThe physical mismatch that showed up in rebounding battles, defensive rotations, and late-game foulingLamar Wilkerson’s aggressive play — including one costly late decision — that captured both his importance and the burden he carried all seasonWhy Indiana’s roster construction left them without enough playmakers or shot creators to keep up with elite Big Ten teamsThe defensive dilemma of trying to contain Bruce Thornton while Ohio State’s other weapons punished every adjustmentJerod’s sobering “banner moment” reflection on what the end of the regular season means for the program’s immediate futureThe looming offseason and why roster upgrades are now the clearest path forward for Darian DeVries’ system Plus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana rolled past Minnesota 77–47 to improve to 18–12 overall and 9–10 in Big Ten play, delivering one of the team’s most complete performances of the season at exactly the moment it was needed most. After losing four straight and watching their NCAA tournament hopes slip, the Hoosiers responded with a dominant defensive effort, balanced scoring, and a decisive closing run late in the first half that effectively ended the game early. Jerod Morris, Andy Bottoms, and Brian Tonsoni break down the emphatic win and what it means heading into a crucial road test at Ohio State: The decisive late-first-half burst that turned a somewhat close game into a comfortable Indiana leadSam Alexis’ dominant interior presence that earned him the night’s game ballTucker DeVries’ all-around stat line and leadership performance that showcased how valuable his versatility can beIndiana’s suffocating defensive performance that held Minnesota to just 47 points and one of its worst offensive nights of the seasonThe massive edge in points off turnovers that turned defensive stops into easy scoring opportunitiesWhy this balanced team effort — on both ends of the floor — looked like the Indiana team fans had been hoping to see for weeksWhat the win means for Indiana’s fading NCAA tournament hopes with a massive bubble matchup looming against Ohio State Plus, the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana dropped its fourth straight game, falling 77–64 to Michigan State as the Hoosiers’ late-season slide continued and their NCAA tournament hopes faded further. Despite sustained effort and moments of competitiveness, Indiana again struggled to overcome talent gaps, rebounding issues, and offensive limitations against a top-tier Big Ten opponent. Coach Tonsoni and Ryan Phillips break down another frustrating loss and what it says about Indiana’s present — and future: How Indiana’s defensive adjustment to a matchup zone briefly slowed Michigan State but couldn’t overcome sustained shooting efficiencyThe momentum-killing offensive rebounds that repeatedly erased Indiana runsWhy the Hoosiers’ offense stalled without a consistent downhill creator to put defenses in rotationThe growing consensus that effort isn’t the issue — roster talent and fit areTucker DeVries’ all-around performance and leadership amid difficult offensive circumstancesThe broader impact of Indiana’s four-game skid on postseason hopes and program trajectoryWhy the upcoming offseason — especially portal additions — now looms as the program’s most important stretchPlus, key statistical takeaways, game ball and Hoosier Hustle Award selections, and a discussion of how Indiana should approach the final games with pride and long-term perspective in mind. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana suffered a devastating 72–68 home loss to Northwestern, falling to 17–11 overall and 8–9 in Big Ten play after squandering a strong first half and enduring another prolonged offensive drought. The Hoosiers built an early lead behind hot shooting but went cold late, allowing a struggling Northwestern team to seize control and dramatically complicate Indiana’s NCAA tournament outlook. Andy, Ryan, and Coach Tonsoni break down a frustrating defeat that exposed familiar issues on both ends of the floor: How Indiana’s red-hot start — fueled by Lamar Wilkerson’s early shooting — unraveled into a second-half scoring drought that decided the gameWhy the offense stalled into perimeter passing and late-clock jumpers during a decisive 10-minute stretch without a field goalThe puzzling rotation decisions surrounding Tayton Conerway despite his clear impact attacking the rimDefensive breakdowns and matchup choices that allowed Northwestern’s Nick Martinelli to take over the second halfThe rebounding and physicality gaps that turned a struggling opponent into the more aggressive teamMissed late foul calls that loomed large — while also highlighting why Indiana never should have been in that positionWhat this loss means for Indiana’s tournament chances with urgency now surrounding the final stretch of the season Plus, the Hall of a Moment, game balls, Hoosier Hustle Award, and a candid discussion of where Indiana stands heading into a critical matchup with Michigan State. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana fell to Purdue 93-64 in West Lafayette, dropping to 17-10 overall and 8-8 in Big Ten play after a game the Boilermakers controlled from the opening minutes. What began as a tough road test quickly turned into a lopsided rivalry loss, as Indiana struggled to generate offense, defend consistently, or match Purdue’s physicality for nearly the entire 40 minutes. Jerod, Andy, and Galen break down a disappointing performance and what it reveals about Indiana’s ceiling heading into the final stretch of the season: Tayton Conerway’s aggressive driving and playmaking performance that stood out as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise flat offensive nightWhy Indiana’s defensive effort — including zero steals and just one offensive rebound — raised deeper concerns about toughness and intensity against elite competitionHow Purdue’s defensive game plan neutralized Indiana’s perimeter threats and forced the Hoosiers into stagnant, uncomfortable offensive possessionsThe troubling trend of Indiana’s defensive decline since January and what the underlying numbers reveal about effort versus schematic issuesNick Dorn’s recent struggles on both ends and the difficult roster dilemma created when a streaky shooter stops producing offensivelyTucker DeVries’ surprisingly low shot volume and whether Indiana can succeed when one of its primary scorers becomes more facilitator than aggressorWhat consecutive blowout road losses mean for Indiana’s NCAA tournament outlook and the urgency facing the team in upcoming must-win games Plus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. ALERT: And some NSFW musical fun at the very end. (If you wouldn't be comfortable with your kids listening to an unedited Bob Knight locker room speech, then don't them listen to the very end.) This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana fell to Illinois 71-51 in Champaign in a game that exposed the Hoosiers' ceiling against elite Big Ten competition. After keeping it close for the opening 10 minutes, Illinois pulled away behind their size, depth, and athleticism while Indiana shot just 25% from three-point range and got dominated on the glass (giving up 15 offensive rebounds). Despite Lamar Wilkerson's 21 points and a defensive effort that held Illinois under their season averages, the Hoosiers simply didn't have enough firepower to compete for 40 minutes, dropping to 17-9 overall and 8-7 in Big Ten play. Jerod Morris and Coach Brian Tonsoni (live from State Farm Center) break down the disappointing but revealing loss: How a critical stretch midway through the first half—Conor Enright's bad turnover followed by Tucker DeVries's questionable second foul—triggered a 10-0 Illinois run that Indiana never truly recovered fromWhy Indiana's defensive game plan actually worked (holding Illinois to 71 points, 22% from three) but the math problem broke down when the Hoosiers couldn't hit open shots to capitalizeThe roster depth disparity on full display—Illinois had "more guys who could do more things" while Indiana's bench managed just five points (a Josiah Miles three and two Reed Bailey free throws)Lamar Wilkerson manufacturing 21 points without many clean looks, continuing to prove he's a complete scorer beyond just catch-and-shoot while teammates struggled around himWhat the offensive rebounding massacre (15 for Illinois, 4 for Indiana) reveals about the physical limitations of this roster against elite size and athleticismTayton Conerway's continued absence and regression raising concerns about depth heading into the final stretchWhy this loss shows Indiana's ceiling—good enough to beat peer-level teams but not equipped to compete with Final Four-caliber rosters like Illinois, Michigan, and Michigan State for full games Plus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana demolished Oregon 92-74 behind Lamar Wilkerson's nuclear 41-point performance at Assembly Hall, moving to 17-8 overall and 8-6 in Big Ten play. After missing his first five shots and not scoring until seven minutes remained in the first half, Wilkerson erupted for 16 points to close the opening period and then added 25 in a second half where Indiana shot an absurd 81% from the field, finishing with a 1.8 points-per-possession output that erased any doubt about the final outcome. Andy Bottoms, Ryan Phillips, and Coach Bob Moats break down the offensive clinic and what it means moving forward: How Wilkerson became just the fifth Indiana player since George McGinnis to record multiple 40-point games in a season, now leading the Big Ten in conference scoring at 24.4 points per gameSam Alexis's continued emergence with another perfect shooting night (8-of-8) and dominant defensive performance against Nate Biddle, opening up the offense early when shots weren't fallingWhy Indiana's second-half offensive explosion (11-of-11 on two-pointers, missing only four total field goals) showcased the full potential of Darian DeVries's system against overmatched opponentsConor Enright's steady excellence as a floor general (eight assists, six rebounds, plus-22 in 36 minutes) proving he's far exceeded expectations as a Big 10 starting point guardThe defensive lapses in the second half that allowed 1.42 points per possession—something that could prove costly against Illinois's top-ranked offense in six daysNick Dorn's confidence-restoring second half after struggling while battling illness, hitting clutch threes and free throws when Indiana needed scoring balanceWhat this five-of-six stretch says about coaching development and veteran play compared to earlier season struggles Plus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana survived a nail-biting overtime thriller against Wisconsin, winning 78-77 after blowing a 14-point first-half lead and trailing by four with under a minute left in regulation. Lamar Wilkerson, appearing to battle through injury late, scored Indiana's final 10 points of regulation including a clutch layup with under three seconds to force overtime, then became the only Hoosier to score in the extra period as Indiana improved to 16-8 overall and 7-6 in Big Ten play with a crucial victory over a tournament-caliber opponent. Andy Bottoms, Coach Brian Tonsoni (live from Assembly Hall), and Coach Bob Moats break down the gutsy win and questionable finish: How Sam Alexis dominated with 19 points on 9-of-10 shooting and five blocks, proving Indiana can win when the three-point shot isn't falling (just 5-of-22 from deep) by attacking inside for 44 paint pointsThe defensive game plan that held Wisconsin to 38% shooting and forced their offense into uncomfortable spots, including varied ball screen coverages tailored to different shootersWhy Indiana's late-game execution remains a glaring weakness—giving up an 11-point lead in the final four minutes with stagnant offense and defensive breakdowns before Wilkerson's heroicsConnor Enright's massive charge call in overtime when everyone was screaming for Indiana to foul, putting officials in position to make the game-deciding callThe controversial finish including the non-travel call on Alexis and the foul on Wilkerson's game-winner that sent Greg Gard into a meltdownTucker DeVries playing all 45 minutes doing everything but scoring in bunches, plus Josiah Miles's critical defensive minutes when Nick Dorn struggledWhat this win means for Indiana's tournament resume—picking up a quality home win over a team on the same seed line while showing the resilience to close out tight gamesPlus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana fell to USC 81-75 in Los Angeles, closing out a grueling West Coast road trip with a flat performance two days after their emotional double-overtime victory over UCLA. Despite battling back from an 11-point second-half deficit to have a chance late, the Hoosiers shot just 28.6% from three-point range and got only 11 combined points from Nick Dorn and Tucker DeVries as physical and mental fatigue seemed to catch up with them. The loss drops Indiana to 15-8 overall and 6-6 in Big Ten play. Jerod Morris and Ryan Phillips break down the disappointing but somewhat expected letdown: Lamar Wilkerson's heroic 33-point performance carrying Indiana offensively when no other Hoosier reached double figures, continuing his remarkable stretch that's put him squarely in first-team All-Big Ten considerationWhy the shooting struggles (Dorn 2-of-12 from three, DeVries 1-of-9 from the field) were symptoms of tired legs after playing deep into double overtime Saturday—flat shots rattling halfway down and out instead of droppingThe critical moments when Indiana needed to adjust away from settling for perimeter shots against USC's length and shot-blocking (11th nationally in block percentage) but continued forcing threesHow USC's Alijah Arenas made the plays of the game, hitting key shots to turn momentum when Indiana cut the deficit to four in the second halfTayton Conerway's return to action showing encouraging burst and driving ability in 10 minutes, raising questions about the optimal starting lineup moving forward with Dorn playing so wellWhy this loss stings less than most of Indiana's eight defeats this year—the mentality shift in this program where they fight for 40 minutes even without their A-gameThe all-important homestand ahead against Wisconsin and Oregon that will determine whether this road trip represents progress or a missed opportunity Plus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana survived a chaotic double overtime thriller at Pauley Pavilion, defeating UCLA 98-97 after blowing a 10-point lead in the final 1:34 of regulation and battling through two overtime periods without a true point guard. Trent Sisley's made free throw with 0.6 seconds left sealed Indiana's third straight victory, moving the Hoosiers to 15-7 overall and 6-5 in Big Ten play with a crucial second quad-one win for their NCAA tournament resume. Jerod Morris, Coach Brian Tonsoni, and Andy Bottoms (with special guests Scott Caulfield and Ryan Phillips calling in from Los Angeles) break down the gutsy road victory: How Nick Dorn's 21-point explosion in the second half transformed a six-point halftime deficit into a commanding lead, continuing his breakout stretch as Indiana's third legitimate scoring threatReed Bailey's career performance with 24 points on 12-of-13 free throw shooting in just 28 minutes, showcasing the inside scoring dimension this roster has been missing all seasonThe coaching brilliance and controversy—Darian DeVries's defensive adjustments that held UCLA to under 40% shooting versus the decision not to foul up three at the end of regulationLamar Wilkerson's redemption arc after nearly losing the game with critical turnovers late in regulation, then taking over both overtimes by repeatedly attacking the rim when Indiana had no point guard to initiate offenseWhy Tucker DeVries's nine points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists might have been his most important performance as a Hoosier despite the modest scoring numbersThe mental toughness this team showed bouncing back from a devastating collapse—what this win reveals about the culture DeVries is building and why it feels so different from recent Indiana teamsSam Alexis and Trent Sisley stepping up in critical moments as role players, making free throws and grabbing rebounds when starters fouled out Plus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana defeated Purdue 72-67 at Assembly Hall to earn Darian DeVries his first signature victory as Indiana's head coach and secure a crucial quad-one win for the Hoosiers' NCAA tournament resume. With the national championship football team honored before the game, Indiana jumped out to an 11-point halftime lead behind balanced scoring and relentless defense on Braden Smith, then survived a second-half offensive drought and several missed free throws to hold off Purdue's late charge and improve to 14-7 overall and 5-5 in Big Ten play. Jerod Morris, Andy Bottoms, Ryan Phillips, and Bob Moats break down the massive victory and what it means for the program: Connor Enright's 40-minute defensive masterpiece on Braden Smith (holding the All-American to 14 points on 14 shots with five assists and four turnovers) and his ice-cold three-pointer at 65-63 that ended a crucial offensive droughtHow Indiana won the first half with physicality, defensive intensity, and a 21-6 run over the final eight minutes featuring clutch buckets from Reed Bailey, Lamar Wilkerson, Tucker DeVries, and Josiah MilesNick Dorn's breakout continued with 18 points including eight straight in a critical second-half stretch, plus key drives that showed he's more than just a shooterWhy Indiana's ability to avoid fouling (only 15 team fouls, nobody with more than three) while forcing Purdue into 10 turnovers was the defensive blueprint they've needed all seasonThe second-half offensive struggles when Indiana went too conservative too early, missing three front-ends of one-and-ones while trying to run clock with five minutes leftWhat this win means for the program's trajectory—not just making the tournament this year, but showing what DeVries can do with the right roster construction as a strong 2026 recruiting class takes shapeTucker DeVries's toughness leading the game with 10 rebounds despite being held scoreless in the second half, and the critical contributions from role players like Miles, Sicily, and Bailey Plus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana knocked off Rutgers 82-59 on the road in Piscataway to snap a four-game losing streak and improve to 13-7 overall and 4-5 in Big Ten play. Tucker DeVries looked like himself again with 16 first-half points to set the tone, while Nick Dorn exploded for a career-high 23 points in his first start, and Lamar Wilkerson added 27 to pace a balanced offensive attack that shot 50% from the field in both halves. Jerod Morris, Ryan Phillips, and Andy Bottoms break down the much-needed victory and what it means heading into Tuesday's rivalry game against Purdue: How Tucker DeVries carried over his late-game momentum from Michigan and opened the game with back-to-back threes to give Indiana early control they never relinquishedNick Dorn's breakout performance hitting six threes and showing the confidence to take (and make) a crucial step-back three when Rutgers cut the lead to 12Why Indiana's patient half-court offense and willingness to attack the rim in key second-half moments—particularly drives by Tayton Conerway and Lamar Wilkerson—kept Rutgers from making a serious runSam Alexis's defensive dominance with six blocks and 10 rebounds that gave Indiana the rim protection they've been missingThe smart veteran decisions Indiana made throughout—only five turnovers, 15 fouls, and proper shot distribution with their three scorers taking 48 combined attemptsWhat this performance means for building momentum heading into a crucial stretch with Purdue at home followed by road games at UCLA and USCAn extended celebration of Indiana football's national championship and what it means for Hoosier fans who finally have their own championship story to tell Plus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana fell to third-ranked Michigan 86-72, extending their losing streak to four games and dropping the Hoosiers to 12-7 overall and 3-5 in Big Ten play. After falling behind 22-5 early without injured point guard Tayton Conerway and watching Tucker DeVries pick up two quick fouls, the Hoosiers never found their offensive rhythm against Michigan's size and defensive intensity, though they did show some fight late to cut a 24-point deficit to the final 14-point margin. Coach Tonsoni breaks down the loss solo and looks ahead to Rutgers: Why this team simply cannot go through 8-10 minute stretches scoring only four points against quality competition, and how those droughts continue to define their lossesThe roster construction issues that are becoming more apparent with each loss, particularly the lack of athletic drivers and post presence to attack good defensesTucker DeVries finally seeing shots fall late in the game after struggling for 30 minutes, and whether that can spark him moving forwardSam Alexis showing aggression and efficiency with 11 points in 19 minutes before fouling out, providing a glimpse of what Indiana needs from that positionReed Bailey's improved attack mentality driving to the rim, even if the finishing remains inconsistentCoach Tonsoni's measured approach to staying positive about the program's direction while acknowledging the deep frustration with how they're playing right nowWhy Friday's game at Rutgers feels critical for trying to end this streak before the Purdue rivalry game at Assembly Hall Plus, as always: the big moments you might have missed, stats that stood out, and our game ball and hustle award. This episode brought to you by the Back Home Network and Homefield Apparel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.