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

Indiana gave fans plenty of reasons for optimism in a 76–58 exhibition win over North Carolina, combining Bryce Lindsay’s hot shooting with a commanding 53–31 rebounding advantage and an encouraging defensive effort. Coach Brian Tonsoni, Jerod Morris, and Ryan Phillips break down what stood out in the Hoosiers’ second exhibition victory—and why this roster’s depth, athleticism, and variety on offense suggest more ways to win this season. Among the topics discussed: A different tone on the glass: Relentless offensive rebounding supplied the Banner Moment and helped Indiana finish with a 17–7 advantage in second-chance points. More answers in the backcourt: Lindsay’s scoring, Darren Harris’s shooting, Burton’s creation, and Mustaf’s physical drives give the Hoosiers multiple options when an opponent takes something away. Winning beyond the scoring column: Aiden Sherrell received praise for his rebounding, defensive activity, and willingness to contribute without a big scoring night. Samet Yigitoglu’s size and Sam Alexis’s energy also drew praise. Encouraging defensive progress: Better ball pressure, closeouts, and rotations helped Indiana hold North Carolina below 60 points. Room to improve: Turnovers, missed finishes, baseline inbound execution, and developing dependable depth remain priorities for Darian DeVries’s team. The crew also discusses how to balance building chemistry with giving younger players exhibition minutes, then closes with an IU football conversation about the Ohio State loss, offensive concerns, and the upcoming trip to Michigan. Plus: Game Balls, the Hoosier Hustle Award, lingering questions, and a look ahead to the Western Kentucky exhibition in Evansville.

Indiana opened its exhibition schedule with a convincing 96-68 win over Butler, giving us plenty of reasons to be encouraged about this year's Hoosiers. Coach Tonsoni breaks down the impressive second-half turnaround, the newcomers who stood out, and what this first look tells us about the team's potential under Darian DeVries. The Hoosiers led by just three at halftime before taking control with a dominant second-half performance. Coach walks through: The defensive adjustments that completely changed the game. How Indiana's offensive versatility created problems for Butler. Why the rebounding advantage might be one of the most encouraging signs of all. We got our first real look at Indiana's revamped roster, and several players made strong impressions. Markus Burton's aggressive start and the scoring dimension he brings to the backcourt. The inside presence of Indiana's big men and the importance of having multiple ways to score. Why Trevor Manhertz could become a particularly valuable piece of the rotation. The contributions of Jaeden Mustaf, Darren Harris, and a deeper, more athletic supporting cast. It's only an exhibition, but there are some meaningful takeaways as Indiana prepares for tougher competition. Coach discusses the areas that still need work, including defensive consistency, turnovers, and fouling, while explaining why this roster appears better equipped to compete in the Big Ten. Plus, we answer listener questions about rotations, team chemistry, and season expectations before handing out our first Game Ball and Hoosier Hustle Award of the season.

Darius Wabbington is an Indiana Hoosier. The five-star 2027 center has committed to Indiana basketball, giving Darian DeVries one of his biggest recruiting wins yet and adding another major piece to IU’s rapidly developing 2027 class. Galen Clavio is joined by Brian Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips and Mike Wiemuth for an emergency podcast breaking down Wabbington’s commitment, his skill set and why his game fits what DeVries is trying to build. The 6-foot-11 center brings unusual passing and ball-handling ability, developing three-point range, physical size and the versatility to operate both inside and away from the basket. The crew also looks at Indiana’s 2027 class alongside Chase Branham and Felix Kiehlneker, Wabbington’s NBA potential, how he could be used in DeVries’ offense, and what beating Arizona and Illinois for an elite national recruit says about IU’s recruiting trajectory. Plus: why Indiana’s roster construction looks increasingly intentional — and how this commitment compares with the program’s history of landing five-star prospects. Subscribe to the Back Home Network for more coverage of Indiana basketball.

This episode was recorded on Thursday, September 17th. In this episode of The Assembly Call, Andy Bottoms, Ryan Phillips, and Brian Tonsoni break down Indiana’s newly released Big Ten schedule and debate whether it gives the Hoosiers a favorable path through conference play. They also discuss IU’s newest recruiting commitment and share early impressions of the football team. The schedule appears manageable early, but the closing stretch is another story. The guys explore: Where Indiana has its best opportunity to build momentum The road games that may be tougher than they look Why playing the Big Ten’s best teams at home matters Whether IU can withstand a brutal finish Also, Ryan offers an initial scouting report on Indiana’s new seven-foot commitment, while the crew considers what the addition says about the program’s recruiting strategy. They also touch on preseason Big Ten projections and strong starts across IU Athletics. The show closes with early reactions to Indiana football’s 2–0 start, including Josh Hoover’s encouraging play and the questions that remain before conference competition begins.

It’s a great time to be a Hoosier. Brian Tonsoni is joined by Ryan Phillips and Bob Moats to break down Indiana basketball’s newly released non-conference schedule, sort through the latest eligibility questions, and get ready for the defending national champion football Hoosiers to open the 2026 season against North Texas. Sam Alexis’ eligibility remains unresolved, sparking a broader discussion about the NCAA, professional contracts, Summer League participation, and where college eligibility rules should ultimately draw the line. Victor Oladipo is attempting an NBA comeback, while a new documentary celebrates longtime Voice of the Hoosiers Don Fischer.Indiana volleyball earns a huge five-set victory over defending national champion Texas A&M, while IU men’s soccer continues its strong start. The guys dig into a schedule featuring five power-conference opponents, including neutral-site matchups with Syracuse, Arkansas and Kentucky, plus home dates against UCF and Missouri. Add exhibitions against Butler, North Carolina and Western Kentucky, and IU will have plenty of opportunities to learn about itself before Big Ten play. Why the Arkansas-Kentucky back-to-back could provide an early measuring stick.How marquee games at Madison Square Garden and Lucas Oil can help Indiana build its NCAA Tournament résumé.Why the schedule feels appropriately ambitious for a veteran roster—and why the Big Ten alone can’t be counted on to provide enough quality opportunities. The overlooked value of games against teams like Bellarmine and Tennessee Tech, whose styles could give IU useful early-season tests even if they aren’t marquee opponents. And what would constitute a successful record in those five biggest non-conference games. Finally, attention turns to Memorial Stadium as Curt Cignetti and the defending national champions begin another season. Expectations have changed dramatically: IU has reloaded, the entire home schedule is sold out, and simply getting to six wins feels like ancient history. The guys discuss what to watch against North Texas, why nobody should overreact to the first game, and how football success is changing the entire Bloomington experience—from ticket demand and hotel prices to the atmosphere surrounding every home Saturday.

In this episode of The Assembly Call, Jerod Morris and Ryan Phillips take stock of where Indiana basketball stands in mid-August after the Peru trip, Sam Alexis’ return, and the first real glimpses of this rebuilt roster. They dig into the reasons for cautious optimism, what this team’s identity could eventually become, and which questions still need to be answered before the games start counting. Why Sam Alexis’ return may matter more than a typical late-offseason roster addition—and what it changes about Indiana’s frontcourt options.What Bart Torvik’s early projections say about Indiana and a Big Ten that already looks brutally deep.The biggest lesson from Peru wasn’t any individual stat line, but what the roster suggested about how these pieces might fit together.What could define Indiana’s identity on both ends of the floor—and why this roster may offer Darren DeVries more ways to attack than he had a year ago.Which freshmen have raised expectations, which veterans may be getting overlooked, and how much we should really trust anything we see in August.A closer look at whether Indiana’s supposed depth is actually different this time—and why developing the back end of the rotation early could matter later.Does IU football’s incredible success take pressure off the basketball program… or quietly raise the standard for what fans will tolerate? Jerod and Ryan also work through listener questions about pace, rotations, roster fit, player development, and how this group compares with some of the recent Indiana teams that looked promising on paper. And with football season almost here, the show closes with some well-earned IU football talk, including what Ryan trusts most about the defending champs—and the biggest question he still has entering the season. The Assembly Call is presented by Homefield Apparel ... and now Upstairs too!

Indiana 120, Virgin Islands 63 Indiana's summer tour rolled on with another lopsided win, but the score wasn't what had the Assembly Call crew talking afterward. Coach Brian Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, and Bob Moats discuss a handful of standout performances, some intriguing lineup combinations, and why this team continues to look a little different from what Hoosier fans have grown accustomed to in recent years. It's still July, and everyone is appropriately cautious—but there were enough flashes in this one to make for another entertaining postgame conversation. Which Hoosier stole the spotlight with a performance nobody saw coming.Why the roster's overall depth continues to stand out, regardless of the opponent.Early signs of what Darren DeVries wants Indiana basketball to look like on the offensive end.The newcomers and freshmen generating the most buzz through the first few games.A discussion about the players who could quietly become fan favorites this season.Areas where the Hoosiers still have plenty of work to do before November arrives.One unexpected eligibility question that sparked an interesting conversation late in the show.With tougher competition still ahead, the guys resist the urge to overreact while acknowledging that this team has given fans plenty to be excited about. Summer basketball may not tell the whole story, but it's certainly making the wait for the regular season a little easier. The Assembly Call, like all shows on the Back Home Network, is presented by Homefield Apparel.

Indiana's summer debut gave fans their first extended look at Darren DeVries' latest roster build, and there was plenty to discuss after Team USA's exhibition win over Team Canada. Coach Tonsoni, Bob Moats, and special guest Andrew Garrison break down the newcomers, the freshmen, and the early signs of what this team could become—with the usual reminder that it's still only July. Why Marcus Burton immediately became a major topic of conversation.The freshmen who had Assembly Hall buzzing—and why fans are already taking notice.Early impressions of Indiana's size, athleticism, and roster construction.How Darren DeVries appears to be shaping the team's offensive identity.Which players flashed intriguing potential on both ends of the floor.Questions that still remain as the team continues building chemistry.What Indiana's upcoming trip to Peru could reveal about the Hoosiers moving forward.

In this episode of The Assembly Call, the crew checks in from the quiet part of the offseason—but with plenty to discuss. From the first glimpses of summer workouts to Indiana's exhibition schedule and the ongoing debate around NCAA Tournament expansion, there's no shortage of reasons to start getting excited for basketball again. The Banner Moment: Summer Workouts Are Here For the first time, we're getting a peek behind the curtain at this completely rebuilt roster. Early practice observations from those in attendanceWhy Coach Tonsoni is suddenly paying attention to practice videosWhat stood out from the first few days in BloomingtonLooking ahead to Peru and why those games could be so valuable Breaking Down the New-Look Roster The conversation digs into what little we've seen—and what it might tell us. Why Indiana's roster construction feels more intentional this time aroundThe importance of having multiple ways to create spacing offensivelyWhich newcomers could quietly become the biggest difference-makersA fun exercise: if you're scouting Indiana, who do you try to stop first?The discussion also explores why this team may simply have more answers than recent IU squads when defenses take away the first option. Scheduling, Expansion, and the Bigger Picture The show wraps with a look beyond the roster. Thoughts on playing marquee games in Indianapolis versus Assembly HallWhether expanding the NCAA Tournament to 76 teams actually improves the eventHow a larger field could change scheduling philosophy across college basketballA few final reflections on the ever-changing landscape of the sport See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The crew opens with something Indiana fans haven’t had in a while during May: actual basketball stuff to look forward to. Between the Peru trip, summer practices, and a roster that finally looks balanced on paper, there’s a real sense of momentum around the program. Why the Peru trip could end up being way more important than just “extra games”The hidden value of IU adding “practice body” depth pieces late in the portal cycleHow Darian DeVries may have quietly overachieved in the transfer portalWhy this roster feels fundamentally different from some recent IU teamsThe discussion turns into a surprisingly optimistic conversation about fit, shooting, and actual roster construction There’s also some fun reflection on the current state of IU athletics overall — from football momentum to the feeling that Indiana is finally showing up in national conversations for positive reasons again. And yes… the guys briefly spiral into memories of the 1992 Final Four loss to Duke, because some wounds apparently never heal. Segment 2: The Big Ten Schedule Is Out… and IU Might’ve Actually Caught a Break The conference opponents are officially set, and the panel wastes no time dissecting what’s good, what’s dangerous, and what could become sneaky problem spots. A few major themes emerge quickly: Not having to visit Illinois, Michigan, and Michigan State feels enormousWhy this schedule may set up well for a first-year roster still learning how to play togetherThe road games everyone says are “winnable”… but somehow never feel comfortableAn unfortunate amount of skepticism about beating Northwestern despite their roster turnoverWisconsin in Madison somehow turns into its own emotional subplot The conversation eventually drifts into way-too-early Big Ten record predictions, and suddenly the panel is casually throwing around numbers that would represent Indiana’s best conference season in years. Some restraint is attempted. It does not last long. Segment 3: NCAA Tournament Expansion, College Basketball Chaos, and Coach Wants Golf Partners The final segment tackles the looming NCAA Tournament expansion debate, and the conversation gets surprisingly thoughtful about what the tournament should actually represent. Topics include: Why expanding the field feels inevitable whether fans like it or notThe biggest issue with the current “First Four” setupA genuinely interesting idea for helping mid-major teams and preserving tournament magicWhy the NCAA still doesn’t know how to properly treat smaller schools that earn tournament bidsThe guys accidentally workshop better tournament formats than the NCAA itselfAnd in true offseason fashion, the episode closes with: Indy 500 talksummer basketball planspodcast updatesretirement excitementand Coach Tonsoni openly recruiting Assembly Call listeners to play golf with him around IndianaWhich honestly feels exactly right for a mid-May IU basketball show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.