Full Breakdown
Indiana Hoosiers Use Exhibition Win Over Team Canada to Gauge New Roster Ahead of FISU America Games
7/17/2026, 12:38:49 PM
Background & Context
On July 15, 2026 the Indiana men’s basketball team opened Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall for the first time this season, wearing United States jerseys in an exhibition against Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf, which served as “Team Canada.” The game was a final tune-up before the FISU America Games, an amateur tournament in Lima, Peru scheduled for July 20 – August 1. Indiana entered the contest with a largely new roster—only four scholarship players returned from the previous year—and debuted new uniforms.
Core Event
Indiana defeated the Canadian side 98-64. The Hoosiers displayed a size advantage, fielding 7-foot-2 junior Samet Yigitoglu, 6-foot-8 sophomore Trent Sisley and 6-foot-11 junior Aiden Sherrell, while the tallest opponent stood at 6-foot-7. Despite the margin, the game highlighted defensive and rebounding inconsistencies that the coaching staff said must be addressed before regular-season play.
Key Figures & Groups
- Darian DeVries – Head coach, provided post-game assessments.
- Prince-Alexander Moody – Freshman guard, scored 13 points (5-for-11 shooting, 2-for-4 from three) and recorded five steals.
- Trevor Manhertz and Vaughn Karvala – Freshman forwards contributing 10 and six points respectively.
- Samet Yigitoglu, Trent Sisley, Aiden Sherrell – Upperclassmen anchoring the frontcourt.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Indiana 98, Team Canada 64.
- Indiana tallied 17 steals and six blocks; Team Canada forced 10 offensive rebounds on 33 missed shots.
- Rebounding: Indiana was outrebounded 17-18 in the first half but improved to 28-12 in the second half.
- Shooting: Indiana made 23 of 56 field-goal attempts (41 %); from three-point range they shot 11-of-40 (27.5 %).
- Turnovers: Indiana committed 14 turnovers versus 10 by Team Canada, yielding 24 free possessions for the Hoosiers.
- Six Hoosiers scored at least 10 points; the freshman trio combined for 29 points.
Why It Matters / Impact
The exhibition served as the first live-action test of a roster that ranked 315th nationally in rebounds per game the prior season. Addressing the rebounding deficit is a priority, as the coaching staff recruited Yigitoglu and Sherrell specifically to improve interior play. The performance of Moody and other freshmen offers early insight into depth and scoring options that could shape Indiana’s competitiveness in the upcoming Big Ten schedule and the FISU tournament.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach DeVries emphasized that the team is not yet an “elite offensive rebounding team” and highlighted the need to secure both offensive and defensive glass. He praised Moody’s effort, noting that the guard “just plays hard,” a trait he believes translates into production. DeVries also acknowledged the roster’s limited chemistry, attributing sloppy possessions and turnovers to the early-season adjustment period. Nonetheless, he expressed optimism about the bench depth, observing that two full rotations produced productive minutes for the first time in recent years.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts pointed to the Hoosiers’ “sloppy possessions” and 14 turnovers as evidence that the new lineup still lacks cohesion. Defensive rebounding, despite a size advantage, lagged in the first half, and the team’s three-point shooting remained below 30 %, suggesting that offensive efficiency will require refinement before conference play.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He just plays hard,” — Darian DeVries, Head Coach
- “What I love about him is he just plays hard …that’s what gets you production, that’s what gets you on the floor,” — Darian DeVries, Head Coach
- “Prince is what you saw tonight, that’s what he is everyday,” — Darian DeVries, Head Coach
What’s Next
Indiana’s next competitive appearance will be at the FISU America Games in Lima, Peru, beginning July 20, where the Hoosiers will represent the United States against other American-continent teams. The tournament will provide further evaluation of the roster’s rebounding, defensive, and offensive cohesion ahead of the regular season start in October.
