The roar inside Pauley Pavilion wasn’t just from the home crowd—it echoed all the way back to Bloomington. In a gripping double-overtime thriller against the UCLA Bruins, the Indiana Hoosiers pulled off a heart-pounding 98-97 victory that had fans from Assembly Hall to living rooms across the Midwest jumping out of their seats. And at the center of the chaos, driving fearlessly into the paint time and again, was redshirt senior forward Tucker DeVries.
Hoosiers fans—young kids waving candy-striped flags and lifelong supporters who’ve seen decades of glory and grit—erupted in cheers every time Tucker attacked the rim. He barreled through clusters of three or four defenders, absorbing contact, drawing fouls, and willing his way to the bucket. It wasn’t always pretty; shots clanged off the iron at times, but the sheer courage in those drives electrified the team and the fanbase alike. In a game that featured 54 total fouls and relentless physicality, Tucker’s willingness to take the punishment stood out as a symbol of the new energy surging through this Indiana squad.
This year’s Hoosiers team, under first-year head coach Darian DeVries, has ignited something special. After years of ups and downs in the Big Ten, the program feels alive again. Wins like this road masterpiece against a tough UCLA side—complete with comebacks, clutch plays, and double-overtime drama—have fans daring to dream big. Championship hopes? They’re no longer whispers in the stands; they’re conversations at breakfast tables, on podcasts, and across social media. The Hoosiers are playing with purpose, grit, and a togetherness that reminds longtime followers of the glory days under legends like Bob Knight.
From high school recruits to alumni who still bleed cream and crimson, the belief is building: this could be the year Indiana returns to the top.
Tucker DeVries has been a key spark. The 6-foot-7 forward, in his final college season, brings a unique story to the floor. He followed his father from Drake to West Virginia and now to Indiana, turning what could have been awkward family dynamics into a powerful on-court partnership. Tucker started strong this season, providing veteran leadership, versatile scoring, and tenacious rebounding. In the UCLA win, he stuffed the stat sheet with nine points, a team-high 10 rebounds, and seven assists while playing all 50 minutes of the marathon contest.
His defensive boards in crunch time and clutch free throws down the stretch helped seal the deal. But it was those fearless drives—slashing through traffic, refusing to back down—that captured hearts.
Postgame, amid the exhaustion and elation, Coach Darian DeVries faced the media with the proud, measured tone of a father who’s watched his son grow into a warrior. When asked about Tucker’s performance and the relentless attacks on the basket, the coach shared twelve simple, powerful words that summed up everything fans already felt: “He’s got the heart of a lion and the fear of nothing.”
Those twelve words landed like a thunderclap for Hoosiers Nation. In an era where college basketball often feels like a revolving door of transfers and one-and-dones, the DeVries duo represents something enduring—family, loyalty, and unbreakable resolve. Darian didn’t just praise stats or skill; he highlighted the intangibles that define champions: courage under fire, refusal to yield, and a burning competitive spirit. Tucker, who has started over 100 consecutive games across programs, embodies that mentality. He’s not the flashiest scorer, but when the game gets tough, he’s the one charging forward, drawing contact, and lifting his teammates.
The UCLA victory wasn’t just a box score win; it was a statement. The Hoosiers outlasted a Bruins team fighting on their home floor, overcoming rebounding deficits and late deficits through sheer will. Players like Lamar Wilkerson (who erupted for points in overtime) and others stepped up, but Tucker’s presence anchored everything. His drives opened up the floor, forced rotations, and created opportunities for teammates. Fans online replayed clips of him absorbing hits from multiple defenders yet still finishing or earning trips to the line. “That’s Hoosier basketball,” one longtime season-ticket holder posted. “Tough, fearless, and never backing down.”
For Indiana supporters, young and old, this season feels different. The program has endured lean years, coaching changes, and questions about relevance in a powerhouse conference. But under Darian DeVries, the culture is shifting. Practices are intense, rotations are deep, and belief is contagious. Tucker’s journey—from Iowa high school standout to two-time MVC Player of the Year at Drake, to following his dad through power-conference stops—mirrors the resilience fans crave. And when the coach calls his son “a lion with no fear,” it resonates because it’s true.
It’s visible in every drive to the hoop, every contested rebound, every moment he puts the team on his back.
As the Big Ten grind continues, these Hoosiers are building momentum. Road wins like the one at UCLA don’t come easy, but they forge identity. Championship hopes? They’re real, fueled by a team that’s playing with heart and a star forward who’s proving he’s built for the biggest stages. Tucker’s fearless drives aren’t just highlights—they’re reminders of why fans fall in love with this sport and this school. In Bloomington and beyond, the cheers keep growing. The Hoosiers are back, and with a lion leading the charge, anything feels possible.
