BLOOMINGTON — Darian DeVries took two turns on the microphone Thursday night, during Indiana basketball‘s first Hoosier Hoops on Kirkwood. Whatever applause he got the first time around paled in comparison to the second.
Free drinks tend to get that reaction in a college town.
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“This message is for everybody upstairs in The Upstairs Pub,” DeVries said, pointing to the crowd on the outdoor terrace of the popular downtown bar. “This next round’s on me. You tell ’em coach DeVries said, ‘I’m getting this one.'”
His parting gift ended a night meant to celebrate the coming basketball season at the heart of Bloomington’s nightlife scene.
On a makeshift court constructed in front of Upstairs, both the IU men’s and women’s teams introduced themselves to a crowd of at least 1,000 fans. The Hoosiers participated in a series of skills activities and engaged with fans lining that court.
Both DeVries and Teri Moren spoke briefly, encouraging fans — and especially students — to fill Assembly Hall this season.
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“We can’t be more excited,” DeVries told the crowd in comments earlier in the evening. “What makes this place special? You walk into Assembly Hall, you see the banners, but you know what really makes this place special is this, right here.”
DeVries’ comments, ahead of his first season in charge in Bloomington, reflected his eagerness to win the trust of a fanbase he knows can help push his program rebuild forward.
But none of his comments were quite so well-received as his last, particularly among his student body.
Insider: Darian DeVries wants to rebuild trust with Indiana basketball fans, and it starts with students
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Trent Sisley hits trick shot from apartment deck
Indiana took advantage of the unique setting on Kirkwood Avenue on Thursday night with a trick shot competition, featuring players setting up in the balconies overlooking the street.
Freshman Trent Sisley received the biggest ovation of the night when he banked in a shot from the apartments above Five Guys on his final attempt.
Shay Ciezki came close to knocking down a shot from Upstairs while the spirited crowd chanted her name.
Who won the 3-point contest between IU basketball teams? Lamar Wilkerson vs Maya Makalusky in finals
The other competitions mimicked the now-defunct Hoosier Hysteria event. Lamar Wilkerson won a 3-point contest between select members of the men’s and women’s teams.
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Wilkerson beat out freshman Maya Makalusky, the 2025 Indiana Miss Basketball, in the finals.
Could students beat out IU basketball in knockout?
There was also a knockout competition pitting a group of fans against players from both teams. Conor Enright was the last player standing, but the DePaul transfer was eliminated by a female fan.
The night wrapped up with a brief fireworks display after everyone in attendance posed for a drone selfie.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana basketball coach buys students beer, Trent Sisley trick shot
