True to his word, Darian DeVries adds 7-foot-2 center to Indiana basketball from transfer portal

True to his word, Darian DeVries adds 7-foot-2 center to Indiana basketball from transfer portal

Mar 11, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Tucker Devries (12) grabs a rebound against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Mar 11, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Darian Devries directs his team against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Mar 11, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Reed Bailey (1) battles for the ball with Northwestern Wildcats forward Tre Singleton (8) at the tip-off of Big Ten Conference Tournament Second Round game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

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Indiana basketball vs. Northwestern photos in Big Ten Tournament

Mar 11, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Tucker Devries (12) grabs a rebound against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

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Indiana basketball vs. Northwestern photos in Big Ten Tournament

Mar 11, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Tucker Devries (12) grabs a rebound against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

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Indiana basketball vs. Northwestern photos in Big Ten Tournament

Mar 11, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Darian Devries directs his team against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

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Indiana basketball vs. Northwestern photos in Big Ten Tournament

Mar 11, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Reed Bailey (1) battles for the ball with Northwestern Wildcats forward Tre Singleton (8) at the tip-off of Big Ten Conference Tournament Second Round game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

BLOOMINGTON — Darian DeVries stayed true to his word about strengthening his Indiana basketball frontcourt options for next season on Tuesday, when he landed Turkish center Samet Yigitoglu out of the transfer portal.

A fixture at SMU across the last two seasons, Yigitoglu started all 66 games in which he appeared for the Mustangs. At 7 foot 2, 270 pounds, the Istanbul native proved an effective two-way rebounder and rim protector for Andy Enfield’s teams. He averaged double figures in scoring across each of the last two seasons as well.

Yigitoglu immediately infuses badly needed size into Indiana’s rotation. DeVries spoke openly in the final weeks of last season about recognizing he had not reinforced his lineup with enough size to compete in the Big Ten. The SMU center’s addition speaks directly to that need, giving Indiana a true five — Yigitoglu attempted just six 3s in two years in Dallas — to plug into its first five right away.

Follow along: Indiana basketball 2026 transfer portal tracker. Who's left?

The latest Hoosier joins a class already three strong, joining junior guards Markus Burton, Jaeden Mustaf and Darren Harris.

2026-27 Indiana basketball roster

• Markus Burton, guard, junior
• Darren Harris, guard, junior
• Trevor Manhertz, forward, freshman
• Prince-Alexander Moody, guard, freshman
• Jaeden Mustaf, guard, junior
• Vaughn Karvala, forward, freshman
• Trent Sisley, forward, sophomore

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Samet Yigitoglu commits to Indiana basketball roster in transfer portal