Indiana basketball is finalizing its roster for the upcoming season, with coach Darian DeVries focusing on adding depth in specific areas. The recent commitment of 7-footer Clemens Sokolov has addressed one of the team's needs.
Key points
Darian DeVries is finalizing Indiana basketball's roster.
Clemens Sokolov's commitment adds depth to the team.
DeVries is focusing on specific areas for roster improvement.
The freshman class faces challenges due to the transfer portal.
Mentioned in this story
Indiana basketballDarian DeVriesClemens Sokolov
BLOOMINGTON — As Indiana basketball inches toward a completed roster for next season, Darian DeVries’ list of priorities narrows.
Speaking last week, DeVries mentioned depth in the post as a potential need, one he crossed off the next day with the commitment of German 7-footer Clemens Sokolov. That news only strengthened another area of opportunity in DeVries' 2026-27 team: A freshman class overshadowed by the busy spring transfer window.
“We’ve got good depth at most positions,” DeVries said. “(The remaining focus is on) just adding a little more depth in a couple areas, just to cover us from a practice standpoint, from an injury standpoint. That’s our priority with these last couple.”
Indiana's Trent Sisley (11) shoots over Minnesota's Grayson Grove (2) during the Indiana versus Minnesota men's basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Notre Dame guard Markus Burton shoots the ball during a NCAA basketball game against LIU Brooklyn at Purcell Pavilion on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in South Bend.
Q&A
What are Darian DeVries' priorities for the Indiana basketball roster?
Darian DeVries is prioritizing adding depth in a couple of areas to ensure coverage for practice and potential injuries.
Who is Clemens Sokolov and how does he impact Indiana basketball?
Clemens Sokolov is a 7-footer from Germany whose commitment has strengthened Indiana's post depth for the upcoming season.
What challenges does Indiana basketball face with its freshman class?
The freshman class is overshadowed by the busy spring transfer window, presenting challenges in integrating new talent.
How has the transfer portal affected Indiana basketball's roster?
The transfer portal has allowed Indiana to reload significant portions of its roster, providing more options for the upcoming season.
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Mar 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Aiden Sherrell (22) dunks past Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Luke Bamgboye (9) in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 03: Samet Yigitoglu #24 of the SMU Mustangs is defended by Henri Veesaar #13 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half at Moody Coliseum on January 03, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Mar 21, 2025; Raleigh, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Darren Harris (8) dunks the ball against the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
Jan 7, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets guard Jaeden Mustaf (3) takes a jump shot in the first half against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Feb 4, 2026; Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Bryce Lindsay (2) reacts after the game against the Seton Hall Pirates at William B. Finneran Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Bishop McNamara Mustangs guard Prince-Alexander Moody (2) looks to pass as Wheeler Wildcats forward Jaron Saulsberry (1) guards him during the first quarter of a City of Palms Classic first round game at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
CIA-Bella Vista Bears forward Vaughn Karvala (24) tries to pass the ball as Prolific Prep Crew guard Bruce Branch II (3) guards him during the third quarter of a City of Palms Classic Signature Series game at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
Freshman Trevor Manhertz is a 6-foot-8 forward who signed his letter of intent to play for IU.
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Who is on IU? See the Indiana basketball roster in photos
Indiana's Trent Sisley (11) shoots over Minnesota's Grayson Grove (2) during the Indiana versus Minnesota men's basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
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Who is on IU? See the Indiana basketball roster in photos
Indiana's Trent Sisley (11) shoots over Minnesota's Grayson Grove (2) during the Indiana versus Minnesota men's basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
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Who is on IU? See the Indiana basketball roster in photos
Notre Dame guard Markus Burton shoots the ball during a NCAA basketball game against LIU Brooklyn at Purcell Pavilion on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in South Bend.
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Who is on IU? See the Indiana basketball roster in photos
Mar 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Aiden Sherrell (22) dunks past Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Luke Bamgboye (9) in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Who is on IU? See the Indiana basketball roster in photos
DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 03: Samet Yigitoglu #24 of the SMU Mustangs is defended by Henri Veesaar #13 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half at Moody Coliseum on January 03, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
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Who is on IU? See the Indiana basketball roster in photos
Mar 21, 2025; Raleigh, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Darren Harris (8) dunks the ball against the Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
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Who is on IU? See the Indiana basketball roster in photos
Jan 7, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets guard Jaeden Mustaf (3) takes a jump shot in the first half against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
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Who is on IU? See the Indiana basketball roster in photos
Feb 4, 2026; Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Bryce Lindsay (2) reacts after the game against the Seton Hall Pirates at William B. Finneran Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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Who is on IU? See the Indiana basketball roster in photos
Bishop McNamara Mustangs guard Prince-Alexander Moody (2) looks to pass as Wheeler Wildcats forward Jaron Saulsberry (1) guards him during the first quarter of a City of Palms Classic first round game at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
9 / 10
Who is on IU? See the Indiana basketball roster in photos
CIA-Bella Vista Bears forward Vaughn Karvala (24) tries to pass the ball as Prolific Prep Crew guard Bruce Branch II (3) guards him during the third quarter of a City of Palms Classic Signature Series game at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
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Who is on IU? See the Indiana basketball roster in photos
Freshman Trevor Manhertz is a 6-foot-8 forward who signed his letter of intent to play for IU.
What German 7-footer can bring to IU
DeVries didn’t speak Thursday about Sokolov, whose commitment was only confirmed Friday and who has yet to be announced by his new program.
That’s just a question of paperwork and timing. Why Indiana targeted the German big man fits with DeVries’ more general suggestion that IU was “still trying to add some depth on the interior,” something DeVries said Thursday the Hoosiers were “very actively doing.”
Since the final weeks of his first season in Bloomington, Indiana’s second-year coach has been open in acknowledging a need for more size to compete at the top end of the Big Ten. Which is why the program that only rotated Sam Alexis and Reed Bailey at the five for nearly all of last season intentionally targeted Aiden Sherrell and Samet Yigitoglu immediately this spring.
Sherrell can play in the post but also stretch the floor, while Yigitoglu — listed at 7 foot 2, 270 pounds — hands DeVries a true center around which he can build his frontcourt.
As referenced Thursday, DeVries wanted depth behind that pair. Clemens, who last season averaged 6.4 points and five rebounds across 23 minutes per game for Wuerzburg, in Germany’s Pro B South league, provides that.
Why Darian DeVries likes IU basketball freshman class
Sokolov joins what’s now a four-man freshman class, one DeVries expects to impact his program right away.
In addition to potential frontcourt depth, the Hoosiers added two versatile wings, in Vaughn Karvala (No. 62 nationally, per On3) and Trevor Manhertz (No. 76 nationally). And they’ll add backcourt help via Prince-Alexander Moody (No. 102 nationally), a D.C. native DeVries described as “a guard that can play multiple positions.”
Bella Vista Prep wing Vaughn Karvala played at Hoophall Classic on Jan. 18. Karvala is an Indiana basketball recruit.
Bella Vista Prep wing Vaughn Karvala played at Hoophall Classic on Jan. 18. Karvala is an Indiana basketball recruit.
DeVries doesn’t necessarily expect big impact from every one of his freshman. He’s just not ruling out meaningful contributions from at least one or two of them.
“Those guys have a chance to come in and contribute. I think they’re all very talented in different ways, and I’m excited about what they’re going to do,” DeVries said. “They’re still going to be freshmen. They’re going to go through some things. But I like what they bring. I think they’re all going to have an opportunity to come in and play, and give us some good minutes.”
What Indiana basketball still needs
What’s left, then?
Sokolov’s addition seems to address post depth concerns. Trent Sisley’s continued development, attached to the arrivals of Karvala, Manhertz and Georgia Tech transfer Jaeden Mustaf, gives DeVries lineup flexibility in the event he wants to play smaller when the situation calls for it.
The Hoosiers still have two more scholarships to hand out for next season, and it's unclear where Tuesday's commitment of Maryland-Eastern Shore guard Justin Monden fits into that grid. Given the timing and movement of the portal window, it stands to reason that most (if not all) of the players DeVries expects to be meaningful contributors come winter are already in the fold.
Added depth still means higher-quality practices, and insurance against serious injury concerns. It's the last touch needed to finish a roster remade into one DeVries believes can compete in the conference.
