Tucker DeVries limped off the court in February with another shoulder injury, his third surgery in three years. But this summer brought something different: hope. For the first time since 2022, the Indiana guard has been completely healthy, lifting weights and playing basketball without pain. His father and head coach, Darian DeVries, calls it a turning point that could define both their careers in Bloomington.
How Has Tucker DeVries Performed While Battling Repeated Injuries?
DeVries is preparing for a healthy return after years of battling shoulder issues. The fifth-year player, who is also the son of Hoosiers head coach Darian DeVries, spoke with the Field of 68 on Thursday and said this summer has marked a turning point.
“The shoulder feels great. This is the first year in three years I’ve actually had an offseason,” DeVries said. He noted that he has been able to complete full basketball workouts and lift weights, something that had not been possible during his recent recoveries.
“I’ve had quite a few issues on both sides,” he added, pointing out that the past three years included three shoulder surgeries affecting both arms.
DeVries’ college career has been both productive and interrupted. From 2021 through 2024, he starred at Drake, where he averaged 18.0 points per game and connected on 35.9 percent of his 3-point attempts. His success earned him two Missouri Valley Player of the Year awards.
In the 2024-25 campaign, he transferred to West Virginia but appeared in only eight games before undergoing season-ending surgery in February. Despite the shortened year, he averaged 14.9 points and 4.9 rebounds for the Mountaineers.
Overall, DeVries has built a strong career across his time at Drake and West Virginia, posting 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. The NCAA recognized his efforts and granted him a medical hardship waiver, making him eligible for a final collegiate season at Indiana in 2025-26.
What Does Darian DeVries Say About His Son’s Recovery?
Darian DeVries expressed relief at his son’s progress and emphasized the importance of his recovery. “For the first time in about three years, he’s been healthy. It’s been a long road,” the Indiana head coach said. “He’s excited to get out there again.”
The elder DeVries expanded on the significance of Tucker’s full recovery. “Yeah, I think the biggest thing for him is probably the first time in three years he’s actually been healthy, you know, and that’s been a long road for him. Uh, so I know he’s excited to hopefully, you know, stay that way and be able to complete a whole season and be able to perform um, you know, with a healthy healthy shoulder.”
Reflecting on the challenges of multiple surgeries, the coach added, “For those that have been athletes and been through multiple surgeries, you know how frustrating that can be and, time-consuming it is to try to do the rehab and start all over again. So we’re excited about, where he’s at right now.”
With his health restored and his eligibility secured, Tucker DeVries is now positioned to close his college career at Indiana with a fresh start. The chance to finally play a complete season alongside his father represents more than just basketball. It’s redemption for both player and coach after years of setbacks and uncertainty.
