Indiana basketball fans get a chance to reflect on the Hoosiers' successful three-game sweep in Puerto Rico while also building excitement for what promises to be a historic football season.

This edition of Assembly Call Radio brings together Coach Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, Andy Bottoms, and Jerod Morris to discuss the early signs from the DeVries era and the anticipation building around both basketball and football.

Segment 1: Headlines and Community Connection [00:00:00 - 00:20:00]

The banner moment focuses on Coach DeVries' community engagement during move-in week - helping students move into dorms, appearing at the freshman rally, and visiting Homefield Apparel's new Kirkwood store. The hosts emphasize how refreshing it is to see a coach embracing all aspects of the job after years of perceived resistance to community involvement.

Discussion includes the release of the Big Ten's top 40 player rankings with Lamar Wilkerson checking in at 29th and expectations for Tucker DeVries to land in the top 15. The conversation touches on Indiana's current "first four out" status in ESPN's early bracketology and upcoming exhibitions against Marian and Baylor.

A significant portion focuses on football expectations, with both hosts projecting 8-9 wins and discussing the challenge of managing fan expectations in what could be another special season under Curt Cignetti.

Segment 2: Puerto Rico Trip Analysis [00:21:00 - 00:45:00]

Special guest Galen Clavio joins to discuss the three-game Puerto Rico sweep. The hosts emphasize looking at trends rather than results given the competition level, but note encouraging signs about pace, ball movement, and the team's ability to come back from double-digit deficits in the final two games.

Key observations include the emphasis on three-point volume, improved spacing and movement compared to recent years, and the development of team chemistry among players who had never played together before. The conversation highlights how this represents a complete philosophical shift toward modern basketball.

Galen also promotes the Back Home Network's expansion with new shows including Football Weather, The Big Red Carpet, and the upcoming Crimson Cast Live event at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.

Segment 3: Individual Standouts and Random Tangents [00:45:00 - 01:31:00]

The final segment dives deeper into individual performances, particularly praising Taton Conway's ball pressure defense and improved offensive showing, plus Reed Bailey's versatility as a passing big man who can handle the ball. The hosts discuss how this team's depth could be a major asset with multiple players capable of contributing.

The conversation takes several entertaining detours including Cowboys documentary discussions, predictions about future sports documentaries, and speculation about who would play Curt Cignetti in a hypothetical Indiana football movie. Throughout, there's underlying optimism about both programs heading into their respective seasons.

Plus, as always, analysis of a trip none of them actually watched, excitement about finally seeing modern basketball concepts at Indiana, and the challenge of tempering expectations while embracing the obvious improvements in program culture and direction. That's all in this edition of The Assembly Call.

On the mics: Coach Brian Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, Andy Bottoms, and Jerod Morris (with special guest Galen Clavio)

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Indiana basketball fans got their first real look at the new era under Darren DeVries as the Hoosiers dominated their opening exhibition game in Puerto Rico 98-47. This edition of The Assembly Call brings together Coach Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, Galen Clavio, and Bob Moats to break down a game none of them actually watched - relying instead on social media updates, live blogs, and video clips to piece together what happened.

The banner moment says it all: 21 three-point attempts in the first half alone. While Indiana only hit six of them, the sheer volume represents everything fans have been hoping to see - a complete departure from the basketball of recent years.

Key discussion points include:

• First impressions of the starting five and what their roles might be
• Trent Sisley's breakout performance and what it means for depth
• The European influence and basketball IQ on display
• Early defensive concerns and growing pains with communication
• What the pace and ball movement suggest about this new system
• Breaking down video clips and unofficial stats from Puerto Rico

The hosts emphasize not reading too much into results against inferior competition, but the style, energy, and philosophy on display have everyone excited about the direction of the program.

Plus, as always, plenty of basketball analysis from a game nobody actually watched, excitement about movement and spacing finally coming to Assembly Hall, and optimism about what this new era might bring. That's all in this edition of The Assembly Call.

On the mics: Coach Brian Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, Galen Clavio, and Bob Moats

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Indiana basketball fans got a couple pieces of legit offseason news with the release of the non-conference schedule and the program's first recruiting commitment under Darren DeVries.

This edition of Assembly Call Radio, with hosts Coach Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, and Andy Bottoms, breaks down what these developments mean for the new era of Hoosier basketball.

Segment 1: Hoosier Headlines [00:00:00 - 00:29:59]

After months of roster construction and staff building, the schedule release brings fans one step closer to seeing if DeVries' vision can translate to wins on the court.

The big news is Prince Alexander Moody's commitment - the program's first 2026 recruit who represents the "DeVries prototype": a 6'4" shooting guard who fits the system's emphasis on floor spacing and shooting ability.

Other headlines covered include the completion of DeVries' coaching staff, Anthony Leal's denied waiver appeal (ending his college career), and the mic'd-up practice videos showing coaches emphasizing fundamentals like ball pressure defense and proper spacing. The segment closes with a heartfelt thank you to Leal for his contributions to the program.

Segment 2: Non-Conference Schedule Analysis [00:30:00 - 00:54:59]

The hosts break down Indiana's 11-game non-conference slate, identifying four major tests surrounded by seven more manageable opponents. The marquee games include:

November 9th vs Marquette (Chicago) - Early season test against a well-coached program

December 6th vs Louisville (Indianapolis) - Neutral site against a top-20 preseason team

December 13th at Kentucky - The big one everyone's been waiting for, back at Rupp Arena

November 25th vs Kansas State (home) - Protecting Assembly Hall against a Big 12 opponent

Both hosts project a 9-2 non-conference record, with the Kentucky road game being the most difficult challenge. They praise the regional appeal of the schedule, giving fans concrete games to look forward to attending or watching. The conversation includes early bracketology implications and how this schedule sets up better than previous years' efforts.

Segment 3: Mailbag [00:55:00 - 01:37:02]

The final segment tackles listener questions about overall record predictions and the challenge of connecting with an almost entirely new roster. The hosts project an 11-9 Big Ten record (20-11 overall), which should be good enough for tournament consideration.

A thoughtful discussion emerges around a fan's question about feeling disconnected from the program due to constant roster turnover. The hosts acknowledge this is a real challenge in the transfer portal era and share their own strategies for dealing with it - focusing on the style of play rather than individual players, and waiting until the season starts to really invest emotionally in the roster.

Jerod Morris joins late in the segment to add his perspective on the changing nature of college basketball fandom and how the off-season feels different now with so much roster uncertainty.

Plus, as always, thoughts on staff completion, the challenge of maintaining fan engagement in college basketball's new landscape, and early excitement about a different brand of basketball coming to Assembly Hall. That's all in this edition of The Assembly Call.

On the mics: Coach Brian Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, Andy Bottoms, and Jerod Morris

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What a wild ride this episode was!

Coach, Ryan, and Jerod were joined by the man of the hour, Galen Clavio, for a celebration that took some unexpected turns. From technical difficulties to traffic stops, this episode has it all.

Key Topics Covered:

• [2:24] Banner Moment: The Bison is Back! - The big news everyone's been waiting for as Indiana officially brings back the bison mascot, with Galen getting his long-awaited dream realized
• [19:25] Hubers Winery Event Recap - Galen reports live from the annual Hoosier Connect event featuring new basketball coach Darren DeVries and football coach Curt Cignetti, with over 900 fans in attendance
• [32:00] Puerto Rico Trip Discussion - Breaking down Indiana basketball's upcoming August trip to Puerto Rico and why these international trips are so valuable for team building with a completely new roster
• [40:36] LIVE DRAMA: Galen Gets Pulled Over! - In a podcast first, Galen literally gets pulled over by police while driving back from Hubers and talking to us live on air (don't worry, he's fine!)
• [1:04:00] Mailbag Segment - Answering listener questions about everything from Kentucky game nerves to how the bison will be incorporated into basketball, plus scholarship situation updates
• [1:16:00] Basketball Philosophy & Expectations - Discussing Coach DeVries' comments about being "undersized" at center but having multiple ways to protect the rim, plus his emphasis on having great shooting depth

Hopefully this episode captures what makes our show special - the unpredictable moments, genuine friendships, and shared excitement about Indiana sports. Between celebrating Galen's bison campaign success and witnessing podcast history with that traffic stop, it was an unforgettable night.

The energy around both football and basketball programs feels genuinely different right now, and it's exciting to be along for the ride as this new era begins in Bloomington.

(Also, I dropped in a little song at the end, related to the discussion we had about social media.)

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This edition of The Assembly Call dives into Indiana's complete roster overhaul and what fans might expect heading into the 2025-26 season.

After inconsistent results under previous regimes, Indiana basketball is embracing a paradigm shift toward a more modern, movement-oriented system. The conversation highlights DeVries' business-like approach to program building and the significant shift in roster construction.

Key discussion points include:

• The new-look roster featuring primarily mid-major transfers like Lamar Wilkerson and Tucker DeVries
• The team's potential defensive identity with aggressive ball pressure rather than traditional rim protection
• Reasonable expectations for the upcoming season in a competitive Big Ten
• The contrasting styles of DeVries vs. Woodson, particularly the shift to a more face-up, perimeter-oriented offense
• The possibility of Luke Goode and Anthony Leal returning with additional eligibility waivers

We speculate about where this roster might fall in the Big Ten pecking order and why Indiana's apparent change in approach and culture is a welcome development.

Plus, as always, plenty of basketball analysis, listener questions, and a candid discussion about maintaining realistic expectations while embracing the positive changes within the program. That's all in this edition of The Assembly Call.

On the mics: Coach Brian Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, Bob Moats, and Jerod Morris

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It's an episode of The Assembly Call ... without anyone from The Assembly Call!

But when an emergency pod was called for, and no AC members were available, the other members of the Back Home Network came together to fill in.

So join Galen Clavio from Crimson Cast and Bob & Mike from Xs and Joes as they discuss the exciting Lamar Wilkerson commitment from many angles.

Those who listen to Xs and Joes know that Mike doesn't get this enthusiastic very often.

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Indiana basketball is in a transition phase as coach Darren DeVries begins building his staff and roster, with the hosts urging fans to remain patient during the transfer portal process.

In this episode, Coach Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, and Jerod Morris discuss the early additions of Connor Enright (DePaul) and Reed Bailey (Davidson), examine Tony Adragna's film breakdowns of DeVries' offensive and defensive systems from West Virginia, and reflect on lessons from Florida's NCAA championship run that could apply to Indiana's program moving forward.

Key Topics:

• Early roster additions and remaining transfer portal targets
• Film analysis of DeVries' offensive system featuring increased movement, screening and spacing
• Defensive philosophy emphasizing team concepts over excessive help
• The importance of "adaptability" in college basketball success
• NCAA Tournament analysis and how experienced rosters contributed to tournament success
• Speculation about the future of NIL in college basketball

Here is the full video of Tony's analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4PogSGgaNs

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This episode of The Assembly Call dives deep into IU's new basketball coach, Darian DeVries, analyzing his coaching philosophy and what fans can expect from this fresh start.

We discuss the current roster changes with players entering the transfer portal and DeVries' approach to building his team. Throughout the conversation, we examine his coaching style, offensive and defensive strategies, and what this new era means for Indiana basketball.

Among the topics discussed:

- The mass exodus (for real this time!) of players to the transfer portal and why fans shouldn't panic about the rebuild under DeVries (10:45)

- DeVries' philosophy on unselfish basketball and making "the one more pass" offers insights into his offensive approach that differs from previous coaches (36:00)

- DeVries' track record of adapting to player personnel, highlighting his success at Drake and West Virginia despite injuries (42:00)

- Jerod finally shows up to participate in an extensive discussion about the relationship between IU fans and the program, and how DeVries *might* be the coach to restore trust and enthusiasm (1:23:00)

- Ryan returns to emphasize why hiring a true "college basketball guy" instead of an NBA coach is exactly what Indiana needed (1:53:00)

Ultimately, the discussion centers around the reality that while results will ultimately determine DeVries' success, his coaching philosophy, basketball knowledge, and approach to team-building give IU fans legitimate reasons for optimism after years of disappointment.

On the mics: Coach Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, Andy Bottoms, and Jerod Morris

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Indiana basketball ushers in a new era as Darian DeVries takes the helm, bringing proven program-building success and a modern basketball philosophy to Bloomington.

The 49-year-old coach comes from West Virginia after orchestrating an impressive single-season turnaround and establishing a winning tradition during his six years at Drake.

In this emergency podcast, we provide our immediate reaction to the hire.

DeVries' commitment to three-point shooting and defensive intensity signals a significant stylistic shift for the Hoosiers, while his reputation as a relentless recruiter offers hope for reconnecting with in-state talent and navigating the NIL landscape effectively.

Among the topics discussed:

• DeVries built Drake into a Missouri Valley power with six 20-win seasons before transforming West Virginia from last place in the Big 12 to a 19-win team that should have made the NCAA Tournament
• At West Virginia, his teams ranked 44th nationally in three-point attempt rate (46.1%) and 38th in points from three-pointers (38% of total points)
• His defensive approach at West Virginia produced impressive results, ranking in the top 15 nationally with the 9th-best three-point defense (29.7%)
• The 27-year college coaching veteran (20 years as an assistant under Dana Altman and Greg McDermott) brings extensive program-building experience that Indiana has lacked
• Recruiting could see immediate improvement, with potential to add several shooters including Tucker DeVries (his son) and possibly keeping current IU commit Trent Sisley in the fold
• Former IU assistant Tom Ostrom (currently on DeVries' staff at West Virginia) could return to Bloomington to strengthen in-state recruiting connections

On the mics: Brian Tonsoni, Ryan Phillips, and Josh Pos

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Indiana's Big Ten Tournament hopes ended abruptly with a 72-59 loss to Oregon in a rematch that featured all-too-familiar offensive struggles for the Hoosiers.

Despite a promising start, IU couldn't sustain their early momentum, making selection Sunday a more nerve-wracking experience than it should have been.

Among the topics discussed:

• A disastrous scoring drought in the final minutes of the first half changed the game's complexion, with Oregon seizing control they never relinquished
• Mackenzie Mgbako started hot but sat with foul trouble, disrupting Indiana's offensive rhythm when he was playing well
• Trey Galloway (15 points, 9 assists) and Malik Reneau (19 points off the bench) provided offensive production, but Luke Goode and the bench guards failed to contribute
• Indiana's perimeter defense struggled against Oregon's athletic guards, with Jackson Shelstad creating problems throughout
• The Hoosiers shot a dismal 36.2% from the field and 25% from three-point range, even missing 5 of 10 free throws
• Poor shot selection and execution in critical moments erased any momentum from multiple comeback attempts in the second half
• In a departure from our usual format, special guests Damon Bruce and Ant Wright joined to discuss not only the loss but broader topics including IU's NCAA Tournament chances, whether Indiana should even accept an NIT bid if they miss the tournament, and their candid thoughts on the upcoming coaching search

Plus, as always, the Banner Moment, Meaningful Moments You Might Have Missed, Inside the Numbers, and our Game Balls, Hustle Award, and Lingering Questions. That's all in this edition of The Assembly Call, which concludes with a thoughtful reflection on the role of fan media in covering IU basketball ... and a little musical bonus.

On the mics: Jerod Morris, Damon Bruce, Ant Wright

Note: Some explicit language is used in a couple areas during this discussion.

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