Indiana basketball has bolstered its roster with the addition of formidable forward Sam Alexis, who is transferring from Florida. The team addresses a crucial need in their frontcourt, where depth was previously lacking. Alexis brings impressive physicality and experience to the squad, complementing other recent commitments such as Nick Dorn. While his playing time at Florida was limited last season, Alexis showcased remarkable potential during his sophomore year at Chattanooga, where he averaged double-digit points and rebounds. His traditional inside play aligns well with Coach Darian DeVries' system.
The Hoosiers now boast one of their largest players with Alexis joining the lineup for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Despite not being highly recruited out of high school, Alexis has proven himself through consistent improvement over the years. His scoring and rebounding abilities make him an asset to Indiana's strategy, focusing on strong interior presence rather than perimeter shooting.
Addressing Frontcourt Depth with Alexis
Sam Alexis fills a critical void for the Indiana Hoosiers by adding much-needed size and strength to the frontcourt. With limited options available in this area, his arrival ensures greater balance within the team’s overall structure. Standing at 6’8” and weighing 240 pounds, Alexis provides a robust presence that can dominate under the basket. This addition aligns perfectly with coach Darian DeVries’ vision for building a cohesive unit capable of competing at higher levels.
Alexis joins Indiana after spending time at both Florida and Chattanooga, demonstrating adaptability and resilience throughout his collegiate journey. At Florida, despite averaging only 11.9 minutes per game, he still contributed significantly with nearly five points and four rebounds each outing. However, it was during his tenure at Chattanooga that Alexis truly flourished. There, he posted averages of 10.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks while starting in almost every contest. These numbers underscore his ability to deliver impact performances when given the opportunity.
Fitting Into Coach DeVries' System
Coach Darian DeVries emphasizes a style of play centered around effective interior production, making Alexis an ideal fit for Indiana’s approach. As a player who excels close to the hoop, Alexis complements existing talent like Reed Bailey, creating a formidable duo inside the paint. His proficiency in scoring efficiently inside (59.1% on two-pointers) contrasts sharply with his lower three-point accuracy, which suits the strategic focus of past DeVries teams.
Alexis represents one of ten committed players set to join Indiana for the 2025-26 campaign, further solidifying the program’s rebuilding efforts. Originally overlooked in recruiting rankings due to modest offers prior to choosing Chattanooga, Alexis has steadily developed into a key contributor. His story exemplifies how perseverance and growth can lead to significant opportunities. For Indiana fans, Alexis' inclusion signals optimism about the future direction of the program, blending experienced leadership with burgeoning talent to create a competitive edge moving forward.