Eye On College Basketball

Episode: Tucker DeVries talks injury issues, changing schools, playing for dad Darian
Date: October 9, 2025
Host: Gary Parrish
Guest: Tucker DeVries (Indiana University Men’s Basketball)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Gary Parrish interviews Indiana basketball standout Tucker DeVries at Big Ten Media Day. The conversation dives into DeVries’s recent recovery from multiple shoulder injuries, his journey across three different college programs alongside his father, Coach Darian DeVries, and his mindset heading into his first year at Indiana. They discuss the emotional and physical challenges Tucker has faced, the unique dynamics of playing for his father, the impact of his family’s transitions, and his hopes for himself and the Hoosiers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Tucker DeVries’s Health and Recovery

• On being healthy after repeated injuries:
  Tucker shares relief and excitement about finally having a full, healthy offseason after enduring three shoulder surgeries that sidelined him much of the previous year.

  • “It feels good to finally have a full offseason, especially with so many guys coming in to be able to… build that chemistry early on.” (01:55, Tucker DeVries)

• On facing the frustration of repeated setbacks:
  DeVries candidly addresses the mental toll of rehabilitation, noting monotony and disappointment, and describing efforts to keep things positive.

  • “Mentally that's just the hardest part of every day… you get to the second and third surgery and you’re doing the same rehab every time, and it gets monotonous.” (02:22, Tucker DeVries)

• His perspective on accepting more surgeries:
  He shares a pragmatic attitude toward doctors’ recommendations but concedes the experience is deeply challenging.

  • “There’s not much you can do… the doctors get paid a lot of money to make those decisions and… you gotta listen to them. But mentally it’s definitely challenging.” (02:50, Tucker DeVries)

Navigating College Transitions and Playing for His Dad

• On moving schools multiple times:
  Tucker reflects on transferring from Drake to West Virginia, and now Indiana, always following his father’s coaching career.

  • “I wouldn’t really trade it for anything… I thought it was great to be where I was… And then coming to Indiana, to be able to cap it off at such a historic program is pretty special.” (03:31, Tucker DeVries)

• Family impact of career moves:
  The transition to Indiana was a family decision, especially as his father’s coaching moves played out publicly.

  • “I was… whatever he thought was best for him and the family, I was fully on board with. I just wanted to be the easy one in the family.” (04:40, Tucker DeVries)

• Why he consistently chose to play for his father:
  DeVries admits he considered other programs in high school, but since starting college has never seriously considered not playing for his dad.

  • “At the end of the day, I thought Drake was the place to be and it felt like home. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.” (05:30, Tucker DeVries)

The Experience of Being a Coach’s Son at Indiana

• The best part of playing for his dad:
  Tucker values the shared hard work and memorable moments with his father.

  • “You work extremely hard to create the good memories… When you have success, it makes it that much special.” (05:50, Tucker DeVries)

• Spotlight and expectations at Indiana:
  Parrish notes the intensity of attention at Indiana, referencing the experiences of Pat Knight. Tucker admits the spotlight has increased but aims to stay grounded.

  • “Obviously it ramps up a little bit, just the recognition… But I’ll just try to be myself. You want those expectations… the best thing is for us just to embrace them.” (06:43, Tucker DeVries)

Season Outlook and Team Goals

• What success looks like for DeVries and Indiana:
  He sets forth their central priority: playing with pride, hard work, and making the IU fanbase proud, believing that results and wins will follow.
  • “The first thing we got to do as a team is just make this fan base proud… If we can get it rolling, and winning championships year in and year out, this fan base would be by far the best in the country.” (07:23, Tucker DeVries)

Notable Quotes

• “Mentally that's just the hardest part of every day… you get to the second and third surgery and you’re doing the same rehab every time, and it gets monotonous.”
  (02:22, Tucker DeVries)

• “I wouldn’t really trade it for anything… I thought it was great to be where I was… And then coming to Indiana, to be able to cap it off at such a historic program is pretty special.”
  (03:31, Tucker DeVries)

• “You work extremely hard to create the good memories… When you have success, it makes it that much special.”
  (05:50, Tucker DeVries)

• “You want those expectations… the best thing is for us just to embrace them.”
  (06:43, Tucker DeVries)

Important Timestamps

• 00:15–01:37 – Introduction and context from Gary Parrish
• 01:37–02:50 – Tucker discusses injury recovery and mental challenges
• 03:04–04:40 – On transferring schools and family decision-making
• 05:06–05:30 – On recruiting, choosing to always play for his father
• 05:50–06:43 – Reflections on father-son relationship in sports and the Indiana spotlight
• 07:10–07:54 – Season outlook: team goals and vision for success

Episode Tone & Takeaway

DeVries comes across as resilient, self-aware, and grateful for every stop on his collegiate journey. Despite the adversity of injuries and constant changes, he remains optimistic, values family above all, and is eager to embrace both the challenge and the promise of playing at Indiana. The conversation’s tone is grounded and candid, reflecting both the realities of high-level college basketball and the personal stakes for those living it.