Indiana's Lamar Wilkerson Earns Lofty NBA Prediction from Coach Darian DeVries

DeVries believes Wilkerson will "play in the NBA for a 'long, long time'" after star guard's clutch performance against Wisconsin.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 3:15pm

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Indiana basketball head coach Darian DeVries praised star guard Lamar Wilkerson after his game-winning performance in the Hoosiers' 78-77 overtime victory against Wisconsin. DeVries predicted that Wilkerson, who scored 25 points and hit the decisive free throws, will "play in the NBA for a 'long, long time'" due to his clutch play this season.

Why it matters

Wilkerson's standout play has been crucial for an Indiana team fighting to make the NCAA Tournament in DeVries' first season as head coach. The Hoosiers have won four of their last five games, with Wilkerson leading the way in several close victories.

The details

In the win over Wisconsin, Wilkerson scored 25 points, including the game-winning free throws in overtime. DeVries praised Wilkerson's composure, noting that the Hoosiers "didn't panic" in the huddle and "just knew you've just got to make that next play." Wilkerson has been Indiana's go-to player in close games, going 22-for-24 from the free throw line over the team's last four contests.

  • Indiana defeated Wisconsin 78-77 in overtime on Saturday, February 4, 2026.
  • The Hoosiers have won four of their last five games.

The players

Lamar Wilkerson

A star guard for the Indiana basketball team who has emerged as a clutch performer, leading the Hoosiers' push for an NCAA Tournament berth in head coach Darian DeVries' first season.

Darian DeVries

The first-year head coach of the Indiana basketball team, who previously spent one season at West Virginia where he won 19 games and nearly led the Mountaineers to the NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“Darian DeVries said Lamar Wilkerson (will) play in the NBA for a 'long, long time'”

— Darian DeVries, Indiana Head Coach (Sports Illustrated)

“Indiana's last four games have been decided by six points or fewer or in OT. And Lamar Wilkerson during that span is 22/24 from the FT line. Hoosiers survive by one against Wisconsin in Bloomington.”

— Jon Rothstein, CBS Sports Reporter (CBS Sports)

What’s next

The Hoosiers next play Oregon on Monday, February 10, 2026, as they continue their push for an NCAA Tournament berth in DeVries' first season.

The takeaway

Lamar Wilkerson's clutch play and leadership have been instrumental in keeping Indiana's NCAA Tournament hopes alive, with head coach Darian DeVries predicting a long NBA career for the star guard if he continues to perform at this high level.