Indiana's Lamar Wilkerson Emerges as Big Ten POTY Contender

Coach DeVries endorses senior guard for conference's top individual honor

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Indiana basketball coach Darian DeVries endorsed sixth-year senior guard Lamar Wilkerson as a leading contender for Big Ten Player of the Year. Wilkerson, who transferred from Sam Houston State last spring, has been one of the nation's top scorers this season, averaging 21.2 points per game, including 24.4 points per contest in Big Ten play. DeVries praised Wilkerson's all-around game and believes he deserves to be in the conversation for the conference's top individual award.

Why it matters

Wilkerson's standout season has been a key factor in Indiana's turnaround, helping the Hoosiers emerge as an NCAA Tournament contender after a slow start. His candidacy for Big Ten Player of the Year would mark the first time an Indiana player has won the award since 2008, ending an 18-year drought for the storied program.

The details

Wilkerson, a 6-foot-6, 205-pound guard, has been dominant in conference play, ranking top five in the Big Ten in total points (342), points per game (24.4), made 3-pointers (51), and 3-point shooting percentage (38.3%). He has scored 15 or more points in 12 of 14 Big Ten games and has four 30-point performances. Wilkerson's scoring outbursts, including a 41-point game against Oregon, have helped Indiana win five of its last six contests and move into NCAA Tournament contention.

  • Wilkerson transferred to Indiana from Sam Houston State last spring.
  • Since an 86-72 loss to Michigan on Jan. 20, Wilkerson has averaged 28.2 points per game while shooting 49.6% from the field and 34.9% from 3-point range.
  • Indiana has six regular-season games remaining, starting with a matchup against No. 8 Illinois on Sunday, Feb. 19.

The players

Lamar Wilkerson

A sixth-year senior guard for Indiana who has emerged as one of the top scorers in the nation this season, averaging 21.2 points per game overall and 24.4 points per contest in Big Ten play.

Darian DeVries

The head coach of the Indiana basketball team, who has endorsed Wilkerson as a leading contender for Big Ten Player of the Year.

Braden Smith

A guard for Purdue who is also considered a top contender for Big Ten Player of the Year.

Yaxel Lendeborg

A forward for Michigan who is also in the running for the conference's top individual honor.

D.J. White

The last Indiana player to win Big Ten Player of the Year, which was in 2008.

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What they’re saying

“He's got to be in that conversation with a few other guys as the best player in the league this year.”

— Darian DeVries, Indiana Head Coach (si.com)

“Just look at the numbers. Look at what he's doing. He's a big focal point of defenses. What he's able to do at both ends of the floor — he's a complete player. You know how hard it is to get 41 points? And he's done it twice this year already and putting up monster numbers with percentages to go with it. And he is an incredible teammate on top of it.”

— Darian DeVries, Indiana Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Wilkerson's standout season has been a driving force behind Indiana's resurgence, and his candidacy for Big Ten Player of the Year would end an 18-year drought for the Hoosiers. His all-around game and ability to take over games have made him a leading contender for the conference's top individual honor.