Landing Lamar Wilkerson is a massive win for Indiana, Darian DeVries

Indiana and Darian DeVries beat out Kentucky and Mark Pope for the star transfer guard.

Darian DeVries emerged the victor in his first high-profile recruiting battle as Indiana’s new head men’s basketball coach.

Lamar Wilkerson, one of the most coveted guards available in the transfer portal this offseason, announced his commitment to the Hoosiers over Kentucky on Tuesday afternoon.

Wilkerson’s stat sheet speaks for itself. He averaged 20.5 points, 4 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 34.9 minutes per game for Sam Houston State this past season.

On top of that, he shot a blistering 44.5% from 3-point range.

Hoosier fans didn’t know it yet, but they got a sneak peek of Wilkerson way back in December when Indiana welcomed Sam Houston State to Assembly Hall. Wilkerson had 18 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists while shooting 2-4 from deep.

He brings valuable scoring ability to Indiana’s starting lineup, which in all likelihood currently consists of himself, Tucker DeVries and Reed Bailey. Additionally, he’s fluid enough to play shooting guard to slide over to the wing if Indiana elects to have three guards on the floor.

Wilkerson is a great get in a vacuum, but the way Indiana landed him cannot be discounted. The program secured the first visit and ultimately beat out not only Kentucky, but the likes of Auburn and Ole Miss.

DeVries’ work ethic, lauded when his hiring was first reported, showed when Wilkerson revealed that the Hoosiers’ head coach had flown out to see him today prior to his commitment, making him feel like a priority for the program.

A big win for DeVries. A big win for Indiana.