In a move that electrifies the Indiana basketball community, head coach Darian DeVries has officially announced that Cody Zeller, the former Hoosier standout and 2011 Indiana Mr. Basketball, will return to Bloomington as an assistant coach for the Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball team. This monumental hiring not only reunites the program with one of its most beloved alumni but signals a powerful new era of leadership and legacy at Assembly Hall.
Zeller, a native of Washington, Indiana, was a cornerstone of the Hoosiers’ resurgence under Tom Crean, playing from 2011 to 2013. During his two seasons at Indiana, he averaged 16.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. More importantly, he helped revitalize the program, leading the team to a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2012 and a No. 1 seed in the 2013 NCAA Tournament. His basketball IQ, unselfish play, and leadership made him a fan favorite and a model student-athlete.
Following his collegiate success, Zeller was selected fourth overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets). Over a decade-long professional career, he played for Charlotte, Portland, Miami, and New Orleans, carving out a reputation as a dependable, high-effort big man known for his screen setting, rebounding, and locker room presence. His professional journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, provides a wealth of experience he now brings back to Bloomington.
Coach DeVries, who took the reins of the Hoosiers program in 2024, praised Zeller’s basketball pedigree, character, and deep ties to the university and the state. “Cody embodies everything that Indiana basketball stands for—toughness, humility, and commitment to excellence,” said DeVries. “He’s a Hoosier through and through, and his insight, both as a former player and a professional, will be invaluable to our players.”
Zeller will join the coaching staff with a focus on developing Indiana’s frontcourt players, emphasizing footwork, positioning, and mental preparation—areas he mastered throughout his career. His transition into coaching has been quietly in the works; he spent time observing practices last season and participating in offseason developmental camps. Those close to the program say he has shown an innate ability to communicate the nuances of the game to young athletes.
Returning to Assembly Hall—where his name still echoes through highlight reels and where “Zeller” jerseys remain a staple in the crowd—Zeller expressed both humility and excitement. “This place means everything to me,” he said at the press conference. “It’s where I grew as a player, and now I’m ready to give back and help the next generation of Hoosiers succeed.”
Zeller’s hiring is not just a nostalgic homecoming—it’s a strategic move that underscores Indiana’s commitment to building a winning culture rooted in tradition and forward-thinking development. With his blend of on-court expertise and deep emotional investment in the program, Cody Zeller’s return could prove to be a defining moment in the Hoosiers’ journey back to national prominence.
