Arafan Diane Lands IU Basketball Offer Under Coach Darian DeVries: A New Chapter Begins
BLOOMINGTON, IN – In a move that sent ripples through the college basketball recruiting world, the Indiana Hoosiers extended a scholarship offer to Class of 2026 big man Arafan Diane, a 6-foot-10 forward out of Montverde Academy (FL), under the leadership of new head coach Darian DeVries.
The offer came after a breakout spring AAU circuit where Diane averaged 17.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game for the Florida Rebels. Known for his high motor, rim protection, and developing offensive versatility, Diane has rapidly ascended the national rankings. Once considered a project, he’s now squarely in the conversation for top-25 status in the 2026 class.
Coach DeVries, who took the helm in Bloomington following the departure of Mike Woodson, has emphasized toughness, pace, and player development. His pursuit of Diane signals the beginning of a new recruiting philosophy at Indiana—one that values raw upside paired with defensive discipline and high-character individuals.
“Coach DeVries told me he sees me as the cornerstone of something special at IU,” Diane said in a phone interview after receiving the offer. “He’s all about building relationships and helping players grow—not just in basketball but as people. That stuck with me.”
A native of Bamako, Mali, Diane moved to the U.S. at 14 and has steadily developed his game under elite high school and AAU coaching. His footwork in the post is clean, and he’s shown flashes of shooting range out to the three-point line. Scouts have praised his ability to defend both the paint and switch onto guards, making him a coveted asset in modern college basketball.
IU’s offer didn’t come out of nowhere. DeVries personally attended Diane’s games during the Nike EYBL session in Memphis, where the big man dominated with a 22-point, 14-rebound performance in front of a packed gym of college coaches. The message was clear: Indiana is serious about reestablishing its national recruiting reach.
The Hoosiers’ 2026 class is still taking shape, but with DeVries now targeting athletic, high-IQ bigs like Diane, a new identity is emerging—one rooted in grit, adaptability, and player development. DeVries has already landed several under-the-radar commitments, but Diane would represent the program’s first blue-chip post recruit under his regime.
“Indiana basketball is legendary,” Diane said. “To even get that offer—it’s an honor. They have a history of great bigs. I’m just taking it all in right now.”
While Diane has yet to announce a final list of schools, sources close to his recruitment indicate Indiana will be in the mix until the end. Other major programs—Michigan State, Kansas, and Alabama—have shown interest, but IU’s early involvement and DeVries’ hands-on approach may give the Hoosiers a crucial edge.
Only time will tell where Diane ultimately lands, but one thing is clear: under Darian DeVries, Indiana basketball is swinging big again—and Arafan Diane might just be the centerpiece of their next great chapter.
