Progress and Promise: Tucker DeVries and Conor Enright Continue Recovery Under Coach Darian DeVries’ Watchful Eye
BLOOMINGTON, IN — Inside the walls of the Hoosiers’ state-of-the-art training facility, the rhythmic thuds of basketballs echo less often for two promising guards. Tucker DeVries and Conor Enright, both former standouts at Drake University, continue their recovery from offseason shoulder surgeries with quiet determination. This week, Indiana assistant coach — and Tucker’s father — Darian DeVries offered a measured but optimistic update on their progress.
“They’re ahead of schedule,” Coach DeVries shared during a Tuesday media availability session, flanked by rehab staff and strength coach Matt Reimers. “We’re not rushing it, but the work they’re putting in has been tremendous.”
The pair, who helped lead Drake to consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, transferred to Indiana this past spring as part of a revamped roster effort under head coach Mike Woodson. Expectations were high. Tucker, the 2023-24 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, was expected to bring elite shot creation and leadership. Conor Enright, a shifty, high-IQ floor general, had carved out a reputation for smart reads and defensive hustle. But both required surgical repair for nagging shoulder issues—DeVries for a torn labrum in his right (shooting) shoulder, and Enright for a rotator cuff tear suffered during a late February practice.
“The first two weeks were the hardest,” Tucker admitted in a quiet post-practice moment. “Not being able to lift your arm, not shooting — it messes with your rhythm and your identity.”
Now, three months post-op, the tide has turned.
Rehabilitation sessions have moved from cautious mobility drills to light shooting routines. Tucker, sporting a compression sleeve, has been spotted sinking mid-range jumpers and working on off-ball movement. Enright, cleared for non-contact scrimmaging just last week, is already orchestrating half-court sets with the second unit.
“Mentally, they’re locked in,” said Reimers. “We monitor every rep, every range of motion. Their willingness to do the boring stuff — resistance bands, isometric holds — shows how badly they want this.”
The connection between the two players is evident. Whether it’s silent glances during drills or words of encouragement during painful stretching routines, their bond — forged in Des Moines and tested through injury — has deepened.
“Being in this together helps,” Enright added. “We push each other. One of us feels tired, the other says, ‘Let’s go.’ There’s no pity here.”
While a firm return date hasn’t been set, Coach DeVries hinted at a potential full return by mid-October — just in time for early preseason scrimmages. “We’ll be cautious. Shoulders are tricky, especially for shooters,” he said. “But if they keep progressing like this, they’ll be ready to make an impact this season.”
For now, Tucker and Conor remain on the sideline — but not forgotten. Their teammates notice the grind. So do the fans. And come November, if health and timing align, the two former Bulldogs could become a crucial backcourt spark in Indiana’s quest for Big Ten relevance.
