Dark Knight DeVries Strikes Again: Hoosiers Land Two Elite Transfers, Igniting Championship Hopes
BLOOMINGTON, IN — The roar of Assembly Hall just got louder. With a move reminiscent of his sharp, stealthy playing days, Indiana head coach Dusty “Dark Knight” DeVries has delivered a powerful one-two punch to the transfer portal. On a crisp April afternoon, the Hoosiers announced the commitments of two elite transfers: All-Big 12 guard Treyson Wells from Baylor and rising junior forward Malik Harding from Arizona State. The commitments reshape Indiana’s 2025-26 roster into one of the most feared lineups in the Big Ten, and perhaps the nation.
Wells, a 6’4″ combo guard known for his electric first step and lock-down perimeter defense, brings scoring, poise, and a winning pedigree. Averaging 17.8 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals per game last season, he led Baylor to a Sweet 16 appearance and was hailed as one of the top five guards in the portal. Harding, a 6’9″ hybrid forward with NBA length and explosiveness, posted 14.5 points and 8 rebounds per game while shooting 39% from deep. His two-way potential has NBA scouts watching closely.
In a joint press release, both players cited DeVries’ vision and intensity as major factors in their decisions.
“Coach DeVries doesn’t just talk about culture — he breathes it,” said Harding. “He made me believe we could win it all.”
This marks the third time in 18 months that DeVries has pulled off a marquee portal heist. Since taking over the reins in 2024, DeVries — who earned the nickname “Dark Knight” during his days at Drake for his calculated in-game strategy and late-game heroics — has become a master recruiter in the shadows, sealing commitments in rapid, quiet strikes. He’s built a reputation as one of the most aggressive and forward-thinking coaches in the Big Ten.
“Coach D is always three moves ahead,” a source close to the program said. “He’s got this quiet confidence. Like Batman in a basketball polo.”
With Wells and Harding joining returning All-Big Ten center Jalen Washington and sharpshooter Kiyan Anthony, Indiana’s starting lineup now blends veteran leadership, raw athleticism, and playoff-tested experience. Early projections already place Indiana in the top 10 of preseason rankings, with ESPN’s Joe Lunardi naming them a “Final Four sleeper.”
Beyond the roster implications, DeVries’ latest moves have sent a clear message to the rest of college basketball: Indiana is back — and back with purpose.
“We’re not just building a team,” DeVries said in a brief media appearance. “We’re building a program that expects to play in April.”
As the Hoosiers gear up for summer workouts, excitement in Bloomington is reaching a fever pitch. Season ticket sales surged within hours of the announcement, and the student section — already nicknamed “Gotham Row” in homage to DeVries’ alter ego — is preparing for a season to remember.
Dark Knight DeVries has struck again. And this time, he might just bring the banner back to Bloomington.
