Darian DeVries is still searching for his first five-star commitment since taking over the Indiana basketball program. While his latest recruiting class includes three talented four-star prospects who have given Hoosier fans plenty of reason for optimism, DeVries is now looking to elevate Indiana’s recruiting efforts even further by targeting some of the nation’s elite prospects.
With the 2026-27 season approaching, many of the country’s top high school players are beginning to organize their official visits. DeVries and his coaching staff have already landed one visit from a five-star recruit and continue to pursue additional opportunities to bring elite talent to Bloomington.
As DeVries works toward securing his first five-star high school recruit at Indiana, two standout prospects have emerged as players Hoosier fans should closely monitor. Landing either one could represent a major step forward for Indiana’s recruiting efforts.
Darius Wabbington — Center
Phoenix native Darius Wabbington has developed into one of the most sought-after players in the country. At 6-foot-11 and 245 pounds, Wabbington is ranked by Rivals as the No. 2 center and the No. 14 overall prospect nationally.
Indiana remains firmly in contention, with Wabbington scheduled to take an official visit to Bloomington on September 5. The Hoosiers are competing against an impressive group of finalists that includes Arizona, Kentucky, North Carolina, Louisville and Texas.
It is becoming increasingly clear that DeVries views improving Indiana’s frontcourt as a major priority. The Hoosiers lacked consistent size and production at the power forward and center positions during DeVries’ first season, and the coaching staff has taken steps to address those concerns.
Indiana added 6-foot-11 power forward Aiden Sherrell from Alabama and 7-foot-2 center Samet Yigitoglu from SMU through the transfer portal. The next objective, however, is building long-term depth and talent through high school recruiting, and Wabbington would be an ideal player to help lead that effort.
Wabbington brings an uncommon combination of size, athleticism and versatility. He is capable of making an impact around the basket, but his offensive game extends well beyond the paint. He can put the ball on the floor, create opportunities off the dribble and stretch defenses with reliable perimeter shooting. That type of all-around skill set could make him an especially strong fit in DeVries’ system.
Paul Osaruyi — Power Forward
Another elite frontcourt prospect Indiana is monitoring is Paul Osaruyi. According to Rivals, Osaruyi is ranked as the No. 2 power forward and the No. 12 overall prospect in the 2027 recruiting class.
Osaruyi has been on DeVries’ recruiting radar for some time, and Indiana will now need to separate itself in what has become a highly competitive race. According to On3, several major programs remain involved, including North Carolina, Arkansas, Creighton, West Virginia, Houston, Oklahoma State, Arizona and Indiana.
The next important step for the Hoosiers would be getting Osaruyi to Bloomington for an official visit. With several high-profile programs competing for his commitment, Indiana will likely want to make that happen as soon as possible.
The Hoosiers may also have a valuable recruiting advantage through incoming freshman Vaughn Karvala. Karvala and Osaruyi both played at Bella Vista Prep, the nationally recognized basketball program in Arizona, giving Indiana an existing connection that DeVries and his staff could potentially use to strengthen their pursuit.
If Indiana can turn that relationship into meaningful momentum, the Hoosiers could position themselves as serious contenders for another elite frontcourt prospect. For DeVries, landing either Wabbington or Osaruyi would be a significant recruiting victory—and could mark an important breakthrough in his pursuit of his first five-star commitment at Indiana.
