Lamar Wilkerson, a 6-foot-5, 205‑pound guard from Ashdown, Arkansas, has had a remarkable trajectory. Beginning at junior college Three Rivers College, he quickly made an impact—averaging 16.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, earning honorable-mention All-American honors ([insidethehall.com][1]).
He then transferred to Sam Houston State, where his improvement accelerated steadily: in his sophomore year he averaged 7.6 PPG off the bench; in his junior year, he posted 13.8 PPG, earning First-Team All-Conference USA honors ([insidethehall.com][1]).
But in his final season, Wilkerson truly broke out. He averaged a scorching 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 47.7% overall and 44.5% from three—earning another First-Team All‑Conference USA nod ([aseaofblue.com][2]). His 109 made 3-pointers ranked 13th nationally, and his 44.5% clip from deep placed him 7th in the country ([thedailyhoosier.com][3]).
—
### 🏀 2. Why Indiana & Coach DeVries
Wilkerson had significant interest from blue-blood programs like Kentucky, Auburn, and Ole Miss ([thedailyhoosier.com][3]). But he ultimately chose Indiana, emphasizing the feeling of being a “priority” under coach Darian DeVries ([si.com][4]).
In early April, Wilkerson visited Bloomington first, then Kentucky. Despite speculation he’d go to Lexington, he reaffirmed his commitment to Indiana ([si.com][4]). He spoke highly of DeVries’ genuine nature and the extra effort he made by personally flying out to reinforce how valued Wilkerson would be ([si.com][4]).
Wilkerson said, *“Indiana felt like home…I trust Coach DeVries…and we could do this together…it’s just gonna make my story better, his story better, and Hoosier basketball will be back.”* ([insidethehall.com][5])
He notably added, *“It was a pleasure to be recruited by Kentucky, but I didn’t want to…be another guy that has already been to Kentucky.”* ([si.com][4])
—
### 🔍 3. What He Brings On & Off the Court
* **Elite Shooting**: A career 40% 3-point shooter; last season he nailed 44.5% from downtown on 7.7 attempts per game—placing him among the nation’s most lethal long-range scorers ([insidethehall.com][5]).
* **Scoring Toolkit**: Beyond the arc, he shot 47.7% overall and 82.5% from the free-throw line .
* **Experience & Leadership**: Averaging 20.5 PPG and starting every game, including high-scoring performances like 32 points vs New Mexico State, he brings veteran poise and late-game reliability ([insidethehall.com][6]).
* **Toughness & Versatility**: Averaging 4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals, he contributes defensively and in transition ([aseaofblue.com][2]).
Coach Mudge at Sam Houston described him to the Field of 68 as a “gym rat,” underscoring his relentless work ethic ([insidethehall.com][7]).
* **Locker Room Presence**: At 6‑5 with positional size and a chip on his shoulder from working his way up, he brings grit and energy to a rebuilding roster looking for leadership .
—
### 🚀 4. Fit in Bloomington & Program Impact
Wilkerson joins several top transfers—Tucker DeVries, Conor Enright, Reed Bailey, Travis others—as coach DeVries reshapes the roster. His commitment took Indiana’s transfer class to one of the nation’s strongest ([en.wikipedia.org][8]).
His shooting fills a much-needed role for a team in transition, creating spacing and a go-to weapon on offense. He’ll likely slide into the starting backcourt, offering consistent scoring, perimeter threat, and veteran savvy .
Importantly, his recruitment victory held firm even amid Kentucky’s pursuit—underscoring DeVries’ recruiting credibility and signaling to others that Indiana is a place where players matter ([si.com][9]).
—
### 🏁 Final Take
Lamar Wilkerson represents a major win for Indiana’s new era under Darian DeVries. A proven scorer, elite shooter, and tireless worker, he provides instant impact on the court and a strong cultural addition off it. His commitment boosts expectations for the 2025‑26 Hoosiers and sends a message: Indiana is back on the map. With one game season of eligibility left, he’ll likely play a key role in any resurgence, aiming to bring “Hoosier basketball back” alongside a refreshed, hungry squad.